10265/Music in the Mall

Music in the Mall
Date of Scene:	30 November 2019
Location:	Upper East Side, Manhattan
Synopsis:	Alexis Carr and Shannon Lance give an impromptu performance of Veni, Veni, Emmanuel. Alexis and Rahne Sinclair (Wolfsbane) meet acquaintence, and poor Sam's former wardrobe is brought up for the second time in a week!
Cast of Characters:	Prismatic, Cannonball, Nightingale, Wolfsbane

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Prismatic has posed:
    It's a classy sort of shopping center, shining golden brass and crystal everywhere, marble flooring and tile in some of the halls, high-end department stores and boutiques catering to the fancy and expensive. It's the sort of place Alexis really didn't like to be, but it was a payin gig.

    So there she was, wearing a black button-down shirt and nice black pants, soft shoes too thin for the cold months hidden beneath the keys of the baby grand in one of the cross halls. There's benches for sitting, a few occupied by older shoppers taking a moment to rest and appreciate the music as she plays.

    Alexis has her hair down now, tethered up in a red and green plaid bow to guard her ponytail.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6El8B8hJ4Sg

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie decided to come out and see Alexis. He has the excuse of can be doing some shopping. He comes walking into the mall, a soft whistle at the place. He is wearing jeans but a nicer shirt. He looks at one of the maps, and once he finds the area he thinks she might be at he will head that way to look around and as he hears the music he smiles coming a bit closer.

Prismatic has posed:
    Alexis continues playing, her fingers flying over the board, tickling Vivaldi out of the keys with a joyous rendition of swirling snowflakes, falling from a darkened gray winter sky. Her head is down, focused on the music as she plays, a slight smile to her lips as she runs through the quickly paced music, feet turning between pedals as she plays.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie smiles as he sees her playing. He will move to find a place to sit, looking over at one of the older couples "She really is quite good isn't she." He makes effort to not say aint. He grins a bit sappily, and will watch and listen to her a bit letting her play without interupting.

Prismatic has posed:
    Alexis gives a small smile, drawing herself up as it ends, and a few folks applaud, she turns, and sees Sam -- her ears turning a little bit pink as she draws up her hands, and gives a wry little smile.

    She then looks down, and begins to play a new round of music, keying up Dance of the Sugar Plum fairy. Neutral enough that people should recognize it, her fingers fanning out over the keys as she gives a quiet huff. Not that Sam made her nervous to play, but inevitably she knew there would be a retinue with him.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie smiles at her, and the couple Sam spoke to notice the wave, and he tells them "Yea, she is my gal, Ah am a right lucky fellow. So Ah might be a bit biased on her skills, but Ah thought she was great even before I started seeing her. He grins "She is a very special lady."

Nightingale has posed:
     A familiar figure is part of that retinue, drawn by the music like a moth to a flame. It might be a bit of a surprise to some who already know her to see her sans wings, but to the rest of the shoppers, Shannon looked just like any other normal teenager. She's dressed in a long, plain crimson red sweater, brown and gold striped and snowflake patterned leggings, black leather boots, and that ice blue braid she'd begun to favor in the past couple weeks. She's content to sit a short distance away and listen to the music, in awe once again of Alexis' skill and raw talent.

     A grin spreads across her face and she inclines her head towards Sam in agreement. "Got that right, big brother. And you're not biased on her skills, or her heart. That's one special lady you've got there."

Prismatic has posed:
    Alexis hasn't noticed Shannon accompanying Sam quite yet, her fingers going over the dancing sugar plum fairy, easy enough that she's memorized it, adding little pieces and embelishments here and there as she hums along with the music. The virtuoso might not have heard the compliments, but just knowing Sam's there means that someone's indubidably complimenting her.

Wolfsbane has posed:
Rahne had something to go check in on but as she makes her way closer, through the large weekend crowd. It's a good thing she's gone 'normal' today, which means no fur, no wolfen features of any kind. This is the kind of place where someone looking like that could still set off a stampede, and Black Friday only happened just yesterday.

It takes a while for her to find who she's looking for with all the people, but at least the sounds of the piano give her a direction to head in since Sam said he'd be over there. Once she's close enough she asks, sounding a little flustered, "Really, Sam? Th' weekend right after yuir American Thanksgiving when everyone in th' world is oot shopping?" She's got a coat on over a sweater, with jeans and sneakers, hair tied back in a loose ponytail. It may be odd to see her with the pale skin.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie smiles a bit at Shannon's words, and then chuckles a bit at Rahne as she joins them. "Well, 1 Ah wanted to get Ma something nice to thank her for bringing the little ones up, and know she would have done it for Jay and all, but want to make sure she realizes we realizes how good a ma, ma is." He grins and says "And 2. Alexis got the gig to play here this weekend, it pays ok, and tips should be better." he admits " At least most of the folks are around us now, we are more in the save donut hole of the mall now.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon rolls her eyes and chuckles softly as she listens to Rahne. Leaning over, she grins and says, "You should've seen it in Salem Center yesterday. Now that was pure insanity." A grin is offered to Sam, and she winks. "But I snagged your ma a present, something I hope helps the whole clan in the end."

Almost as if they have a will of their own, her fingers wriggle and tap out a pattern in the air, arched as a pianist's fingers. They seem to echo Alexis' playing, sans the extra trills and turns on a few of the notes. Oh yes, this was a favorite piece, and she admired anew the virtuoso's skill.

Prismatic has posed:
    The pianist glances oer at the crowd that has formed around Sam, and she takes a breath. Shannon, of course she recognizes, but there's a new person there.

    She finishes with sugarplum, and glances at the cheap silver-look-alike watch on her wrist, gives a nod, and looks over to Shannon, and gives a soft 'Pssst -- Shannon!'

Wolfsbane has posed:
"I didna even leave th' cabin yesterday. I stayed in, watched th' parade again on TV, an' ate some leftovers," Rahne murmurs, though she can be heard within the small circle they've made for themselves. She still keeps herself bunched up enough that she doesn't take up any extra real estate when it comes to space.

Hands stuffed into pockets, she listens to the piano playing long enough to admit, "She sounds verra skilled, an' clean. I guess if th' pay is good..." In spite of this, there is a part of her that remains on guard, eyes wandering the area as if expecting something to go wrong sooner or later. In a way, it's ingrained in some of them. She and Kurt have been back from their trip for a couple weeks or so now, but she hasn't spoken of it.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie will reach over and rubs Rahne's back and says "You could have came up to the mansion Ma, and al the little ones are in for a while, she will want to see ya, ya know." He grins at Rahne, and to Shannon he says "Do Ah get to know what ya got or do AH gotta wait like the others. At the music stopping he does clap and smiles over to Alexis.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon grins at Sam, and whispers in an aside to him, "Found her one of those pretty fancy Insta-Pots. Figured it'd save her a little time cooking, with a big family to take care of. I'll compile some recipes for it, too, among the Lance family recipes I'll be putting into that binder for her." She winks, and smiles, chuckling lightly. "Keep it under your hat though, okay?"

Alexis gets a raised eyebrow and she smiles, edging a little bit closer to the piano. "That was incredible playing... first one was..." She has to think for a moment, pursing her lips, and then smiling. "Vivaldi's 'Winter', right? And if I don't know the second one, it's a sad, sad day indeed."

Prismatic has posed:
    "There are plenty of people who don't like The Nutcracker Suite, and by all means should have played the Snowflakes after Winter." the Brit smiles, and she looks to Shannon. "Up to a momentary impromptu?" she inquires, and she taps something on a cheap pad computer, and pulls up a song. Pretty simple song, well known Christmas carol.

Wolfsbane has posed:
Rahne inches a half-step closer when Sam reaches out for the contact, and she's left to admit, "I needed a quiet day, if I'm being honest. I didna even go oot in th' woods tae wander. But maybe I'll come by later on, once things are quieter again." It might be large crowds right now.

Shannon gets a closer look. Must be using an image inducer for the wings. Alexis follows, and if there's much of an accent it will be noted as she glances back to Sam afterward. So this is who he's seeing? She's been so out of the loop. "Tha' was well-played," she offers.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie smiles and will let Alexis speak to Shannon a bit and after they have a moment he will say "Alexis Carr, meet Rahne Sinclair my first adopted little sister." He at least does not reach out and ruffle her hair, though there is temptation. He will reach a hand out to Alexis to pull her into a hug and a brief kiss, if she allows.

Prismatic has posed:
    Alexis hasn't risen from the piano bench, and she had looked ready to play again when Sam and Rahne made their approach. She looks momentarily startled. "Good evening, Miss Sinclair, how do you do?" the gentle North English accent is plain to hear in her voice, though it's long been softened by time in America. She submits to a hug, and then pokes at Samuel. "But, you are interrupting, I have one more song to perform and then I should be done for the day, dearheart." she states, and looks to Shannon. "Ready, Shannon?"

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon nods, and smiles to Alexis, waiting for the old familiar notes to play. She straightens up, her silky alto voice ringing out clear, the words in ancient tongue floating through the air to cut through the chatter of the shoppers milling about.

Veni veni, Emmanuel
captivum solve Israel,
qui gemit in exsilio,
privatus Dei Filio.

Her voice swells with emotion and raw power, as she sings the refrain.

Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
nascetur pro te Israel!

Wolfsbane has posed:
Rahne keeps a respectable distance, as might be expected for meeting a stranger. Maybe a brief meeting of hands, or a touch to the arm, but that's about it so far. "Sam has a lot o' little sisters by noo, I reckon," she says, attempting a joke if the half-smile is any sign. "Whit part o' th' Isles are ye from?" she wonders. "I'm Scots."

She moves back before any further playing and singing follows, clear that she isn't about to be joining in on it whether asked or not. She's here to observe only.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie will move back as the singing and playing commences and just smiles a bit at Alexis. He does take a seat more in the front row this time, and watches and listens. He smiles a bit at Alexis getting Shannon to sing in public again. giving her a thumbs up when Shannon aint looking.

Prismatic has posed:
    Of course it's a thumbs up. Alexis plays over the music above in the mall, the piano singing in time, holding hands with the Latin lyrics, until they come to the refrain, and lowly, singing beneath the Alto, the thin, cool shivers of her Soprano voice supporting Shannon's voice, harmonizing with the second verse:
    Veni, veni, o oriens;
Solare nos adveniens,
Noctis depelle nobulas,
Dirasque noctis tenebras...

    Gaude! Gaude, Emmanuel, Nascteur pro te, Israel"

    

Prismatic has posed:
    As the song draws to a close, the other European girl gives a wry smile to Wolfsbane, and she begins to gather her things -- including a little foldable Christmas hat for tips.

    "Ah, a bit around the North. Moved a bit with my nan while my mother and father worked here in the States." she explains to Wolfsbane with a grin. "Although it's nice to meet someone from back home-ish." she replies, giving a hand to properly shake Rahne's hand. "Alexis Carr, yeah, like he said, I'm his date."

Wolfsbane has posed:
Rahne lingers near Sam, also having a seat so she doesn't block anyone's view, short as she is regardless. It's a show of public support to someone who means something to Sam, and an effort made to get out and do something. Once the song is finished, she nods to what Alexis explains. "I came tae th' States a few years ago, but I'm from th' Highlands."

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie smiles and will applaud the song and stands up, and moves to put his arm around Alexis, and says "Rahne came to the school when Ah did, she was the first to think Ah was worth giving a shot and hanging out with the others, Ah consider my best friends. She has known me since that picture Jubilee showed you the other day." He looks to Alexis, and says "Met Alexis when she was playing and then Andrea sorta got us our first date... which Ah still owe you some chicken Alexis hon."

Prismatic has posed:
    "Yes, well, I wouldn't worry about it, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." Alexis replies gently to Sam, giving a smile to Rahne. "So, you've known him since his dog collar and leather jacket days?"

Wolfsbane has posed:
Rahne glances toward Sam, a silent question in her face that is likely one that's been 'asked' before - how much is safe to say? "Well, tha's nice then, an'..ah, well." She clears her throat at the image Alexis causes to pop into her head, a momentary rush of color to her pale cheeks. "I've known him since before..all tha'."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon chuckles softly, stepping back and staying clear of the back and forth between Rahne, Sam, and Alexis. A light smile plays across her lips, and for once she keeps silent, aside from applauding Alexis' performance. It was, as always, sterling.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie nods, and says "The Prof gave me permission to bring her out to the school, and Ah am trying to get her to put in as an assistant teacher there." He says making sure to say school not mansion, something that the new mutants probably worked out long ago to let one another know how much someone knows about thing. School being they know about the mutant school and the normal stuff, mansion meaning they know about the whole kit and and caboodle. He smiles a bit and says "Ah told her about dating Lila, so she knows was from then, but seems she did find it humorous.

Prismatic has posed:
    Shannon's performance was nothing to sneeze at either, impromptu, in front a bunch of strangers -- in Latin, no less!

    "Ah, I know he works at the school, and yes, he's trying to get me to teach part-time, but it seems the position has been well covered." Alexis jokes, glancing to Shannon, and poking her shoulder. "Nice job, by the by, Miss Lance." she states, "Not eveyone can hit Latin on an impromptu performance. I owe you a icepop or something."

Wolfsbane has posed:
Rahne politely sticks around to listen and speak when she has something to say, nodding to what Sam's indicated based on the wording so far. "Well, it /is/ an interesting school. An' sorry Sam, but tha' look was never a fit for ye."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon turns a little red and smiles. "That's one song that's particularly beautiful in the language. But it's so rare to hear it sung like that." She ducks her head and takes a few steps back, letting Alexis take the real bows. "Thank you, miss Carr. But without your playing and voice, I'd not have sounded good at all."

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie looks from Shannon to Alexis seeming to be expecting something. He will look to her, and says "Hey, we al have to try a few things along the way, and some of us get stuck along the way. Ah think Berto has at least a dozen Hawaiian shirts hid around each of his places." He jokes a bit and says "Still got the outfit, can still fit into it even."

Prismatic has posed:
    Alexis reaches over and pinches Shannon "Is that doubt in your abilities that I sense?" she asks as she bows agian to the crowd, and lets them disperse, closing the piano and using a little key to lock it. "I'll have to drop the key off at the office, but I'm free the rest of the evening if you'd like to get some dinner?" she asks, looking around to the grouping, and then levels a look at Sam.

    "If you want to dress punk, we'll go to Camden, and we'll set you up with something proper punk." she states wryly at him.

Wolfsbane has posed:
"Can we get some fish an' chips? Or sushi? Or both?" Rahne asks, brightening up a bit in spite of looking a little tired with all the activity in the mall. Just imagine if she was here as her usual self. Sam would get it. Shannon too, to an extent.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon yelps as she's pinched, dancing out of the way. "Hey! I was just being realistic about my abilities! Not doubt! I'm quite confident that they're beyond salvage!" Sticking out her tongue, she giggles and gets out of pinching range, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie hmms and says says "Well if we can find a place that does both I am up to it, know sushi has tempura, but not sure if they do anything quite like fries." He hmms, and looks over to Alexis and says "You know the city best any suggestions?

Prismatic has posed:
    "I know a place that has tempura and chips, pretty sure they don't have mushy peas though." Alexis states as she eyeballs Shannon, then points to her eyes, then points to Shannon again in clear threat.

    "I know a joint, it's a quick subway ride away and the neighborhood iiiisssn't the greatest."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon looks about to reply to Alexis, but her phone begins to do its little buzzing dance in her pocket. She slips it out of her pocket and checks her messages, raising an eyebrow. "Going to have to take a rain check on those chips," she offers, in an apologetic tone. "Sounds like Chris needs some backup at a formal charity event. I've gotta run home to change." She hugs Alexis, Sam, and Rahne, smiling. "I'll catch you all soon, okay?" And with that, she scurries off to catch a taxi home.