Chapter Three - The Mare with the Raven-Black Hair
My eyes fluttered open as a soft ray of light landed on them. The sheets that surrounded me were damp near my face. I had been crying I won’t deny that the sudden sucker punch reality threw at me hurt more than I thought it would. Things here were just so different, yet similar at the same time. I really didn’t know how much longer I could take of this.
The constant language barrier was the biggest problem I had on my plate. Without knowing their language, I was essentially stuck with using gestures that could easily backfire on me. Someone misinterprets one of my gestures and I could be sent walking off a cliff. I’m just glad that the few equines I talked to actually understood what I was trying to say to them.
Laying there in my bed I looked out at the ceiling. Its polished marble surface shimmered in the early morning sun. Getting up, I turned myself so I sat on the edge of the bed. I had no idea where to start. How could I learn their language when I have nothing to teach me it? Sure, I could try and find a library here, but I somehow doubt they're going to have an English to Equinish book just laying around.
The easiest way would be to get one of the locals to teach me, but the problem there was that I didn’t know anyone here. Letting out a frustrated sigh I rubbed my eyes clean of their sleep and moseyed towards the bathroom. A nice hot shower should do wonders for my frame of mind, maybe even spark inspiration on where to go next.
Having that in mind I opened the bathroom door and stepped in. Like the rest of this hotel, the bathroom wasn’t anything short of amazing. A large bowl-shaped tub sat at one end of the room completely taking up the whole side. Whereas the sink, toilet, and other bathroom related stuff sat on the other side.
Of course, this all was cleaned and polished to a fine shine. It’s perfect white material showing nothing but elegance and class. The little details and trim were a nice gold color that seemed to reflect the light in such a beautiful way.
It looked so spectacular that I felt just standing in here tainted its purity. Nevertheless, this was a bathroom, and I did pay for it. So, in a matter of seconds, I had already started the filling the tub. While it was filling, I moved over to the sink and examined the contents displayed.
In a vacuum-packed bag was left there containing a little brush attached to a string. A couple seconds of deduction told me that this was their form of a toothbrush. Besides that, there was a familiar looking tube next to it. Unscrewing the cap off and taking a whiff of it I came to smell it's nice minty scent. Which of course meant this was the toothpaste.
Looking back over to the tub, I took notice that it was starting to reach the desired level. Walking back towards it, I stuck my hand in and sampled the water. It wasn’t perfect by my standards, but that’s mostly because I was the one that was at the controls. I’m sure if they had a predetermined setting they would fall to perfection just like the rest of the place here.
Not wanting to waste any more time I climbed into the surprisingly spacious tub. These equines that lived here were half the size of me, yet I could easily stretch all my limbs out and have room to spare. Four of those ponies could easily fit in this tub which got me thinking why would they make such a big tub.
Shaking that line of thought out of my head I laid back and let the water take me. I would wash later, but for now, I just wanted to take this little time for myself. Use it to calm my nerves and clear my mind of any problems.
Exiting the bathroom, I felt a hundred times better. I no longer felt like a walking grease trap, but instead like a musician. Of course, I was a musician either way, but now I felt proper. If I was going to play perfection, I would have to be perfection.
Not only did I feel way better but my goals and thoughts were much clearer. I knew that I had enough gold coins to play for two more days here, so I didn’t necessarily have to do any performing today.
In fact, that’s what I was going to do. I was going to go out have a quick meal at some local shop and then find the nearest library. Once there I would then proceed to try and break down this language barrier a bit. It was going to be hard I knew that, but it was a step in the right direction. Once this barrier was down I could then figure out where I was.
Thinking a bit in the future I walked over to the bedside table and took the blank parchment they left there. It was refreshing to know not only hotels on earth left a couple of papers lying around. Taking the quill that was left beside it, I started to draw on the parchment. While I was no artist, I assumed that this would give any horse the idea that I didn’t know their language.
Satisfied with my little drawing I rolled up the parchment and placed it in my pocket. Looking around my room I came to see my violin laying against the base of the bed. Should I take it? I asked myself.
Remembering the amp incident, I grabbed the violin and bow without hesitation. After which I wandered out of the hotel room and down to the main lobby.
Reaching the main lobby, I walked over to the main desk and place my keys to the room and 20 more bits down. The mare was different this time, but nevertheless got what I was trying to say as she took the bits and left the keys on the table.
With a satisfied nod, I took the keys again and made my way out into the chilling fall air. The festive vibe I got yesterday was no longer present. The flowers from the houses had disappeared and the banners seemed to have been taken down. Man, these ponies are fast, I claimed to myself as I wandered down the cobblestone street.
Once again I had no idea where I was going, but unlike the other times, I actually started to memorize where I was headed. This, of course, was so at the end of the day I could find my way back to the hotel.
Time seemed to fly by as I looked at all the small shops lining the streets. I had seen some food places, but they all looked like restaurants. I just wanted this worlds equivalent to Starbucks. At least then I could get my cup of joe and maybe a little danish if they even existed here. The thought of a nice cheese danish made my mouth water a bit. It truly was the little things in life that make a day that much brighter.
Nevertheless, after a bit more looking around I found myself at a very cozy looking coffee shop. It had large spread windows that took up the entire corner of the store. I could see the entire store without having to enter. Little cushions and tables laid scattered throughout its floor. At the far end, I could see the ponies of all shapes and sizes take their orders.
Finally salvation, I claimed to myself as I entered the building and joined the small line. Just the smell of the shop alone brought me back to the good old times. The times that equines were just animals and didn’t run an entire city. Continued to be lost in my own thoughts; I was brought out of my stupor as the mare behind the counter spoke up.
”I can help you over here Sir?” She asked as I walked up to her.
Not wanting to waste any time I placed my parchment I made this morning onto the table. The mare gave me a confused look before picking up the parchment and looking over it. A look of understanding etched its way onto her face as she placed the parchment back on the counter.
No words needed to be said as I pointed at the coffee machine in the back. It amazed me slightly that they would have that, and yet still be in the medieval era. Once again this place is weird, I stated to myself as the mare brought back a nice cup of coffee. Not finished yet I looked over at the display sitting out front.
Sadly, there were no danishes waiting to be devoured. So I just settled on what looked to be an oatmeal cookie. The mare at the counter happily obliged and fetched the cookie from the display. Once both items were on the counter I opened my make-shift coin bag.
Seeing my actions the mare tapped her hoof twice on the counter. I, in turn, gave a confused look towards her. My action didn’t seem to deter her as she once again tapped twice on the counter and gestured to my coin pouch.
Oh, two taps, two coins. I get it now, I commented to myself as I reached into my bag and brought out the coins. Giving me a little smile the mare took the two bits and gestured me to take the two items.
All right, that went better than expected, I stated cheerfully to myself as I made my way out of the store and down the street. I happily munched on said cookie while taking little sips of the dark roast. I never really was a fan of coffee, I was more of a tea kind of guy, but then again it was about ten times easier to point out the coffee machine in the back then it was to describe green tea.
Taking another sip of the bitter black liquid I continued to look at the shops around. Nothing really screamed library, but then again nothing really spoke out to me at all here. It was all foreign, like an American going to France without knowing French. Then again it would be a lot easier to learn French on earth then it is learning this equine stuff.
Time once again flowed by, and with it both my coffee and my cookie. Not a really good breakfast, but then again I wasn’t hungry either. As my thoughts drifted away I finally found myself at what looked to be a library. Well, it didn’t really look like one but the sign out front with a book on it told me otherwise.
Having a lead to go by I entered the establishment, what I was not expecting was for this place to be massive inside. From the outside, it looked just like the coffee shop. A large window out front portraying the rows of literature. Yet now inside the library, I come to see that there were three floors. One that was below and one that was above.
The horse that sat at the desk didn’t even greet me once you walk in. Then again this was a library, so being quite was the number one rule. Nonetheless, I walked up to the equine and placed my parchment once again on the table. Hoping that he might get the gist of why I’m here.
Hearing me place the parchment down he leaned up off the wall and looked at the parchment. Just like the coffee mare before, I could see his expression changing. Sliding the paper back to me he got up and ushered me to follow him.
Wow, this is way easier than I thought it would be. I didn’t even have to gesture anything, I stated to myself as I walked behind the pony. As we passed by all the tomes, scrolls and hard covered books we finally stopped. I knew exactly where this guy leads me and it made me feel like he was taking a shot at my intelligence.
Around me, I could see various toys. The brightly colored shelves and thin books brought me to the conclusion that he dragged me to the children’s section. Wow way to make me feel like a kid again, I commented mentally as I gave the stallion an unamused face. In return, he just shrugged to me and made his way back to the front.
Well, I guess these books are the only ones that I have a chance at actually understanding, I claimed to myself as I started to go through the multitude of books, pulling ones out that appeal to my situation.
One of the first books I pulled out seemed to go through the entire alphabet. While it was a proverbial gold mine for me, the cute pony pictures on the cover and inside made me embarrassed just looking at it. The other books I pulled out varied from little stories that would help me practice, to full-on lesson books that would teach me the basics.
At least I thought that’s what it was seeing as on the cover of one of the book had a pony in a graduation cap. While the other one had a picture of a pony in golden armor facing down a dragon. Might as well get this over with, I stated to myself as I wandered around the library until I found myself at a small table.
Not only that but it also had a couple of blank scrolls with a neatly placed quill in an inkwell. My inner self thanked the equines here for literally having blank sheets and quills everywhere. It sure was convenient for a person trying to learn a new language.
Placing my violin and bow against the table, I sat down on one of the cushions cross-legged. The first book I started off with was the alphabet one. I was pleading to the gods of this world that it was at least a little bit similar to the English language.
It was not… in fact, it seemed to be the furthest thing from the English language. The symbols that their letters were made out of made it hard for me to even grasp their basic concepts. Yet thankfully, as the time went on I soon found myself piecing this polyglot puzzle together. It seemed to take forever, but after hours of tedious work, I found myself able to write basic sentences.
Opening the lesson book, I let out a large grown. Everything in here looked so complicated, yet was meant for a foal to do it. With an audible *thunk* my head hit the table. “Stupid horses, stupid language, why can’t it be like music where you can just put your feelings into it,” I claimed to myself as I closed my eyes to take a little break. All these runes, rules and words were getting to me.
”Excuse me Sir, but I just had to ask. What is that instrument you have there?” A feminine voice spoke up. Too bad I still couldn’t understand any of it. With a grunt, I lifted my parchment up into the air. I didn’t even bother to look at who was talking to me, I was just so fed up with having to do everything myself.
Within seconds the note was taken from my hand and I let it fall to the table limply. There was a long silence in-between leading me to believe that whoever was there had just gone and left me taking my parchment with them. This idea, however, was thrown into the wind as I felt something nudging my head.
Well looks like break times over. I commented to myself as I looked up from the table.
Sitting across from me was a gray coated mare with a raven-black mane. Her eyes shun a vivid violet so strong that it was mesmerizing to look at. The one thing that pulled her apart from all the other equines was a simple pink bow tie around her neck.
I gave her a confused look, not just from the bow tie but from the fact that no one has ever come up to me since I came here. It was always me coming up to them, so this all was quite surprising to me.
Thankfully she didn’t see my surprised expression as she wrote something down on a blank scroll. When she finished, she looked up at me with a small smile before passing me the scroll. Since I was still very much new to the concept of equine writing, I had to translate each word to the English counterpart, then from there, I had to rewrite it so it made sense.
After about ten minutes later I had every word translated except for one. No matter how much I tried to decipher it I kept getting musical terms. None of them really made any sense since after reading the note over a couple hundred times I came to realize it must be her name. Deciding that I could always figure this out later I re-read the note to myself.
“Aren’t you a little bit too old to be reading books meant for foals. I’m [insert untranslatable word here] by the way.”
After reading the note I looked up at the mare with a ‘you fucking kidding me’ look. I was already embarrassed enough just reading these goddamn things, now this mare had to go and make it worse. This interaction, of course, cemented my statement that these horses were in fact sentient. Nevertheless, I pushed on and translated my own little message.
“You try learn new language.” Was all I could really write. I didn’t know some of their rules of writing went so I just left out the bits I didn’t feel confident about. Which in turn probably made me sound like a caveman.
After reading my little note the mare let out a little giggle. It took not but seconds before she produced another message to me. This, in turn, took another five minutes to decipher. The awkward silence the quill scratching produced made me feel rather uncomfortable.
Having translated yet another note I read it. “Would you like some help?”
I had to read the note again to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. Was this mare really serious about helping me learn their language? I looked up to see if she was, and sure enough, she nodded to me with a smile. I mean it would make learning so much easier, but then again I was using this mares time. Time I’m sure she would rather be using somewhere else.
Quickly writing a reply I handed it back to her, the content of the note read: “do not know me but willing help me?” Man, how was this mare putting up with my spelling? Nevertheless, I was thankful that she was pretty laid back, and even more thankful she could actually read it.
Like clockwork, she produced another note. Since we had been doing this for a while now I was starting to get the hang of it. I started to just look back at the old notes and copy their runes. This one only took a merely three minutes to translate. Looking at the note I come to see what she wrote.
“I’m always willing to help a fellow musician.” The last part spiked my interest as I scribbled down another note and handed it to her.
“You’re a musician?” It claimed I was actually quite pleased with that note. I had used a contraction, not only that but it was an actual full question. No missing words or anything. Hell, I could just talk to this mare and it will teach me faster than before.
“Yes, I play the cello. I assume that instrument you have with you is a violin of some sort.” She wrote down. This time, however, I noticed that she was looking at my translation notes for each message I decoding. Thinking nothing of it, I wrote my next response.
“It’s called an eclectic violin and yes it’s an instrument.” I didn’t explain how or why it was electric for that would’ve taken up too much time.
“When did you start playing?” She wrote back. What really caught me off guard was that half of the question was written in English while the other half was Equinish. Is this mare learning English? I stated to myself in shock. I got that she wanted to help me out, but for her to learn my language as well... she really goes that extra mile.
“19 years ago,” I claimed in another note. I kept it short and sweet, no need to put in a backstory or anything. As like before her delicate violet irises danced across the parchment as she wrote another message.
“Is playing the violin your job?” it stated once I received it. I didn’t even have to translate it, it was all English. Dam this mare learns fast! I claimed to myself as I scratched the response onto the same parchment.
“I guess you can still call it my job. I’m a street performer.” I wrote before sliding the paper over. While this was all quite tedious to do, it did wonders for teaching me how to write in their language.
“Street performer?” Was her reply. It then hit me, it hit me harder than a freight train transporting lead down a mountain. How could I have not noticed this before! I yelled to myself as I looked at the writing again.
Their language seemed to be a root dialect of the Icelandic language. A language that I remember studying back in high school for a history project. I wasn’t perfect at it; in fact, I was far from it. Yet I remember delving pretty deep into it, learning how it was structured and used in their society. Having nothing to lose I placed my quill back into the inkwell and spoke my first words to the equine race.
“Yes, I…” Nice, I stated to myself as I tried to think of the word. Looking down at the parchment I took a look at how it was spelled. Once I had it nailed down I continued, “…perform music on the streets.” A smile etched its way onto my face. Never in a million years would I of thought that their language was somehow connected to the ones back on earth.
It was now my time to look at the mare as she held a surprised yet impressed expression. She then placed her own quill down in the same inkwell and replied. “you seem to be getting the hang of learning the equestrian language.”
Obviously half of what she said I had to write down in order to get it, but when I did, I wrote my own reply down. Not wanting to go back to passing notes around like school kids I once again stated out loud what I had written. “I’m just as shocked as you are. I’m just glad I figured out a similar language.” I claimed.
At that, the gray colored mare smiled and looked off towards the clock hanging on the wall. As soon as her eyes glazed over it her expression dropped. “I’m really sorry, but I really must be going. I’m going to be late for one of my recitals!” She claimed at a fast pace. So fast that I only got half of what she said. Before I could even ask her to repeat what she said, she was already out the library door.
Did I say something wrong? I claimed to myself. I had only gotten through translating half of her sentence before she left. Well now I’ll never know, I claimed as I put the quill back in the Inkwell.
With an exaggerated sigh, I looked back down towards the children books in front of me particularly the lesson book. You and me book, we’re going to get along, I claimed with a determined tone as I picked up the ink tipped quill.
About four hours later I had the entire book completed. Which to anyone without context would seem like a lot. Sadly, it being a children’s book in all, only had a hand full of pages. Pages that I kept empty, as the parchment beside it held all the answers. After all, this was a library book, no need to mark up the pages.
Gathering up all of the scrolls I had worked on, I placed them into my makeshift poncho bag. After which I stacked all the remaining scrolls neatly where I found them. Only having to put back the children books I borrowed I got up off the cushions and immediately regretted my decision.
All of that time spent cross-legged really did a number on my legs. As soon as I got up the sore feelings came rushing through. There was not a single part of my thighs that didn’t hurt. Even as I attempted to loosen them up with some stretches, they still felt like they were on fire when I walked over to the children section.
Oh god, I forgot how painful sitting cross-legged could become, I whined placing the books back where I found them. Thankfully, a task that didn’t take as long with my new knowledge of the equine language. It was a nice feeling knowing that all these runes didn’t look completely foreign anymore.
With a bit more prep in my step, I arrived back at my table in no time. My bag, bow, and violin sat there leaning against one of the legs of the table. Oh, shit should've brought those with me, I claimed to myself as I remembered the amp incident. Never again would I trust my belongings alone in this horse world.
Thankful that my possessions had yet to be stolen, I quickly and lively picked them up and wandered back into the chilly fall air. The iconic cobblestone streets laid in front of me as I once again took in the beauty of the city.
While it held no more festive vibe, the fall atmosphere seemed to fit the architecture perfectly. The trees that sprouted periodically by the houses surrendered their amber leaves to the wind. The clouds above the city parted just enough to allow small god rays to make their way down and tint the city their marmalade glow.
Inspiration seemed to come to me as my grip on my violin tightened. My body was screaming to let its inner voice speak. I couldn’t hold it back even if I wanted it to. Within seconds I found myself by one of the cities fountains, my bow already on the strings of my violin.
Equines off all kinds were passing me by as I started my mental countdown to the song I had in mind. One that seemed to fit this particular scene perfectly. Letting the first note ring out, most of the ponies that were walking by instantly turned their gaze towards me. Some of which stopped entirely and continued to listen to my music as it poured out of my violin.
Each note was perfect, holding just the right amount of vigor to give off a nice autumn vibe. The song I played was Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma, a jazz song that I particularly loved to play. It’s enticing tempo and melody seemed to make me want to dance.
I found that such a relaxing song was needed after the stressful two days I had spent here. It seemed like I was not the only one to think this as I risked a glance at my now growing audience. I could see my music getting to them as some swayed to the rhythm. I in all honestly didn’t care, I was doing this more for myself than anything else.
As the music continued more and more horses came to see my performance. Some joining in with the swaying while others seemed to get right into the groove and pull their partner in for a little swing dancing. A type of dancing I hadn’t seen a very long time.
Nevertheless, who was I to stop their fun? I just continued on with the song, adding my own little twists here and there. The ponies around didn’t seem to mind my own little accent on it as they continued to dance along. My smile that I sported in the library while talking to that bow-tied mare came back to me as I finished off the song with a nice long vibrated E.
Tapering off the song I was once again greeted by a round of applause as the equines around me stomped their hooves. I felt as if I should continue, but went against the idea as I took note of the descending sun. It’s position right above the towering buildings told me all I needed to know. The day was ending, bringing with it a loud grumble from my stomach.
The crowd of ponies seemed to have thought that was funny as they let out a chuckle. I, on the other hand, was surprised to no end when they once again tossed the gold coins my way. I knew that I was going to get some cash for the performance, but for every pony present to toss in a coin or two left me speechless.
Of course, I was not the one to leave cold hard cash laying around. As they started to leave the scene I went up and collected the coins that had been tossed my way. I counted each coin I placed in my poncho bag, leading me all the way up to one hundred coins.
Looking back in my poncho bag I couldn’t believe how much I earned. This would leave me almost enough for one week at the fancy hotel. With that thought in mind, I made a decision that I would treat myself today. I had gone through a lot of emotional work not to mention all of the learning I did today in the library.
A contempt smile breached my lips as I brought my bow down. My smile, however, didn’t last long as a nagging feeling came to the back of my head. I’m forgetting something, but what is it, I stated as I looked down to the rosin-coated strings of my violin.
rosin… “ROSIN!” I yelled out loud causing a couple of stallions and mares to look at me. The idea of food lost as the sudden realization came to me. Fuck how could I have forgotten to get rosin! I claimed to myself as I set off to find any form of music store. If I were to run out of rosin, then I would find myself running out of these gold coins as well. The violin after all functions solely because of the stuff.
After about two more hours I found what I was searching for. A wooden sign embroidered with a treble clef swinging in the autumn breeze. Walking in seemed to solidify my thoughts. A multitude of music instruments lined the walls of the shop. While in the middle, stood rack upon racks of pieces of vinyl. Having one thing in mind I walked up to the mare manning the counter. Her muzzle deep inside what looked to be the local paper.
Having my intentions of grabbing this mare’s attention, I tapped on the counter with my hand. Can I help you, sir? The mare claimed in a deadpanned tone. She didn’t even take her gaze away from the magazine.
I almost facepalmed when I realized I didn’t have my parchment and quill out. While I could wing it, I wouldn’t want to have a rerun of the gray equine again. It still confused me as to why she left in such a hurry.
This, however, just left me standing there in front of the mare in an awkward silence. When she didn’t hear any response, she looked up from the newspaper an unamused look on her face.
”You gonna keep staring at me or you gonna buy somethin’” The mare stated, raising an eyebrow in the process.
Acting fast I quickly gestured how one would rosin a bow with my own. The mare seemed to catch the drift at what I was hinting at as she pointed a hoof over to a section of the store. Nodding my thanks, I walked over to the place she directed me to.
As expected a multitude of different rosins met my eye. The labels on them were all obviously in Equnish. Great time to get out my notes. I stated sarcastically to myself. Pulling my poncho bag down I rummaged through all the coins and pulled out the sheets I had been working on in the library. With no quill, it took me an extra five minutes to decipher what each rosin label stated.
“Hoofsine light violin rosin.” I wanted a dark rosin for the coming winter so I left this one and went to the next one in line.
“Melos dark violin rosin.” I was immediately satisfied that it was not only a dark rosin but it also looked like a good brand. It’s golden letters and the black box seemed to state that much. The price tag, however, seemed a bit high. Seeing as my hotel was 20 coins per night, a 5 coin rosin seemed to be pretty expensive.
Who says I don’t take care of you, I claimed looking at the violin. Might as well buy some other things for you while I’m still here, I commented to the violin in my hands as I wandered over to where the cases were.
trumpet, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute… aha, violin! I stated mentally as I reached out for the hard shell violin case. It was pretty heavy duty compared to the others on the shelf, but this was my metaphorical baby. Ah to hell with it how much does it cost any… 50 fucking bits! Holy shit! I yelled out mentally. At least I had learned the name of their currency in the process.
Knowing that I’d have to bite the bullet someday I placed both the case and the rosin on the counter. I would have bought some extra strings as well, but I had just replaced them a couple days before coming here. Buying another set would have just been redundant not to mention I have to save some money up for food and the hotel.
Forking over the required amount of the mare behind the counter quickly counted them out and took them. ”Thanks for coming to quartertone’s.” She said before plunging right back into the newspaper.
I really need to start learning basic phrases by memory, I commented to myself as I waved to the mare. Not like it really mattered she still had her muzzle in the newspaper. Realizing that there was nothing left for me here, I exited the store with my brand-new violin case in one hand, and my bag of bits in the other.
Following my way back to the hotel, I stopped once again at the coffee shop. At this time my stomach had restated what it said before about a million times before I got to the counter. As expected there was a different pony at the front, the only thing that was similar to the mare before was the olive green apron.
”Welcome to Well Bean can I get your order.” The stallion at the counter asked.
Knowing what needs to be done I gave him the parchment that displayed my current predicament. A small nod later I pointed to my desired item on the list above. Seeing my order the stallion went back and got it prepared. While he did that, I pulled out my bag of bits and placed the required amount down.
I knew that having coffee shop breakfast and dinner was not healthy. Yet, in all honesty, I wasn’t really in the mood to continue looking around for a real place to eat either. So, I just opted to take a bagel and a cup of green tea. At least being able to read Equinish is helpful for something, I said to myself as the stallion came back.
With no time at all our little exchange was complete and I was on my way back to my hotel. Today was a good day, I had gone from moping around my hotel to learning how to translate. With a satisfied smirk on my face, I tossed the violin case over my shoulder and made my way down the cobblestone street.
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Nice story!
Keep it up!
MidnightH
I'm loving this.
So far it's well written with smooth pacing and consistent characterization.
If you'll forgive some unsolicited advice could you avoid using green for dialog the protagonist doesn't understand? for me at least it's only just barely distinguishable from the rest of the black text on a white background. I only noticed because suddenly the text was harder to read. I also was confused as to the meaning of the highlighting until I read a bit further the first time It was used. Som authors just highlight all dialog which I find quite annoying because the colored text is always harder to read than black and can be really bad for anyone using the dark background mode which I use from time to time.
Some other delimiters like the |pipe|, ~tilde~ or even /forward slash/ placed on either side of the quotes would have a similar effect and make it easier to read with the added bonus that the change and intent are immediately evident.
to be fair it might not be a problem much longer as I suspect that our trapped violinist will pick up the language quite fast at this rate. Just something to keep in mind.
I'm glad you aren't linking or embedding the songs you mention, as much as I love listening to well selected the links and embeds others use tend to break me from my immersion in the story. 👍
On a more personal note,
I've been wanting to learn to play the violin for the last 8 years it's just so versatile has one of the most pleasing sounds imho. But I simply don't have the time or money to dedicate to the craft right now. I've learned the baritone (the brass kind not the reed kind) and the guitar in the past but that was in school. judging by for familiarity with the music, knowledge of the work scene, and terminology I'm guessing you have more than a passing fondness for the instrument. Are there any tips you have for someone who would like to teach themselves at least the basics of the violin?
in any case, fantastic work! you've earned a like and favorite from me with only three chapters.
Like it so far just one suggestion insert links to music (It doesn't have to be the exact piece he is playing but something in the same genre to set the mood )
Dont do it for everything he plays if it's too time consuming to search all the music but maybe 1 piece a chapter.
So yeah other than that please don't stop or go on a 3 years hiatus.
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Thanks, will do my best to keep up the writing.
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Both of you have the opposite outlook on the 'adding or not adding the music links'. So in order to fulfill them both, I'll add the links to the songs in the authors note at the end of each chapter that has a song. That way you can read without having to click any links if you don't want to, and if you do, just bookmark the place in the story and scroll to the bottom to get the link.
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Thanks for pointing out how the green text is hard to read. I'll change it back to black and add some little symbology to show when a character is talking in a different language.
I used to play the trumpet, as for the violin, yes I do play one!
I myself am self-taught so it is possible, but I would highly recommend getting a professional to teach you. I know they cost an arm and a leg but it truly is worth it, so long as you get a teacher you like. Things will go much faster and you won't pick up nasty habits. Not only that but at the beginning, it's hard to tell if you're playing sharp or flat. Well... for me that was the hard part.
If you're going to go my way and learn it yourself, then practice every single day even if you don't feel like it. Also don't only look up youtube videos either on how to play. I've had my violin for 2 years and I've been bouncing between videos and books. I find that if you have a friend that plays the violin or any instrument really, play with them. That way you have a goal and it pushes you to not look like a complete noob in front of them.
I won't tell you what to buy -mostly because it's your money- but what I will do is tell you what I did. I really loved the look of the electric version, so I went that route. However, I've heard and wholeheartedly agree that buying acoustic is the right way to go for a beginner. I myself just really wanted an electric, I haven't had any trouble starting with it, but then again I don't do performances. It's more of hobbies for me, the violin has been my favorite instrument for years.
If your buying a violin don't go all out. To be honest my violin I got off kajiji for hundred some-odd bucks. I will say it's by far not the best, in fact, it's probably bellow standard. In fact when I first played it one of the strings snapped because it was so old! Wasn't a hard fix though I just bought new strings. Nevertheless, it was a cheap investment to see if I would continue the art. After that, I bought a nice acoustic one when I knew I was going to continue. Regarding the bow, always loosen it after playing, I learned that the hard way. Taking care of the violin is a good habit to get into. Like cleaning the rosin from the strings and whatnot. Speaking of rosin, dark is for winter and light is for summer.
Lastly two more points. One, don't expect it to sound nice at the beginning. I always liked to think that you're getting better when the pets -if you have any- stay when you play rather then scamper off. Two, if you're really set on playing the violin, get into it the soonest you can. After all, if you wait a year or a couple months, you could have probably already played the two or three songs you've always wanted to play on the violin. I know for me I kept holding off trying to learn the vibrato, in the end, it took me two months to learn it well when I spent four avoiding it.
In the end, I'm an amateur violinist. I don't play for money, I don't play in front of groups of people, I do it just for fun. If you're looking to get really deep into it, and perform I suggest as before getting a teacher to help you through or at least speak to someone that has experience in that field.
Hope my opinions help, and if you get famous one day out of the blue; remember good old _windsock_ and send him a couple grand okay?
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I'll try not to, although I do have a bad habit of taking brakes which I really need to stop. As for the music, I'll put the links in the author's notes at the end of the chapter. Thanks for the support.
So far, I greatly approve of this story. Keep up the fantastic work!
An HiE where the main character doesn't end up living with one of the main 6 and/or the sisters, and confessing feelings for one of them minutes before sleeping with her? I like it.
YAY, he is learning the language! I'll admit, it's a nice change of pace instead of having someone magic him the language or something like that...though to be honest I wouldn't mind that either myself. In any case I can't wait to read more!