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[am_i_a_monster]

[Abigail sits at her harpsichord and waves.]

Hi.  I'm Abigail and I'm not running for anything. [She gives a small smile.]

This is a harpsichord. [She plays  a a short piece of music.  Due to her power, anyone listening would enjoy it even if they don't normally enjoy that style of music.]

I have an album coming out soon. [She considers mentioning it's because she won impovision and decides it might sound too braggy.]

It's mostly harpsichord.  There's some of me singing and some piano as well.  There's going to be a warning label on the album about my power.  Some of the music will have an emotional affect.  All good ones and all described on the label.  If you're okay with that, and you think you'll buy my album, I especially recommend the lullabies.  They can help with sleep and keep nightmares away. 

If sleep's ever getting really bad and you don't have the album, you can call me to play something for you over the phone.  I know what it's like to have trouble with sleep.  I don't want anyone to go through that.

There's more lively music on the album too - songs that'll get you energized, feeling happy.

They're already having me working on a second one.  It'll be out by the holidays. If this goes well, I might quit my job and turn this music thing into a full time job.  It's kind of scary to think of quitting.   But it's a good kind of scary.  I didn't even know that was possible.

Anyway...[She gestures to her harpsichord.]    Any requests?

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[d33tached]

I didn't realize that your powers would be effective via recorded music.

[He's happy for you, really - just a little wary as well.]

It seems I will have give in at last and listen.

[It's said lightly. He trusts Abigail, perhaps more than he trusts anyone.]

[am_i_a_monster]

There are. I did some tests to make sure.

[She smiles.]

I'd like that. You can start with listening to the piano pieces, there's no power there. I think you'll like Mozart's piano sonata No. 11 in A major, andante grazioso. I was thinking of you when I picked it. And when I played it.

[d33tached]

Is that so?

[am_i_a_monster]

Yes. You still like Mozart, right?

[d33tached]

I do indeed.

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[lesterzeppelin]

[ Well. This is a pleasant change from listening to his (less musically-talented) students all day. ]

I wouldn't mind buying an album or two if I could also get your autograph. [ beat ] Though I have to ask, what sorts of lyrics can we expect on said first album?

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[am_i_a_monster]

[She smiles at the idea of a fellow import wanting her autograph.]

I'm sure I could sign them for you. It's a mix. There's Piangero la sorte mia from the opera Giulio Cesare in Egitto, so those lyrics aren't English. There's a couple pop songs too. Fight Song and Let it go. It's my own take on those songs. Most of it's instrumental, no lyrics.

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[lesterzeppelin]

Huh. I don't think I've ever heard "Let it Go" on the harpsichord... [ he whistles, looking thoughtful. ] But great! I'm looking forward to your big debut and the autographs. I'm sure it'll make all my students jealous.

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[am_i_a_monster]

Your students? [Abigail takes a better look at him. He must be older than she thought.] What do you teach?

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[reexamined]

I see you aren't worried about being "famous" or not anymore.

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[am_i_a_monster]

I'll always worry. With the CD coming out, I can try to control how I'm seen. Maybe even get people to like me.

[reexamined]

Do you think people don't like you now?

[am_i_a_monster]

Yes. I'm thinking especially of people who don't like me because I'm an import.

[blackfly]

[The lullaby thing pings Stiles's interest, even if he's hesitant to indulge at the moment. Maybe he'll give the album a listen when it comes out - yet another thing to scribble down on a scrap piece of paper he's got on him. But for now? Why not just:]

Freebird?

[am_i_a_monster]

On a harpsichord?  Okay.

[She focuses on the harpsichord and begins to play.  She's only heard the song a couple of times, but each note is perfect due to her power.]

[blackfly]

Now that's some decent harpsichord. Easily the best I've ever heard.

[Considering, well, it's probably the only he's ever heard.]

[am_i_a_monster]

Thank you.

[She smiles.]

You've heard others that play harpsichord?

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[jericoded]

Do you know Ludovico Einaudi?

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[am_i_a_monster]

A little.

[She starts to play Fly. It's a not one she knows well, but her harpsichord power lets her play it perfectly.]

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[jericoded]

[Markus remains quiet for as long as she plays; he even closes his eyes at one point, head tilted slightly. Carl would listen to him play like this, sometimes...as if he were falling asleep.]

...thank you. [Markus opens his eyes.] Is this something you've always wanted, Abigail? Playing for others?

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[am_i_a_monster]

You're welcome.

[Abigail smiles, glad he enjoyed it, then shakes her head.]

No. I never even thought about music until Hannibal told me that he wanted to teach me the harpsichord. He taught me to draw too. And cook.

[lasersounds]

What the heck?

Not really a classical kind of person, but I can't deny that's kind of rad as hell. And having help with sleep isn't a bad idea.

[am_i_a_monster]

Thanks! And I know. I've talked to a few imports who have troubles with insomnia or nightmares. I can't help but think there are probably many more, considering everything imports go through. I just wish my powers worked on myself.

[lasersounds]

Considering the past few months alone? I'm surprised we don't all need something to get by. Uh...sorry you can't benefit from it though. You find anything else that helps?

[am_i_a_monster]

There's a special kind of tea that can help. Therapy's good if you can find the right therapist. The thing that's helped me the most is having good friends. The kind that make me feel safe.