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[handofsilver]

The heavy hammering of the Forge is music to my ears, but I have found myself missing actual song. Is there anyone amongst us who can sing? What of performing on an instrument? I have crafted harps before and I could perhaps manage a flute if that would be useful.

(He comes from a family that has more than a touch of talent in music - particularly where his uncle is concerned - but Celebrimbor has never been overly fond of his voice. He can sing and hold a tune, yet once you hear someone like his bardic uncle, you cannot accept mediocre.)

Comments

voice.

[bekommen]

I used to sing in a band. Never learned to play anything except a tambourine, though. Mine showed up here a while back.

voice.

[handofsilver]

Would you mind lifting your voice for your fellow captives?

voice.

[bekommen]

I ... I mean, I guess not. I never really sang without a band, though. Or music of some kind.

[And at least a couple of strong drinks in her.]

voice.

[handofsilver]

I can make a flute or a harp to accompany you if that will help? (It has been a long time since he played for the simple joy of it.)

voice.

[bekommen]

You play? Or know someone who does? 'Cause believe me, teaching me to play anything more complicated than a tambourine is a lost cause. Been there, failed pretty goddamn spectacularly at that.

voice

[so_dark_a_road]

[ A chuckle. ]

If you can stand to hear your father's voice, I will sing to you.

Do you know I can play harp, viol, and reed flute? I didn't get much chance to do so when we were at war on the Marches, but you might remember from before that.

Besides, in the world I lived in before I came here, I learned how to play drums and bass, and I was learning guitar. [ Curufin in an idie rock band. XD ]

voice

[handofsilver]

Why wouldn't I be able to...in your words..."stand" your voice? (He loves Curufin's voice and finds it soothing.) I would like for you to sing to me. The instrument is secondary, though I could...

Make you a harp, perhaps? Reed would be difficult to come by unless you could settle with a metal version for a flute?

(His eyes widen.) What is a bass? A guitar?

voice

[so_dark_a_road]

I was joking. [ Smiles at his beloved son. Of course he knows Celebrimbor likes his voice. ]

You can make me a harp, if you like! [ An instrument made by the loving hands of his son would have a very sweet sound indeed. ]

A guitar is a stringed instrument distantly related to a lute or a mandolin. And a bass is a kind of guitar, but it only has four strings, and it isn't used for melody, but mainly for rhythm.

Is your workshop set up for woodwork? I've been trying to get mine together, but I was interrupted by all the mayhem.

voice

[handofsilver]

A poor joke! (He teases, smiling helplessly, shyly.) I would like to, though it will take time. I need to decide what materials I will use. The sound will differ depending and I wish to discover which suits you better.

(Celebrimbor can play a harp too and the flute. He will test his creations extensively.)

Could you show me the parts? I like the idea of both! (It might be thanks to a certain uncle that he loves instruments so much.)

Not entirely. I could make it so by forging the right tools. Would you like to work there with me?

voice

[so_dark_a_road]

I try to make a bad joke every now and then. [ Grin. ] It's a kind of tribute to my childhood, when I was free to run wild and be as obnoxious as I chose -- subject to my dear elder brothers swatting me on the head and telling me to behave myself, of course!

We can explore for materials together, if you like. There is a lot of wood amongst the ruins of Hadriel; you just have to know where to look. We'll have to see what's available. Maple for the body, if we can find it. Spruce for the soundboard. And I don't know what we'll do for strings, but who knows? Maybe there's a wrecked music store somewhere.

Yes! I can make some drawings of both instruments, with diagrams of all of the parts. [ And of course, Celebrimbor and he were making this type of drawing when Cele was a young Elfling. It was one of his first lessons in smithcraft. ]

I would very much like to work with you in your workshop. I think that would be fun for us both.

video

[so_dark_a_road]

[ They are both fathers. They understand about being biased. XD ]

I remember. She did treat you like a son, didn't she? And I guess her son would be your brother. [ He smiles, too, loving to see Cel smile. ]

Do you remember when you and I and Uncle Tyelko used to ride all the way to Thargelion to see your Uncle Moryo? I was so proud to have you by my side. I, too, felt that all dreams could come true, then. And I feel it now, as I talk with you.

And what are you dreams now, my son?

video

[handofsilver]

(It comes with the territory. ♥ )

I had a sweet brother for a time! (He chuckles, touching the staff's drawing tenderly.) I do. I thought I was an adult then and I was certain Uncle Moryo would want to recruit me! I tried to think of what I would tell him on the way.

(Children have silly ideas!)

To live in peace with my family. To run a successful Forge making what I wish with plenty of materials. To...have a garden. (He murmurs the last bit.)

video

[so_dark_a_road]

[ <3! These two are so adorable. ]

You did! A brother who ran like the wind and adored you! Well. . . in some ways, you were an adult. Serious young person whose brow would furrow in thought, pondering some question of vast importance, your silver eyes averted to look into the distance. Always concerned to find things to do that made you a working member of the family, whether it was taking care of the horses, or practicing with your weapons, or tracing the tengwar (which you learned with amazing speed, even for a Noldo child!), or reading your books and writing letters to you relatives.

Of course you wanted Uncle Moryo to recruit you! [ He laughs softly. ] Did you know, one day he said to me with a laugh, "Curvo, be careful I don't steal that capable young guardsman from you!" I think he was only half kidding.

We shall have peace between us three, in this place. I wish we could live in peace, but it looks as though fighting is going to be a normal part of our lives. But by one another's sides, it won't be so bad.

A garden. [ A kind memory drifts into his mind, and his eyes grow softer than ever, looking upon his son. ] Tell, me, what would you grow in this garden. [ Very interested. ]

[64th]

I can sing. I'm really good.

[handofsilver]

I should like to hear you very much.

voice

[64th]

[ ask and you shall receive. Cashmere switches from text to audio so he can hear her sing.

Cashmere picks a traditional song from home, and though it won't be familiar to anyone else, it's catchy and kind of sad. as promised, she has a strong, pretty voice.]

I don't think I'll know anything you know, but I learn quickly.

voice

[handofsilver]

(He listens silently, enjoying the flow of the music even if the style is foreign to him. She does indeed have a clear gift and he smiles to himself, happy to encourage it.)

It matters naught if you know the style of Arda. Your voice should be lifted as often as you feel like singing. I have discovered I am not the only one who longs for music.

Voice

[turingmachine]

(The voice that comes over the device is probably just a little strange sounding.)

I don't sing or play any instruments myself, but I must admit I am also interested. (Art of any sort is a thing they're passionate about.)

Voice

[handofsilver]

(His head tilts at the sound, curious about its origin.)

Would you enjoy a concert too if I organized one?

[turingmachine]

"Oh, yes!" (Can you hear the excitement in that odd little voice?)

"I've never actually been to a concert before. It would be nice to have the opportunity."

[handofsilver]

Then I will see to it most gladly. (How can he say no?) You deserve to enjoy music.

Video

[ushahin]

[He still doesn't trust the Elves here any farther than he can throw them. But at least he can answer the question with some civility.]

I know of several here who have the most melodious voices. As for myself, I only sing when supremely happy or supremely miserable.

[Fetch, a raven of enormous proportions sitting on his shoulder, caws in a corrective tone.]

You are right, my avian friend. I also used to sing to my madlings to comfort them.

Video

[handofsilver]

(That is a surprising twist. Celebrimbor's tone and expression are cautious; he knows he treads on thin ice with this one.)

What makes you supremely happy? (He will not seek to make him sad. There is too much sadness without him adding to it.) Does your friend sing?

(His lips twitch at the caw.)

Madlings?

Re: Video

[ushahin]

Not much. I have seen too much in the minds of others to find an abundance of happiness. [His face goes pensive.] But I suppose, here in this place, seeing my friends happy does the same for me.

[He strokes a tuft of feathers sticking straight up on the back of Fetch's head. They smooth down only for a moment before bouncing back up.] Do you sing, Fetch? [The bird responds by puffing himself up and letting out a throaty grumble. He's not a songbird. He's a raven, a bird meant for spying on others.]

Madlings were the name I gave those I watched over. Those that the world had treated cruelly, the misbegotten, the insane, the broken, those not wanted by society. All found protection, guidance, and a home with me.

Video

[handofsilver]

Not all minds are tainted by Darkness. I have found joy within Hadriel's perimeter and I pray you do too. (He sees no point in holding a grudge against one who is obviously tormented. He would sooner harm himself - for are they so different?) Indeed.

(Seeing his father and uncle at ease fills him with the warmth of relief.)

Even a raven can sing if a song is in his heart. (And ravens are considered "songbirds".) I would gladly listen to you, Lord Fetch.

(His gaze gentles tentatively.) How blessed they must have been.