"A Swing and Miss Doesn't Mean it's Game Over"

[mayavericks]

[Well… All of that sure happened. And while Maya is visibly shaken Sissi's literal dance with death, she’d meant what she’d said to the others -- she would protect them. At that moment, it meant voting and making the “right” decision. Now, though? It means ensuring that no one feels alone, and that everyone has a good meal in them.

She’s not Nana Daiba, however, she certainly can’t do this alone. But she does have the resourcefulness and authoritative disposition to to recruit allies. Discord is sure to be… mostly unbothered by everything that’s happened, and Spongebob will likely be eager to help. She approaches both men: one is asked nicely; The other is grabbed by the collar and dragged from whatever hole he’s locked himself in. Sorry Discord.

For Maya's part, several potato dishes are prepared (can you tell someone has a bias). And while she doesn’t have the resources to make baumkuchen, Maya does manage to produce a cake, as well as… muffins? They’re not… quite how she remembers Nana making them, but she can at least recall how hearty the food had felt, and how it had restored her energy on long days.

It’s a pleasant memory, even if it does make her a touch melancholy.

Nevertheless, the food is laid out in the kitchen, as are a number of pies that Maya has uncovered. She even tucks a few bottles of wine in a corner for the adults that might like it. This is in addition to the mead apparently brought by Salieri. Look she’s not a fan of having alcohol but… she can’t tell the adults no.

But hey, courtesy of Benjamin, there is even some cocoa. It doesn’t start off spiked but… you know. Thanks to Spongebob there are, well… Angry Patties? It’s fine. Even Discord managed to contribute some pies and tea, as well as being bossed around to do the grunt work in the kitchen. There’s also that inexplicable pizza? Huh, that’s weird.

Eventually the group goes around extending invitations to the dorms, knocking on doors and explaining what’s been set up. No one will be forced to go, just… strongly encouraged. Maya herself will even duck into the principal’s office and, if she’s there, invite Hester.

She seemed just as upset as the rest of them.]

Comments

[violentenvies]

[he'll nod at that, setting them both on the floor then so they're both visible. His is just the picture of an opera house, announcing a performance of music from the greatest composers of the 18th and 19th century. The list of names is impressive: Mozart, Glück, Hayden, Beethoven, Rossini, Bellini, Berlioz, Wagner, Verdi, Gounod, Smetana, Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak and Massenet.

But of course, no Salieri.]

Mine seems to be more of what the Yearbook stated. That my name and, moreover, my music is forgotten to time.

[mayavericks]

But we know that is not true. I know your work, Salieri-sensei. My school knows your work.

[violentenvies]

So you've said, and I appreciate it still. [he sits back a bit, folding his arms over his chest] Hence my doubt in anything this Wizard gives to us is real.

[mayavericks]

I... hope you're right about that.

[She glances to the side. The photo seemed real. It was always a possibility.]

[violentenvies]

[he catches her glance to the side and pauses for a moment, considering his words]

...there is, of course, the possibility that it is real. However, if that is the case...

Then is it not clear that whatever future that has been presented to us can be changed?

[mayavericks]

... Correct. If I were to know that I could expect a loss, I could be prepared. Push myself harder and ensure that I give no quarter.

[violentenvies]

Agreed. In fact, I have had the thought that I should do the same, after observing your own dedication. I fear I had gotten a bit compliant, however...no longer.

And, on that note-- [and he's going to reach into the inner front pocket of his jacket and pull out a folded piece of paper, which he holds in between his index and middle finger, though he doesn't hold it out to her just yet]

I told you I would reevaluate your performance and observe where improvements could be made. I have done so.

[mayavericks]

[Considering their squabble, Maya would have simply assumed that Salieri would not have actually followed through. Still, the gratitude is evident on her face as she starts to hold out her hand.]

I appreciate that, Salieri-Sensei. I trust your judgment wholly.

[violentenvies]

In addition to these improvements, I have also written down the things that I would like to stay in your performance. Moments of what I believe to be your "shine," as it is put, coming through, that I believe should stay in your performance (and whatever future performances happen) along with whatever improvements I've included.

[and with that, he reaches out and sets it in her hand]

If that is acceptable to you.

[mayavericks]

[Maya hesitates for a moment, before nodding.]

You are the professional. I trust your judgement. [And with that, she starts unfolding the paper. Maybe a little too eagerly? Listen, it's fine.]

[violentenvies]

[Really, how can he help but feel flattered when she says that she trusts his judgement.

And it is indeed a detailed list in there of the things that could be better--moments where she needs better connection to her breath, or where to improve the melodic line, where a particular part of her acting could be improved. Additionally, there is also a list of items that should stay in her performance--particular moments where she shined in her acting with Benjamin, with the Chorus, where her voice soared above all others and truly sparkled.]

If there is anything that you might like clarification on or would like to go through, I would be more than happy to do so.

[mayavericks]

[Maya reads it, and then reads it again. It's very clear that, despite the criticism, she's pleased with what's written on the page. After a few readthroughs, she folds the paper back up and tucks it into a pocket.]

Thank you, Salieri-sensei. I will need to take some time to think it over but... It is all very clear to me.

[violentenvies]

Good. I'm glad to hear it. [and he's going to push to his feet, then]

Now...I believe the hour is quite late, is it not?

[mayavericks]

It is.

[Nevertheless, she doesn't move. Not toward the door at least. She does bend to pick up her sword.]

[violentenvies]

[Salieri pauses at that]

...I trust you'll ensure that you get the proper amount of rest to be in top form?

[mayavericks]

I...

[She pauses for a moment, considering. Eventually she nods.]

I will. Thank you

[violentenvies]

Good. [he seems pleased by her agreement] I'll bid you good night, then.

[mayavericks]

Good night, Salieri-sensei. And --

[She hesitates for a moment, glancing back after him.]

Be safe.

[violentenvies]

[Salieri's expression softens at that, and he'll offer her a small smile at that]

You as well, mademoiselle.

[and with that, he'll take his leave]