Music sheets assigned from Headmaster Winterbottom in hand, Mitsuki glided into the music room with her violin case clutched in the other hand. Usually she spent the majority of her rehearsal time on the piano, the instrument she had grown up learning to play and was also the one she preferred less, but the headmaster had suggested that she select a piece that allowed her to explore her interest in the violin more. Having no reason to reject his proposal, the Ravenclaw had accepted and leafed through the various ancient bits of muggle media to find the song she felt an embrace from. She had wondered how it had been so long for her discover the likes of Lindsey Stirling but she had quickly become absorbed in her luxurious strings and reimagining of music that previously did not suit the violin. The way she incorporated dance to her playing resonated with Mitsuki and the heart of a performance calligrapher. Drawn to the American artist, the Ravenclaw quickly assessed that she had discovered this path at just the right moment. Had the calligraphy championships not gone the way they had over the summer, it was quite likely that she would not have appreciated the artistry as much.

Moving over to grab one of the music stands, Mitsuki set her sheet music on top and leaf through the first few pages to decide just which of the small collection of songs she felt drawn to today. Most likely it would be different from the one she had been drawn to a couple of days ago but there was no forcing artistry.

Finding one to her liking, she knelt down and unpacked her violin to correct pitch and tune as necessary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Music sheets assigned from Headmaster Winterbottom in hand, Mitsuki glided into the music room with her violin case clutched in the other hand. Usually she spent the majority of her rehearsal time on the piano, the instrument she had grown up learning to play and was also the one she preferred less, but the headmaster had suggested that she select a piece that allowed her to explore her interest in the violin more. Having no reason to reject his proposal, the Ravenclaw had accepted and leafed through the various ancient bits of muggle media to find the song she felt an embrace from. She had wondered how it had been so long for her discover the likes of Lindsey Stirling but she had quickly become absorbed in her luxurious strings and reimagining of music that previously did not suit the violin. The way she incorporated dance to her playing resonated with Mitsuki and the heart of a performance calligrapher. Drawn to the American artist, the Ravenclaw quickly assessed that she had discovered this path at just the right moment. Had the calligraphy championships not gone the way they had over the summer, it was quite likely that she would not have appreciated the artistry as much.

Moving over to grab one of the music stands, Mitsuki set her sheet music on top and leaf through the first few pages to decide just which of the small collection of songs she felt drawn to today. Most likely it would be different from the one she had been drawn to a couple of days ago but there was no forcing artistry.

Finding one to her liking, she knelt down and unpacked her violin to correct pitch and tune as necessary.

Arden had inherited her love of the creative arts, specifically music and visual, from her father. She was a decent singer, but by no means amazing. She enjoyed playing her ukulele and painting/sketching, but it wasn’t something she would make a career for herself with. She just, to put it simply, enjoyed doing those things when she felt like it. Her passions lay elsewhere, but that didn’t mean she didn’t sketch every moment she could or practice her more musical skills when given the chance. Her Uncle Charlie had tried to teach her to play the guitar once, but Arden hadn’t enjoyed the sound as much as the soft, gentle him of the ukulele strings.

It was nice to have low stake hobbies.

With a small, potted plant in hand, Arden shuffled into the music room. The plant was a small patio tomato plant. It was struggling, and Arden had decide she would bring it to the music room. It was hers, the seeds sent to her by her grandfather. She had quickly planted a few in a small pot over the summer, and it just…..it was rather wilty. She had tried her ukulele, but to no avail.

“Oh. Hello, Mitsuki!” She said brightly with a small wave of her free hand, the other arm preoccupied with holding the potted, sad tomato plant. “Fancy seeing you here!” She set the tomato plant down atop the piano and sat at the bench. Arden was friends with Yukie, but she hadn’t really befriended her sister. Not purposely, but it just hadn’t happened naturally. She was sure anyone related to Yukie was just fine, though.

Mitsuki was still tuning her violin when she was joined by a yearmate. A yearmate she recognized but, truthfully, could not place. It was of no fault to anyone, save for perhaps herself and the manner with which she compartmentalized information and how receptive she was to receiving new information. When it came to socialization, that was rather restricted and her music room companion would not be making great strides in comparing Mitsuki to her sister in any regard. It was a sensitive topic that not even the likes of Mercer knew.

Twisting the pegs just a bit more, the Ravenclaw ran the bow over the strings for what would hopefully be the final check in before addressing her peer and her tomato plant. A response that would be a bit delayed but Mitsuki was not good at not finishing one thing before moving on to the next.

"Hello," she replied phlegmatically while tipping her head to the side to observe her sickly looking plant. There was a sourness that swirled in the air, one that was seemingly palatable as she wet her lips with the intention to return to her sheet music when her subdued curiosity was tickled. "Is it?"

It was interesting the similarities and differences siblings shared. While Arden hadn't interacted much with Mitsuki, she had interacted a lot with Yukie. She had perhaps wrongfully assumed the two would be alike in mannerisms, but it was soon apparent that was not the case. Arden wondered if Mitsuki had even heard her since the other girl didn't greet her back right away, and she had been about to say MORE and OTHER words when she finally got that 'hello'.

Hmmm.

Quiet, was she? Arden couldn't relate to people who didn't have a lot to say, but that didn't mean she disliked them. She could just do all the talking, then. "Uh, I suppose so, yeah. I didn't expect anyone to be here. Don't know why, since there's quite a few musicians on campus, but," and she shrugged as she tapped the keys on the keyboard a bit. She was no professional pianist, and she hadn't learned to play the instrument. She so wished she had, in this moment.

"Have you heard that relaxing music helps plants grow?"

Since the Care of Magical creatures dance party the term before, Vera had become woefully aware of the fact that outside of Frog choir... she didn't actually know a lot about music. Yes, she liked to sing and she even would go so far as to say she had a good voice (though that could have been the narcissism talking). But when it came to reading the notes and everything? Well... she didn't actually know how to. She kind of just... would wing it, following along with what she could hear other people doing around her. She was great at matching - could even sometimes hear the harmonies and just... kind of went to them.

From everything she heard, it sounded like knowing how to play an instrument was the best way to figure out how to read sheet music. So that was the project she'd decided to give herself for when she needed to unwind.

Today was her first excursion though. And as she entered the music room which, to her eye, appeared to be empty for the moment, she surveyed the array of instruments. Did she have any idea on how to pick one? Not in the slightest. She also didn't know if the music sheets in her hand were specifically written for one instrument over the others. Another cursory glance, her gaze fell on the piano before she moved towards it and lowered herself on the bench.

This might not be the one she went for, but at the very least she could take a load off here while she read through the introduction in the music book.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Since the Care of Magical creatures dance party the term before, Vera had become woefully aware of the fact that outside of Frog choir... she didn't actually know a lot about music. Yes, she liked to sing and she even would go so far as to say she had a good voice (though that could have been the narcissism talking). But when it came to reading the notes and everything? Well... she didn't actually know how to. She kind of just... would wing it, following along with what she could hear other people doing around her. She was great at matching - could even sometimes hear the harmonies and just... kind of went to them.

From everything she heard, it sounded like knowing how to play an instrument was the best way to figure out how to read sheet music. So that was the project she'd decided to give herself for when she needed to unwind.

Today was her first excursion though. And as she entered the music room which, to her eye, appeared to be empty for the moment, she surveyed the array of instruments. Did she have any idea on how to pick one? Not in the slightest. She also didn't know if the music sheets in her hand were specifically written for one instrument over the others. Another cursory glance, her gaze fell on the piano before she moved towards it and lowered herself on the bench.

This might not be the one she went for, but at the very least she could take a load off here while she read through the introduction in the music book.

This Gryffindor's brain was turning into mush. He was certain of it. But, of course, exhausting one's brain from studying wasn't exactly worthy of a visit down to the hospital wing, though Logan had briefly considered what it would take to be excused from a few weeks of assignments and essays. Deciding that it was more trouble than it was worth, he settled on the next best thing: a lengthy brain break. Today, he quickly decided, was a day to meander down to the music classroom.

Not hearing a single sound when he crossed the threshold of the doorway was like music to his ears. The room was all his, which meant he could be as loud and obnoxious as he wanted. At least, that's what the blond thought until he realized that he was actually not alone in the large space.

Seeing Vera made him do a double take. Sure, they both were in the choir and had been in this room together plenty. However, seeing her at the piano and looking at sheet music of all things was new to him. Not that he was going to complain or anything. There was no denying that it was a pleasant sight, which is why he may or may not have lingered in silence before he finally approached the keyboard instrument.

"Hate to break this to you, but, uhh, that sheet music isn't for the piano."

She was so consumed with trying to make sense of the book in front of her, she didn't hear any other entry into the room behind her. She'd made it through the first few paragraphs congratulating her on embarking on a musical journey and blah blah blah and then they just... sort of launched into what notes represented each letter on a music bar, like she would have any idea which letters of the alphabet were even used to begin with in music. Was this an A-Z situation? Did it use a different alphabet entirely? And then they were throwing numbers into the mix as well and suddenly it was like she was looking at an Arithmancy worksheet instead of music and her brain was feeling even more befuddled.

It was too bad electronics didn't work. Wasn't there a muggle service that had videos where everyone in the universe just... told you how to do things?

She was just beginning her second read through of the first page, when she was startled by the voice that joined her. It wasn't hard to place who it was, and she shouldn't have been surprised to run into him here. And truthfully, maybe she wasn't - but she would have to admit she was pleased to see him. Turning to rest her arm on one of the plastic pieces on the instrument, she gave a small nod. "I was beginning to wonder that. Lucky for me you showed up to confirm. Care to further be my hero and explain what instrument this is for?" She asked, entirely sincere, no hint of teasing even at referencing him as 'her hero' like she might have before. It was the perfect potential sarcastic statement, but she knew if anyone would know, she'd bet it'd be him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayquilz

It was interesting the similarities and differences siblings shared. While Arden hadn't interacted much with Mitsuki, she had interacted a lot with Yukie. She had perhaps wrongfully assumed the two would be alike in mannerisms, but it was soon apparent that was not the case. Arden wondered if Mitsuki had even heard her since the other girl didn't greet her back right away, and she had been about to say MORE and OTHER words when she finally got that 'hello'.

Hmmm.

Quiet, was she? Arden couldn't relate to people who didn't have a lot to say, but that didn't mean she disliked them. She could just do all the talking, then. "Uh, I suppose so, yeah. I didn't expect anyone to be here. Don't know why, since there's quite a few musicians on campus, but," and she shrugged as she tapped the keys on the keyboard a bit. She was no professional pianist, and she hadn't learned to play the instrument. She so wished she had, in this moment.

"Have you heard that relaxing music helps plants grow?"

Mitsuki, growing up with the likes of Becky and Eiji for older siblings, was under no such assumptions but would fault no one for having them. People were, after all, constructs of their environments and no one quite related to their environment the same way as someone else. Though it would be incorrect and unfair to say that this third wheel and the youngest triplet were complete opposites, it was nonetheless a sentiment that could very viscerally be felt. Mitsuki herself often felt consumed by such thoughts and was, perhaps, a contributing factor as to why her social circle was as small as it was. Her personally was, also, not particularly magnetic.

The Ravenclaw nodded slightly as she tuned her violin a bit more. So her statement had not been about Mitsuki specifically but rather a kind of subconscious fervent hope to find the music room empty. Mitsuki supposed that the other girl's statement provoked a certain desire for explanation, so she pushed herself to be a bit more vocal than she would be typically. "It is required that I practice my solo for orchestra." Said practice finally beginning now that she had selected the sheet music. She shook her head 'no', but considered the prospect of music assisting plant growth and supposed that she could find some sense to it. "I suppose the appropriate music could mimic vibrations found in nature, which would result in positive stimulus to plant growth."

Lowering her bow and resting her violin on her shoulder, Mitsuki tucked a bit of her long black flyaways behind her ear and looked over at her music room companion as she poked and prodded at the piano. "Though whether or not that specifically applies to classical may be debatable. I would suppose, like fertilizers, there is a specific taste to cater to." Give the right plant dragon dung based fertilizer and it would thrive. Give it to the wrong plant and it would die.

OooOOoooooo, an orchestra. Arden found herself smiling at Mitsuki. "That's pretty cool that you're in orchestra. And the violin, to boot?! Dead talented!" she said as she tapped a key with her finger again. "I don't think I have the patience for it." That or piano.

"There's actually been a few studies on it, and plants respond to soothing music. Anything too intense actually can stunt their growth, and make their appendages grow away from where the music is coming from. I thiiiiiiink violin would be considered relaxing....I guess? Depending on what you're playing." Because Arden had also heard some pretty intense classical music. "Can I just....stay and listen for a few, then? I promise I won't disturb you." She pulled her hand up from the keys and spun to better face the other girl.

Arden clasped her hands in her lap and smiled expectantly, the thought that Mitsuki might not want an audience never occurring to her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

She was so consumed with trying to make sense of the book in front of her, she didn't hear any other entry into the room behind her. She'd made it through the first few paragraphs congratulating her on embarking on a musical journey and blah blah blah and then they just... sort of launched into what notes represented each letter on a music bar, like she would have any idea which letters of the alphabet were even used to begin with in music. Was this an A-Z situation? Did it use a different alphabet entirely? And then they were throwing numbers into the mix as well and suddenly it was like she was looking at an Arithmancy worksheet instead of music and her brain was feeling even more befuddled.

It was too bad electronics didn't work. Wasn't there a muggle service that had videos where everyone in the universe just... told you how to do things?

She was just beginning her second read through of the first page, when she was startled by the voice that joined her. It wasn't hard to place who it was, and she shouldn't have been surprised to run into him here. And truthfully, maybe she wasn't - but she would have to admit she was pleased to see him. Turning to rest her arm on one of the plastic pieces on the instrument, she gave a small nod. "I was beginning to wonder that. Lucky for me you showed up to confirm. Care to further be my hero and explain what instrument this is for?" She asked, entirely sincere, no hint of teasing even at referencing him as 'her hero' like she might have before. It was the perfect potential sarcastic statement, but she knew if anyone would know, she'd bet it'd be him.

If Vera had been startled, the blond wouldn't have noticed. Or at least he wasn't going to point that out to her when he wasn't purposefully trying to get such a reaction out of her. Seeing her turn to rest her arm on the piano was enough of a reaction for him. Clearly his presence wasn't a bother to her. A bit of a smile grew on his lips as he leaned against the instrument.

One of his eyebrows rose ever so slightly at the words 'be my hero.' For a fleeting moment, Logan observed her face, looking for any possible signs of teasing or sarcasm. Seeing none, he stored the phrase in the back of his mind to mull over later and returned her question with a simple response. "Guitar." Then, without invitation, he moved to take a seat on the bench and scooted riiiiiiight next to her.

A hand reached out and a finger was pointed at the first line of notes. "See how there is only a treble clef? A dead giveaway that this isn't piano music. Sheet music for the piano will have both treble and bass clefs, just like our choir sheet music," he informed her. "And this particular sheet also has string and finger indicators next to some of the notes." With that said, he removed his hand from the piece of music and glanced over at her.

Incorrect sheet music aside, he was curious about Vera's choice of instrument. "Any reason for being at the piano? Or was it a spur-of-the-moment decision?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayquilz

OooOOoooooo, an orchestra. Arden found herself smiling at Mitsuki. "That's pretty cool that you're in orchestra. And the violin, to boot?! Dead talented!" she said as she tapped a key with her finger again. "I don't think I have the patience for it." That or piano.

"There's actually been a few studies on it, and plants respond to soothing music. Anything too intense actually can stunt their growth, and make their appendages grow away from where the music is coming from. I thiiiiiiink violin would be considered relaxing....I guess? Depending on what you're playing." Because Arden had also heard some pretty intense classical music. "Can I just....stay and listen for a few, then? I promise I won't disturb you." She pulled her hand up from the keys and spun to better face the other girl.

Arden clasped her hands in her lap and smiled expectantly, the thought that Mitsuki might not want an audience never occurring to her.

Mitsuki's head tilted, very curious as to what two boots had to do with playing the violin or being in orchestra and continued to find her confusion growing as the hopeful herbologist continued to speak. "I am very much alive," she replied with a couple of slow blinks. At least she thought she was - it was not uncommon for spectres to not realize they were among the dearly departed. "Perhaps. Perhaps you have not found a suitable instrument to fit your personality." Patience may be a part of accomplishing anything, but there was more to fitting a particular piece into a puzzle than patience.

Making some final adjustments in tuning her violin, Mitsuki leafed through her sheet music on the stand to read the notes a bit and prepare herself for the musical journey ahead, her hazel-green eyes flickered back over to the other girl and nodded. There was no reason for her to say no and the presence of others while she practiced never particularly bothered her nor made her feel any sort of way. She was usually existing in her own plane of existence anyway. "You can," she nodded once more in agreement as she got herself into proper stance and posture to perform. "Though I cannot guarantee that it be received as a calm song. It is a century old violin arrangement of another century old pop rock song." Surprisingly, it had been the name of the group that had drawn her to it initially. Surprising because of the homage she felt to her mum and her professional as a dragonologist. Closing her eyes, Mitsuki said nothing more as she began to play the first few strings of the song. The violist of whom she had selected the arrangement from included dance with her playing, a skill the Ravenclaw had not yet acquired herself but given the balance and form required of her performance calligraphy she felt like she could reach such an end with a bit of practice. Today, minus some swaying from the hips and occasional swivels during certain crescendoing moments, she would be remaining stationary.

And then...she began to play.

Maybe Mitsuki didn't get metaphors, or figurative language. And that was okay! Arden would have to remember that. Or maybe it was just reaaaaally dry humor? Arden tried to decipher which as she tilted her head to consider the other girl, but she decided it was the first. "Oh, I can play the ukulele!" she cried suddenly, nearly hopping out the piano bench, but she just held her hands over her face and laughed.

Oh.

Arden supposed the assumption made her look quite silly. How could she just assume that violin would be soft, classical music? "Well, regardless, I'll listen and make an assessment afterward. If it's too much for the plant, I'll remove them from the room!" she said with a casual shrug.

The playing was unlike any music she was used to hearing. While her uncle had been a part of a wrock group, she was used to high energy music, but this was altogether different. It was so practiced, polished, and yet passionate, that she didn't quite know how to react besides staring in awe at Mitsuki's performance. Her shoulders began to sway a little bit, too.

If he had asked, she might have told him how welcomed his presence was of late. It had been awhile since the sight of Logan Paton got an immediate eye roll from her, or the slight rearing up for a battle of wits in which she probably would lose. Instead now seeing him gave her a smidge of excitement and the urge to find some reflection to check her own appearance, make sure she looked okay. Though she tried really hard to ignore that urge - deciding every time it would be TOO obvious. Not that she minded if he noticed the change but… there was maybe still a little nerves on what to DO with the change in her feelings or how it could continue to change their dynamic.

But she was getting ahead of herself.

His joining her on the bench was the perfect distraction, the smell of his cologne - which she found she rather liked - wafting her way for a minute. She quickly focused on his words though, making no move to put anymore distance between them even though she had plenty of bench to do so.

Following his finger to the music, she leaned a little bit closer to see what he was pointing at before nodding in understanding. "Why is guitar sheet music only a treble clef though? Does it not go low enough to reach the bass notes?" Hazel eyes turned to meet blue, her head tilting in genuine curiosity. At least that helped distinguish SOME sheet musics for her though. "I saw the numbers but I wasn't quite sure what they were for. The intro part explaining finger placement was super confusing too. Can you show me?" She glanced around the room, spotting a few guitars, but also not moving to go towards one in case he wasn't up to it. She also didn't know if guitar was one he actively played - knowing full well his bread and butter was the drums. As for piano? "Truthfully, just the best place to sit while I took a look at this book. Though I do like the way a piano sounds. It's all soft and delicate, but doesn't have like the whine of a string instrument."

There were probably more technical terms for what she meant but she certainly didn't know them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

If he had asked, she might have told him how welcomed his presence was of late. It had been awhile since the sight of Logan Paton got an immediate eye roll from her, or the slight rearing up for a battle of wits in which she probably would lose. Instead now seeing him gave her a smidge of excitement and the urge to find some reflection to check her own appearance, make sure she looked okay. Though she tried really hard to ignore that urge - deciding every time it would be TOO obvious. Not that she minded if he noticed the change but… there was maybe still a little nerves on what to DO with the change in her feelings or how it could continue to change their dynamic.

But she was getting ahead of herself.

His joining her on the bench was the perfect distraction, the smell of his cologne - which she found she rather liked - wafting her way for a minute. She quickly focused on his words though, making no move to put anymore distance between them even though she had plenty of bench to do so.

Following his finger to the music, she leaned a little bit closer to see what he was pointing at before nodding in understanding. "Why is guitar sheet music only a treble clef though? Does it not go low enough to reach the bass notes?" Hazel eyes turned to meet blue, her head tilting in genuine curiosity. At least that helped distinguish SOME sheet musics for her though. "I saw the numbers but I wasn't quite sure what they were for. The intro part explaining finger placement was super confusing too. Can you show me?" She glanced around the room, spotting a few guitars, but also not moving to go towards one in case he wasn't up to it. She also didn't know if guitar was one he actively played - knowing full well his bread and butter was the drums. As for piano? "Truthfully, just the best place to sit while I took a look at this book. Though I do like the way a piano sounds. It's all soft and delicate, but doesn't have like the whine of a string instrument."

There were probably more technical terms for what she meant but she certainly didn't know them.

As he explained how the sheet music in front of them was meant for the guitar instead of the piano, Logan couldn't help but notice the perfume that Vera was wearing. The familiar scent was one that he liked quite a bit even though he hadn't admitted such a thing. He had thought about telling her, as guided by a certain book that he had read from cover to cover that summer, but wasn't sure if that would be creepy or not. Perhaps he'd, taking another piece of advice from the book, give her a bottle of perfume for her birthday. That seemed better to him.

The scent was evermore present now that she had leaned in closer, and now her hazel eyes were looking into his blue ones. If the question hadn't been asked, he probably would have started rambling about whatever came into his mind to fill the void. "There is the occasional bass clef that is used, but guitars mostly are in the treble clef. And you are right; guitars don't go nearly as low because they have a higher range."

When the request to show her the finger placement had been made, the blond nodded his head and gave a simple "I sure can." Even though he truthfully was quite content at the bench, he did get up and made his way over toward the guitar section to make a selection. There was one here that he favoured in particular because of its design.

After finding the guitar and grabbing hold of it, he turned and started making his way back over to Vera while she explained why she ended up at the piano and her thoughts about the instrument. Even without all the technical terms being thrown about, he understood. "Fair enough. The piano is nice, though can't say I took to playing it. I found the drums and guitar to be easier."

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayquilz

Maybe Mitsuki didn't get metaphors, or figurative language. And that was okay! Arden would have to remember that. Or maybe it was just reaaaaally dry humor? Arden tried to decipher which as she tilted her head to consider the other girl, but she decided it was the first. "Oh, I can play the ukulele!" she cried suddenly, nearly hopping out the piano bench, but she just held her hands over her face and laughed.

Oh.

Arden supposed the assumption made her look quite silly. How could she just assume that violin would be soft, classical music? "Well, regardless, I'll listen and make an assessment afterward. If it's too much for the plant, I'll remove them from the room!" she said with a casual shrug.

The playing was unlike any music she was used to hearing. While her uncle had been a part of a wrock group, she was used to high energy music, but this was altogether different. It was so practiced, polished, and yet passionate, that she didn't quite know how to react besides staring in awe at Mitsuki's performance. Her shoulders began to sway a little bit, too.

Mitsuki was even more straightforward than either option, on a technicality. It took time for her to accept figurative language from others and thus far a finite two, maybe three, had entered the sphere in which she would entertain that someone was speaking anything but literal - even then she still leaned towards taking words at face value. Unfortunately for the current company did not classify for such considerations. What was immediately considered was just how peppy the girl was and therefore not a shock at all that her sister had befriended her.

Though, will respect and affection, Mitsuki was also sure Yukie would befriend a log if it appeared as though it were smiling at her.

"The ukulele is an instrument of peace," she recited from memory. Though from whence she had heard such words she could not recall in the moment.

The Ravenclaw's eyes closed halfway into her performance, the notes still appearing to her mind as though there were a karaoke track playing just for her. She wished she were more limber with her violin playing, but prior to discovering this particular musician she had never imagined one could become the wind along with the notes plucked from the strings. Her feet did pivot slightly every now and then, her feet sweep around the ground as though painting with the soles of her feet, and her hair that had once been tied up began to fall out from its tie until it surrendered entirely and fell to the ground while her raven hair cascaded over her shoulders like a silky waterfall. And then, as the final note faded into the air and her bow hung in the air for a couple of counts, the sixth year finally opened her eyes and took a slow audible exhale.