Rosa switches the station to contactless feedback and watches the display settle into green bars. The handles remain still, no longer pretending to offer Namine a grip.
Rosa Lewis
We’ll use timed movements instead. Follow the light, hold each position, and stop whenever your outline loses stability.
Rosa counts through short shoulder lifts and careful arm circles. Namine’s projection wavers once under the effort, and Rosa pauses until the glow smooths before continuing.
Rosa Lewis
That’s workable. Two minutes at a time, with visual checks between sets. I’ll come with you, and we can adjust it later.
After the session, Rosa accompanies Namine to the Popcorn Pixies’ rehearsal space. Kiki drums a brisk pattern, Stella shapes small musical effects, and Nemea tunes her guitar.
The three musicians stop as Namine approaches. Kiki rests her sticks across the drum, Stella lets the last shimmer fade, and Nemea lowers her tuning hand.
Namine
Could I join your band? I’d like to contribute, and I’d be glad to audition.
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn the Popcorn Pixies' acceptance as a trial member
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish a workable exercise routine with Rosa
“I ask the Pixies what they want to hear in my audition.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Namine
What would you like to hear for my audition?
Kiki taps one stick against the drumhead, considering. Stella glances toward Nemea, while the artificer remains near the doorway with her arms folded, quietly listening.
Kiki
Give us something with a steady pulse. Show us how you listen, not just how you shine.
Nemea
A simple rhythm would suit us. I can answer it on guitar, and Stella can find a color around the edges.
Stella;)
But make it your own. If you join in, you’ll need to bring one musical idea to every rehearsal.
The request earns Namine a clear audition plan, but Stella’s condition settles over the room as a new obligation: joining means arriving prepared, not merely adding another sound.
Kiki
Start whenever you’re ready. We’ll keep the space open for your beat.
“I create a music synth and begin to play a tune.”
SUCCESS (Superb Reasoning, rolled +0)
Namine assembles a compact music synth from available rehearsal equipment, mapping its keys and controls into a playable layout. The setup takes longer than expected, leaving the room waiting in a patient hush.
Namine
The rhythm controls are clear, but the instrument’s sound routing still needs checking.
A clean pulse begins beneath Namine’s hands. She layers a bright sequence over it, then repeats the phrase with small changes that give the tune a recognizable shape.
Kiki’s fingers answer softly on the drumhead without taking over. Nemea lifts her guitar, listening for the spaces between Namine’s notes.
Kiki
That has a heartbeat. Keep the pattern steady and let the changes breathe.
Stella adds a restrained shimmer around the melody, careful enough to leave Namine’s tune in front. Rosa watches the synth’s unfamiliar routing, marking one connection for later inspection.
Nemea
There it is. We can answer that phrase, and you’ve brought us something that belongs in the room.
“I ask Kiki to define the trial membership terms”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Namine
Kiki, could you define the trial membership terms? I’d like to understand what joining would require.
Kiki turns one drumstick between her fingers and glances around the rehearsal space. Stella quiets her shimmer, while Nemea rests her guitar against her knee.
Kiki
Three rehearsals. You attend all three, arrive ready, and bring one musical idea each time.
Kiki
You listen for the group’s cues, leave room for everyone else, and speak up if a part isn’t working. After the third rehearsal, we decide together whether it’s a fit.
The terms settle into a simple, practical arrangement. Rosa gives a small approving nod from the doorway, and Stella’s shoulders ease as the expectations become clear.
Nemea
That gives us enough time to hear how your ideas grow. I’d be glad to play through the trial with you.
Stella;)
And I’ll keep my effects controlled while we test the arrangements. That sounds fair to me.
Kiki
Then those are the terms. You’re on trial for the next three rehearsals, starting today.
Quest Complete
Earn the Popcorn Pixies' acceptance as a trial member
Skill Upgrade: Empathy Mediocre