(no subject)

[x_kylun]

This post has been a great deal delayed; I hope those who helped me toward the realization I will be speaking of, who may have thought their parts unrecognized, will understand that I am wrestling with unfamiliar ideas over an unfamiliar medium. The fault lies in my adaptability, rather than my gratitude.

Ever since I arrived here, I have been uncomfortable with my mutation, with that part of it which goes deeper than my mere appearance. It seemed such a small ability, unremarkable, of little use compared to the wonderful things the rest of you can do, that I was ashamed. I am learning to feel otherwise.

An important part of that learning, I think, is that I should no longer hide what I can do, and so I am making this post, among other reasons, to explain my power. Those of you who attended the funeral, some weeks ago, will remember my performance there, providing with my voice the instruments to support Alison's lovely song. That was the first public exercise I have made of my power in a very long time. I can mimic any sound I have heard, from the chirp of an insect to the song of a choir to an avalanche in full fury. But I can only mimic those sounds exactly as I first heard them; as regarding only the sound itself, Alison could have achieved the same effect by simply using the stereo at the funeral that she used to play the song for me.

I am . . . probably explaining myself badly. But as I am trying to become more comfortable with my power, if any of you wish a demonstration to clarify my struggling words, I am willing to provide one. Or to answer questions here, should you have any.

Finally: there are those I mentioned before, who helped me come to a point where I wanted to make this post, and they deserve my recognition and my thanks. To Alison, for her curiosity and her stubbornness; to Terry, for the joy she has taken in my efforts to remember the music of my home; and to Rahne, for sense most uncommon and wisdom beyond her years, thank you. I am most fortunate to have found friends who challenge me to grow beyond what I have thought were my limits.

Comments

[x-cassidy.livejournal.com]

Well, now, that's a power that opens up some interesting possibilities. I think maybe you and I should have a wee chat, and then maybe have a word with Alison about some experiments...

[x-dazzler.livejournal.com]

He's not pointing out what I told him about sounds coming from a human showing far more emotion than any old stereo! It changes everything.

And oh. See, I kinda like that idea. I'm still on "getting hit with massive amounts of sound" on a weekly basis with the medlab - this would be a more interesting way to do that, actually...

And Kylun? You and I should talk about the music class. You might be able to help me out with something here, if you're willing. :)

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

Because I am still not entirely convinced that is true! The sound is the same, to my ear.

I am willing to take your word and Terry's, but not to profess it myself when I still have doubts.

And I would be pleased to help, of course . . . what did you have in mind?

[x-dazzler.livejournal.com]

That's okay. Time will tell. :)

And well - see, there's this class I teach and I happen to think you would do it a world of good in terms of interest and power application and general all around helping me out a bit too in the process...

In short, think you're game to take over the kidlings' music class next term? Try it out and see how it suits you?

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

I . . .

How Sa'tneen would laugh. I do not know if I will live up to your hopes, but I will enjoy trying, I think. Thank you.

[x-dazzler.livejournal.com]

Heh. Thank you.

We can talk about it more over the summer. And I think teaching Terry about the music you know (I may lurk more, yes) will also give you an idea about things. In a milder, non "madly driven want to learn it all now!" Terry way. ;)

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

Now, now, as Zz'ria always said, a truly eager student is a blessed thing.

In perfect honesty, however, I always suspected that his tone was a trifle dry when he said it.

I will look forward to speaking with you, then. And as always, when Terry and I meet, you are more than welcome to join us.

[x-dazzler.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't trade Terry's enthusiasm towards learning about music and vocals for anything in the world. :)

And I'll take you up on that, every now and then.

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

Nor would I, but it is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure the student remains humble.

Although the longer I live here, the more I come to suspect how many of Zz'ria's maxims were meant humorously. With him, one was never sure when one was being teased.

[x-siryn.livejournal.com]

Does this mean we can start piano lessons? I have lots of free time once finals are over.

[x-dazzler.livejournal.com]

After finals, yes. Starting over the summer is a good idea, actually.

Will you be taking any of the summer electives at all or just focusing on music?

[x-siryn.livejournal.com]

I'm still looking over them but probably at least a couple. There are SAT prep classes at the community college that I thought I'd check out. My PSATs aren't what they should be.

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

I will be very interested to hear what you have to say. More practical uses of my power can only help me grow more comfortable with it--and if we learn something tactically useful, that will be good in other ways.

[x-siryn.livejournal.com]

I never even thought about that...

Um. So, that trip thing. The Professor let it go because of everything but he gave me a look the other day and...anyway. I want to see the Keep. I miss home.

[x-icarus.livejournal.com]

That's actually really nifty.

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

. . . Thank you.

Someday perhaps that will not be strange to hear.

[x-forge.livejournal.com]

Biological sonic mimicry? Sounds incredibly useful. Do you have limitations on volume, I wonder? Or can you do the same stuff Terry and her father can? Have you ever tried mimicking frequencies in the ultrasonic?

Another question that comes to mind - is your appearance part of your mutation as well, or did it develop in another way, like Dr. McCoy's?

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

I can only mimic what I can hear--and I am not sure I know this "ultrasonic," but can humans hear it?

My eyes have always been different, but I did not grow fur, and my teeth did not change, until my tenth year at the monastery--I was likely a few years younger than you are now. When my age-mates began to grow beards . . . I did not quite know how to stop, it seems.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Ultrasonic's stuff like dog whistles - sounds that regular people can't hear, but sometimes animals can.

So you got all furry and stuff at like, thirteen or something. So kidna like what I did. Huh.

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

Aah. I doubt I would be able to reproduce them, then, as my hearing is not keen enough.

As I recall, the fur was also an intensely embarrassing experience for the first few weeks--the more because I was afraid that no girl would ever want to look at me. That, to my great fortune, proved not to be the case.

[x-siryn.livejournal.com]

It's been my utmost pleasure.

Your power is wonderful. I'm the luckiest girl here because I get to hear it and I get to hear new music.

[x-kylun.livejournal.com]

Very old music, some of it. But I am glad you enjoy it.

[x-siryn.livejournal.com]

All new to me though. And it's wonderful.