un: firstspear | voice

[ua_duibhne]

Name: Diarmuid Ua Duibhne
Date: 27/10
Format: voice

Let it be known that Diarmuid Ua Duibhne has sworn off of the cláirseach.

[A pause- and then he sighs. No, that's far too weak willed for his liking; if he were to give up now, he'd never be able to look at another harp again. What started as a faint interest in rekindling his connection to his father has turned into an endless string of headaches and sore fingers but he's nothing if not masochistic stubborn.]

... at least, temporarily. In the meantime, does anyone know how to restring this godsforsaken thing? Harps are so damned- [As if in objection to whatever insult he was about to throw its way, Diarmuid is interrupted by the sharp twang of another string snapping.] I might need a tutor.

Comments

[towards_okeanos]

Is it much different from a lyre?

[Surprising talents of one King of Conquerors are surprising. He's no Hesiod but knows a little about string instruments.]

[ua_duibhne]

In shape only, as far as I can tell- though, I'm sure I've offended a great many people by saying so.

[More importantly, though... what an extraordinary mental image.]

You play?

[towards_okeanos]

Most likely only musicians, and even among them only those deprived of a sense of humour.

[He learned it not because he truly wanted but ended being at least half-decent before Lysimachus gave up.]

I did. My teachers deemed it a necessary skill for a well-rounded education. Haven't touched one in ages so that past tense is probably more than justified.

[ua_duibhne]

[It really is difficult to stay feeling too sorry for yourself when you're talking to the King of Conquerors.]

Ah, I see! My father attempted the same with me but without much success. [There's the hint of a smile in his voice.] Don't take this the wrong way but I can't imagine you playing a lyre.

[Maybe a very big one.]

[towards_okeanos]

[He has that effect on people.]

Well, I must admit I was a horrible student, always much more interested in fighting than music but my teacher, Lysimachus, was not a man easily discouraged. I think the fact my father had little patience for people in his employ that failed to produce results contributed significantly to his relentlessness.

[Iskandar laughs at that failure of imagination on Diarmuid's part.]

I don't blame you. I was only ten years old then, so several sizes smaller. I might need a custom made one today.

[It doesn't mean he's unable to handle delicate ... items with care now. Just ask Waver.]