Marked [EverlyxSterling]

Kassi didn't respond, keeping her silence as she continued looking down at her hands. Singing was a sore subject for her. She didn't budge until he mentioned they were leaving the Expressway. They were so close already? Despite herself, she looked up, watching buildings pass by. This place was utterly fascinating. She had never seen anything like it. People were performing on the street instead of just walking around with frowns on their faces. She heard the faint strings of music and watched the man out her window playing loudly for all to hear. A smile found its way to her face and she wished absently that she had a coin to toss in his hat.

She left the car with a hand from Mikel, but for once, she was scarcely paying him attention. There was too much to look at everywhere else. Even the street sparkled! She blinked and looked all around, then finally turned back to Mikel and attempted to hold in her excitement like a child eager for Christmas.

"This is amazing! And we aren't even inside yet!"
 
Mikel smiled down at Kassi. He felt like a gatekeeper, or a grand showman - slowly pulling back a velvet curtain to reveal a backstage treasure with dramatic effect. Mikel reached down and grasped Kassi's hand, and led her down the sidewalk toward the Emporium. A dedicated crosswalk could be seen spanning the street, and in place of solid, polymer bars were thousands of tiny clef and treble decals that led to an open lot sandwiched between two buildings. Halfway across the street, it became apparent that the Music Emporium itself was in the rear of the lot, and the foreground area was a teeming menagerie of musical instruments, artisans, portrait artists, and booths offering music lessons for every instrument imaginable. Migrating along one of the aisles was akin to traversing a bazaar market, along with the density of people that brought movement to a crawl. There was something refreshing about the way the event was both perpetual - the Emporium and front stalls had been standing for decades. The effect has often been described as spiritual, forcing those infected with the rush for tomorrow to slow and enjoy the bliss of the now.

Beyond the stalls loomed the Emporium building itself. The black, metal roof spanned the entire width of the lot, and had a slight curve like an aircraft hanger. Ornate patterns of intricate design lined the top section of wall, and the lower walls were painted a jarring combination of blue, white, and orange. Two turn-styles occupied the center opening on the main face, which was normally covered by a sliding metal door - the door had a painted mural of three women playing guitars and flutes in a forest.

Mikel was first through the turn-style and waited for Kassi to pass through.
 
Kassi held Mikel's hand tight, and that was probably the only thing that kept her moving in the right direction. There was simply so much to see. She saw artists such as herself, but instead of paintbrushes they were armed with pencils and pens of all colors. Before she could stop and stare, she was tugged along again, this time pausing when she saw a laughing group trying to learn how to play a banjo. They were quite terrible at it, but they were having fun, and that was all that mattered. She smiled, continuing to toddle along behind Mikel while trying to see everything that there was to see. It was the one time that being in a crowd didn't drive her crazy - the noise was simply part of the experience. Music was everywhere! And art! She felt like her head was going to start spinning from attempting to see it all.

She refocused on Mikel only when he released her hand so that he could go through the turn-style. Blinking, she looked up and realized they had reached the Emporium. It was massive, bigger than she had expected. She smiled excitedly and went through the turn-style, giggling a bit when it lightly bopped her on the behind. Her hand found Mikel's once more.
 
Overwhelming, eclectic sound flooded the ears upon entering The Emporium. It took a moment to register the encompassing effect, which washed over whoever entered like a sonorous tsunami. The ambient euphony greeted the ears as the bazaar delighted the eyes, and was dizzying in its magnitude and complexity. Far from dissonant, the orchestra of seeming chaos had a unique, if unconventional, harmony that enticed a welcoming feeling. Each step taken into the vast open chamber heralded different qualities of music from each direction. The music came from several sources scattered within the room, arranged with an ordered randomness, like notes on a sheet. Horns could be heard, along with flutes and stringed vibrations of varied tenors. Percussive instruments beat supportedly underneath the other sounds, and instilled an organic aspect to the building like a pulse. Glass counters lined the perimeter, and stood in front of walls displaying larger, more expensive instruments.

Mikel gladly took hold of Kassi's offered hand again. He held it firmly, half wondering if he might lose her in the amusement park of sound around them. Mikel noticed that Kassi was absorbed in the experience, wasn't paying attention to him. He smiled, satisfied his suspicion appeared to be gaining purchase with Kassi forgetting her oppression, even for just this hour. The feeling was warm and convivial, and Mikel hoped it would heal Kassi in ways he could not.

Mikel amused himself with the Emporium's near circus atmosphere, and nodded to numerous informal groups of people adorned with tattoos, dreadlocks, and outrageous jewelry. Some wore cadet hats, others hats of glittering sequin that sparkled like psychedelic rainbows. More importantly, Mikel noticed what he suspected, and remembered from his last visit here. He noticed many of the musicians and bohemians wore the most basic clothing that exposed their arms without apology. Groups of Marked and Unmarked friends laughed and greeted one another with fervent love and affection. They shared stories and rolled blunts of dubious content, then passed them about freely after taking a drag. He wanted Kassi to see this, and very much hoped she noticed.
 
Kassi had thought that the music emporium was similar to the music shops she had been in before. A few rows of discs, a stack of records against a wall, maybe a few small instruments in a case. Of course, walking through the madness outside before they even got to the door had assured her the Emporium was something different. Still, she was not prepared for what met her on the inside. Not only was there so much to see, there was so much to hear. Music washed around them like a welcoming wave and she was left feeling as though she was spinning in a whirlpool as she followed along after Mikel's gentle tugs. If not for those, she likely would have stayed rooted in her spot until she passed out, simply listening. She looked all around, attempting to spot where each sound was coming from, but it was impossible to see it all.

One thing that she did notice was a group off to the side that was dancing. Not ballroom dancing or any sort of normal thing, but it was more complex. She tilted her head, stunned as she saw a teenaged boy twisting his body in ways that made her internally cringe. He spun on the floor as if it were the easiest thing in the world, coming up to balance himself on one hand before popping up and doing several more things that made her worry for his safety. However, he wasn't alone. Evidently there was some sort of battle going on, because when he was done and backed away, a girl stepped up. The girl wore a white tank top and dark green cargo pants, her hair long and red. What caught Kassi's attention most of all was something else - she was Unmarked. This girl was flaunting her lack of a Marking and simply dancing and nobody cared. Better, she was putting the guy to shame. Her skill was insane, and when she stopped to bow to the applause, Kassi was startled to realize the girl was also blind.

Completely floored, the silent painter started taking a closer look around. Unmarked people were everywhere. They were mixing and mingling and she didn't notice a single person who seemed to care. It was as though Milliane was an entirely different planet or this was some sort of neutral ground where your body didn't matter. She watched a mixed pair hug each other, laughing and talking. Was this normal for them? She frowned slightly, struggling to understand. If this was how it could be, why wasn't it like this everywhere? Why was it so hard for others to accept Unmarked people for what they were? She knew that she was destined to die loveless and that was fine, but surely that did not mean she was a wretched disease to be hunted down. What of these people? Was everybody in the Emporium doomed to die because they did not display the same prejudices as the rest of the world?

"Whoa, sorry," the blind dancer said suddenly, interrupting Kassi's thoughts when she gently bumped into her arm. "You're really quiet, didn't notice you," the girl added by way of apology, sharing a bright grin as Kassi stared at her white eyes in surprise.
 
The dance ensemble was funky, and of the moment. I was an honest expression of these artist, who they were, and how they wanted to leave their impression (mark) upon the world. But, such honesty requires an open, accepting environment and, most importantly, respect. The Marked boy, who performed before the blind girl, stood back and was being undeniably schooled. He could have been envious, and perhaps he was. The male dancer had a body that betrayed a constant devotion to conditioning himself for such matches. He could have been angry at being upstaged, by an Unmarked girl, no less. He chose, however, to remain at the edge of the circle, and simply smiled in admiration of the girl's abilities and prowess. When she finished, the boy clapped louder than all others and watched her longingly as she expertly made her way toward Mikel and Kassi.

Mikel knew of the Emporium's reputation, and he suspected many others in Milliane did also. But, when the Markings appeared, and people began to appreciate the bliss from true love, a cultural revolution ensued. The ways in which society stratified itself became more and less acute; the Markings decided who would hold more esteem, which relieved pressure from fringe groups that have traditionally been held in contempt by society for being different. The denizens of the Emporium was one group that benefited from the relaxed condemnation, and they enjoyed a moral equivalence that manifested as benign neglect by most of Milliane. It was widely known that the citizens of this neighborhood were accepting, and did not tolerate the hatefulness of outsiders. The diatribes and veiled threats of Mr. Dullden would not only be unwelcome, but the prole fascist would likely be run out of the neighborhood. Mikel felt that Mr. Dullden's absence was fortunate and rational; Mr. Dullden should be occupying himself trying to sway lawmakers and the elite. Once that's done, he would likely target places like the Emporium with a vengeance.

Mikel was so distracted by his musings, he didn't notice that the dancer had bumped into Kassi until he felt the repercussion through her hand. At that moment, Mikel consciously let Kassi's hand go.
 
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"It's okay," Kassi managed after a moment, scolding herself for staring at the girl who could not properly stare back. "I wasn't paying attention either. I saw you dancing. You're really good, I've never seen anything like that before."

"Oh, thanks," the girl said, clearly delighted. "I was showing off a little bit for a guy. Fingers crossed he was watching as much as you were," she confided quietly, laughter making her tone light and airy. Kassi blinked, then looked up and noticed the guy who had been dancing before the girl was still watching her. Well there.

"I think he was," she said, amused. The dancer grinned and did a little victory dance, then giggled and skipped off toward the sound of the crowd that was around the drums.

Kassi watched her go, then glanced over at the dancers. They were still going, moving in ways that seemed dreamlike. It was stunning. She knew that she could stand here for hours upon hours and simply watch them without getting bored. However, she was more interested in seeing everything else and spending time with Mikel.. who she was just realizing had been rather silent for a few minutes now. She turned to face him, tilting her head curiously.

"Are you alright?"
 
Mikel watched the little drama unfold, and smiled at the dancer's reaction to the young man's attention. So simple, so natural ... as it should be, he thought. He couldn't be more happy that Kassi was talking to someone Unmarked who showed no fear and felt totally acceptance.

White smoke.

Mikel's brow flinched as he tried his best to banish the thought. He looked down and noticed Kassi looking up at him quizzically with a concerned look on her face.

Acrid smell, burning nasal passages.

Mikel reached down and gave Kassi a hug, mostly to hide his face from the horrors that awaited the Emporium and these fine people should Mr. Dullden have his way. He pulled back, having recovered. "I'm fine. Just overwhelmed by how awesome this place is ... looks like you've made a friend?"

Hundreds of people, screaming in chaos.
 
Kassi curled her arms around Mikel, always happy for a hug, but she was having a hard time shaking the feeling that something was wrong. Was that a slight tremor she felt or simply her imagination as she held him? She looked up at him curiously, nodding once as he asked about the dancer girl. Something felt off. But, then again, maybe it was just her. This was her first time in such an overwhelming environment. She could easily be picturing things that simply were not there. Mikel was fine, he had said so. She dismissed her worry and gave him a smile, nodding.

"She was very nice. Did you see her dancing? It was amazing," she said, relaxing once more. She glanced around, trying to decide where to go next, but there were too many choices. "Which way would you like to go?" she asked Mikel, hoping he would be a bit more decisive than she was.
 
Mikel put his hand into his pocket and retrieved his phone. It was on vibrate, since a gentle ping would never be heard in the Emporium. He did not want to be distracted, but he had a special surprise in store for Kassi. Mikel glanced down at the phone, and grinned.

//Mak Scogvil
Mikel. It's yours. I'll have it delivered first thing tomorrow morning.

"Yes, she was spectacular." The phone returned to his pant pocket and then he pointed to the back corner of the vast space. "Why don't we head this way?" Mikel released Kassi's hand to slide his firm hand across her shoulders, moving her through the throng protectively. A new dance-off had begun, and the beating music was soon replaced by a smoother, more dulcet sound. Notes from a well-tuned piano wove their way within the Emporium's atmosphere, and beckoned Mikel and Kassi closer. The parlor grand piano was jet black, and easily six feet in length. The density of tone emitted by the instrument commanded all attention and dominated the ears with music that projected outward, creating a sphere of exclusivity. A cluster of people had gathered within this sphere, and marveled at the Jazz-Classical piece the dark-skinned pianist was performing.

Mikel drew Kassi close to him, and their chests pressed together while looking sideways and listening enrapt.
 
"Alright," Kassi agreed, walking with him. It was nice to have his arm around her to remind her that he was constantly there even when she was thoroughly distracted and looking all around. They moved through several groups of people and her eyes bounced from one to another until they came into view of the piano. She looked up, stunned by how large it was. It shone from the light above, the sight nearly as dazzling as the sound it was producing. She watched the pianist closely, her eyes following the way his fingers danced across the keys with such easy grace. The music swelled and ebbed like a warm tide, making her feel wonderful. She smiled and curled her arms around Mikel, resting the side of her head against him with a content sigh as she continued to watch.
 
It was as close to heaven as Mikel thought possible. Kassi was pressed close, and he could feel her delight radiate like warm sunshine. The pianist was dressed in a relaxed, white tuxedo, and wore a yellow beret that sat firmly backwards. He was a larger man, and it was astonishing how deftly his sizable digits flowed over the keys. But, his fingers did, and they conjured music that was exciting and profoundly moving. The concerto lasted nearly fifteen minutes, and Mikel knew which parts Kassi enjoyed the most by how tightly she would squeeze. At the conclusion, the audience clapped with a roar of applause, then began to disperse to other waiting venues. Mikel approached the musician cautiously.

"Excuse me, Sir?"

The pianist's mouth didn't move, but his eyebrows raised high in reply.

"Sir, your music was wonderful. I'm Mikel." Mikel extended his hand politely.

The pianist nodded, saying, "Thank ew. Miles Bagaw ..." His voice was laced with a rural accent common in the southern lands. Miles reached out and shook Mikel's hand loosely. He seemed an unconcerned man, relaxed and reserved.

"Miles ... This is Kassi, and I was wondering if you'd have a few minutes to let her sit and play piano with you." Mikel turned to Kassi, hopefully and nervous. "If that's something you'd like?" Mikel spoke to Miles again. "I'd be happy to pay you for your ti-".

"Money's no good here," he said, dryly.

Mikel looked confused. "But, the Emporium ..."

"Naw ..." Miles began, "not here," he said, waving his finger toward the roof. "Here," he said, motioning between himself and Mikel. "That's not how we work it where I'm frum." Miles slid to one side of his great, lacquered bench and patted the open space next to him. "Come on, Dear."
 
Kassi clapped happily when the music faded to silence. That was magnificent. Though she hadn't wanted it to end, she was pleased she had been able to hear it all. She smiled to herself, then tilted her head slightly when Mikel walked over to the pianist. What was he doing? She followed him curiously, finding it easier to walk now that most of the people who had been standing around had scattered. Miles. That was a nice name. She watched them, a surprised blush forming on her cheeks as she realized Mikel's intention after he had introduced her. Play? With Miles? He was talented and had likely been playing for years! It seemed wrong! She shook her head a little and was going to refuse Mikel's offer, but then Miles accepted it.

She hadn't expected that.

She hesitated, then stepped closer and took a seat on the bench. Though it was a hard and unforgiving surface to sit upon, it was actually rather comfortable. The polished wood felt slick under her jeans and she was now mere inches from the shining ivory keys in front of her. She gazed at them for a moment, then looked up at Miles, intimidated but still smiling.

"Hi," she said, struggling not to appear as wretchedly shy as she felt.
 
Miles was a large, broad shouldered man of considerable girth. Thankfully, the piano bench was larger than standard, and easily afforded both Kassi and Miles enough room to operate. They sat leg to leg. "Go ahead," Miles offered. He noticed Kassi's hesitation, asking, "Never played before, have ya?" Kassi smiled and shook her head inches to either side. "No worries, Doll." Miles' drawl was comforting, and he took Kassi's hands and rested them upon the row of keys. The ivory felt impossibly smooth under Kassi's touch, and Miles began distributing her fingers to the correct positions.

"Curl yer fingers ... hands go here and here. Sit up straight, Babe ... you're not hiding from anyone, especially not the music. It'll always find you." His last statement with a charming, wry grin. "These two sharps keys mark Middle C ... alright, good. Hold still." Miles fished in a bag at his feet that looked suitable for a saddle. He rummaged for a few seconds before producing a few sheets of music. The sheets already on the music rack contained staff upon staff littered with an indecipherable array of chords, ties, and dizzying time signatures. Miles replaced the sheet with the one in his hand, a much simpler arrangement called, "The Green Pasture." The lines of whole and half notes marched with an easy, regular rhythm across the page. "This line here, where the first note is ... is Middle C, yeah ... yer right thumb." He pointed to an stack of two numbers, a three over a four, at the left of the first tablature row. "You'll be playing in three-four time ... like this." A steady, repetitive note rose from the piano like a marching soldiers footsteps. It seemed so simple. And, while Miles was tapping the measure, his finger was sliding across the sheet to marking the timing of notes. "Ya can count it out ... one,.. two,.. three,.." Miles turned to face Kassi, and scrutinized her reaction. He regarded her with both eyes, and Kassi noticed one eye was slightly lazy. "Ready, Doll?"

He took a deep breath. "And, a one ... And, a two ... And, a three."
 
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Kassi blinked and looked down at the keys, hesitating as he invited her to play. Should she just poke one at random? She pondered that for a moment, a faint blush coloring her cheeks when he realized she had no idea how. Looking up, she shook her head and was about to stand when he took her hands in his. She blinked and watched him, surprised by how slick the keys felt under her fingers. Smooth she had expected, but these seemed polished, almost. She moved her slender fingers as she was directed, soon resting both hands on the keys with her wrists up so that only the pads of her fingers were touching. That felt almost natural, except she was still extremely nervous. She blushed more when he scolded her for slouching but quickly obeyed, sitting up straight and giving him a smile.

Middle C. She had no idea what that meant, but she nodded anyway as she watched him hunt around in a bag and pull out paper. Oh. Music. She had positively no idea how to read music, but she suspected he knew that by now. She eyed the paper uncertainly, slowly nodding as he explained the beat. That was simple. She could remember that. It had the same beat as a song she knew. Counting. Well, that was easy. She nodded again, giving him a hesitant smile. Ready? Not quite, but she had a feeling she would never say yes at this point. She simply had to try it.

She mentally counted with him, hitting the key that he had told her to when she was supposed to. That really wasn't so hard. She wasn't sure it sounded like a song since the rest of the notes weren't there, but it was definitely a solid rhythm. As she hit it, she realized that it always sounded the same. The first time she had been hesitant and barely touched it and the sound was quiet. However, the next time she hit it harder. It was louder, yes, but the sound was essentially the same. That meant that every key would sound the same when hit no matter what, which meant as soon as she knew which key looked like what on the paper, she should be able to decipher how to play. There were a finite number of possibilities, which meant once she had learned them, she could master them. She smiled to herself, reassured. Perhaps learning the piano was not as hard as she thought. All she needed was practice, and now she was determined that she would figure it out.
 
Miles was bobbing his head to the tempo of Kassi's playing. "That's it ... You got it, Doll." Kassi's music came more easily the further she progressed into the piece, and a distinct fluidity began to elevate Kassi's cobbled collection of note into music with feeling. A small crowd began to form where Kassi and Mikel had stood earlier, and most also bobbed their heads encouragingly.

As Kassi glanced ahead, an unusual notation was approaching in the measure. Miles began an accompanying burst of music in a lower register, and noticed the sharp also. He crossed his arm and caught the F# in perfect time before returning to his part of the piece. The combined effect was dazzling to the ears, and Mikel grinned broadly in approval. Indeed, he saw how much fun Kassi was having and - in that moment - wished he knew more about music or how to, at least, play an instrument. Mikel was familiar with the capacity of art to bring people together, but he realized the rigid manner in which formal art accomplished this. True, galleries were generally open to the public, but the art needed to be protected and owned, accounted for and insured. Only so many people could experience art at any one time. Music, in contrast, was physically formless, and was accessible immediately to so many.

The end of the piece was near, and Miles took over the more intricate execution of playing numerous sharps and flats within Kassi's performance. The last measure came into view, and the end of the piece was at hand.
 
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Kassi smiled more, relaxed now. She was focused on what she was doing, not realizing that she was being watched by anybody but Miles and Mikel. Her fingers followed what she had been told, her mind keeping the beat. She glanced at Miles as he began to play with her, delighted by how it sounded. It was amazing. She could hardly believe that she had any part in it at all. A soft giggle left her and she played along more, humming to herself as they went. His part was obviously much more complex, but somehow it fit in with perfect harmony. He knew what he was doing, that much was obvious. Kassi was absorbed in the music, playing on until the end of the piece when Miles smoothly led them to the close. She watched him closely, stunned by the sight of his skill up close. So amazing..

"Thank you," she breathed when they were finished. She felt oddly exhilarated, as though she had just taken a ride on a roller coaster - which was something she had never done and likely never would. "That was.. amazing." And that was putting it mildly.
 
Miles' large hand landed softly on Kassi's upper back, and the man smiled proudly at his student. Before he could say anything, however, the crowd burst end into enthusiastic applause. Kassi hadn't noticed the number of spectators, since she was concentrating so devoutly on Miles' piece. Mikel clapped the loudest, and thought to ask Kassi later if she was as stunned as her face suggested.

The adulation eventually died down, and Miles spoke to Kassi. "You did great, Doll. You sure you've never played before? Tell ya, with a little practice, you could improve real quick. You got talent, kid." Miles organized the sheet into a single stack of papers, then handed it to Kassi. "Here, take this. I can write 'nother one. Don't worry about them sharps ... People are always intimidated by keys that are different. But, ya know, can't make music without playing both black and white."

Mikel was waiting off to the side, and held a music book. He stuffed a roll of cash into Miles' collection jar. "Thank you, Miles. You've been a miracle worker."

"Naw," Miles said, self-effacingly, "da pleasure was all mine."
 
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Kassi jumped in surprise and looked up, feeling as though she had just gotten whacked in the chest with a baseball bat. So many people.. And they were all cheering and looking at her. They had an audience?! She hadn't realized. A deep blush colored her normally pale cheeks and she ducked her head with a shy smile. It was strange, to have applause directed at her. Of course, it was shared with Miles, but it was still something that floored her entirely. She was still reeling from the shock when Miles put the music in her hands. Blinking, she turned to him and was going to protest, but he was already assuring her that he could write it again. Then he said something about music that made her stare. That applied to so many things.. She nearly burst into tears right there, but she managed to restrain herself.

"Thank you," she managed. "I'll be back when I've practiced more," she added, giving him a smile as she stood up.

She went over to Mikel, feeling as if she had just experienced something akin to painting. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more she realized that the feeling she got when she was playing with Miles was the same that she got when she had a brush in her hand and was in the middle of creating a piece on a canvas. She smiled to herself, eyes bright and cheeks flushed with delight as she took Mikel's hand.

"Thank you for doing that."
 
Mikel bent low and embraced the beaming woman. "You're welcome, Sweetheart. I love you." Mikel's lips graced Kassi's temple twice with sincere love. In his hand was a beginners piano instruction guide, written by Miles. Mikel had plans for Kassi's newfound interest in music. He wondered if she could do with music what she did with painting. And, given the piano scheduled to arrive the next morning, Mikel hoped that music could encourage Kassi to spend more time at Mikel's house, and away from downtown Millliane.

Mikel took Kassi by the shoulder and migrated to the other end of the Emporium.
 
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