[PQ] [SE] Sing Down the Stars

The smell of venison makes her stomach rumble; Amalia bites impatiently into her bread, waiting for the meat to cook. Washing it down with a gulp of tea (she recalls distinctly the last time she had spirits, and is not ready to repeat that night), the baker tilts her head expectantly, waiting for Jigano to lead the charge, instruct them on a plan. The harp produces pretty notes, an easy tune plucked by skillful fingers to which the girl hums along. Never skilled with musical instruments, Amalia has nothing but tongue and ear, two tools which have served her well enough but contribute little in the grand scheme. Still, she is game to give what she has, nodding agreement at Jiano's terms, ready to attempt to weave her own magic, spinning word and lyric from nothing. Jigano's opening is easy to follow, a lilting tenor in her ears. After a moment's hesitation the girl responds, her own rich alto hesitant, thoughtful, and undercut by Jyoti's sudden need to coo and call along: "Please keep us from the cold and dark, Make bold our voices and our hearts." A slant rhyme - not perfect, but it is all she has for now. Turning a grin to Deimos, she raises an eyebrow in silent challenge, as though to question whether or not he will reply with mischief and mirth. a m a l i a You were young and you'd stare With a reverence unimpaired Searching in your dark eyes to find the stars already there