lyre • venti

ii

warning!! mentions of headaches and medication.

"hmmm."

y/n maintained great focus, giving another go at fixing the lyre. they had twisted all sorts of knobs and even tried to pry open the instrument (if it was hollow) for a few hours now, but to no avail.

"what kind of instrument doesn't play anymore? ma's had her piano for generations now and it still works. though it's very fragile..." the last part was mumbled.

they continued to readjust the strings with some old equipment found in their college's music room. once they thought it was enough, they took the lyre in hand.

"now i don't want to replace any of the strings... have to keep it as preserved as possible, heck marjorie might even notice... but this is the last attempt for the day, since you're kind of annoying me."

they look a deep breath, then ran their fingers across the strings.

nothing sounded.

y/n let out a heavy sigh and placed the instrument back in the box and out of sight. otherwise, they would probably throw it.

but they opened the box again. "damn it." once they started something, it would take a while to pry them from the task until it was done.

"maybe it has to be purified by— holy lake or... or pond water...or something..."

they took another glance at the instrument.

...

"...this is stupid."

there was a cathedral near y/n's college, and a small garden close to that. they slid a coin through the socket and stepped through a small gate, admiring the fenced archway and paths littered with vines and flowers.

"holy pond, here i come." and they pressed on, finally reaching the very end of the reserve. a large pond stretched out across the land, with large trees whose leaves drooped over and created some sort of a mystical cloak around the scenery. lily pads specked the body of water, and a frog would pop up here and there too. luckily, it was open late, so they were able to enter during the empty hours of the evening, when the small lanterns and tall street lights illuminated the scenery.

"ehhhh, this is nice," they remarked, taking a seat by the edge of the pond. they took the liberty of slipping off their shoes and socks, while also dipping their legs into the water. it was peaceful, the sound of rippling water looping in their ears.

y/n gently kicked their feet in the water. it drew the attention of a few fish, which started to circle them cautiously.

they frowned. "don't you guys ever get bored in there?"

the fish continued to swim in response.

"aish. you guys swim so fast, i'm jealous. i can't even eagle float or whatever it's called."

y/n watched the fish stir for a little while longer. then they remembered part of the goods they brought along with the lyre.

"hah, well..." they began, digging through their bag. "i have a can of apple cider. from ikea. and you don't know what it tastes like."

they popped open the can and took a sip. "apples. sweet apples."

y/n enjoyed the peace longer. it was rare that they allocated time to the sort of activity, often spending their day studying, in classes, or at very awkward group meets or bonding activities. but the lyre gave them an excuse for a mini-retreat, and marjorie would probably pound them anyways if they didn't take time off for themself.

but besides, they really wanted the instrument to sound.

a wave of pain suddenly washed over their forehead. they placed a hand on the floor to steady themself and leaned back. "ow. i'm pretty sure i hydrated enough today..."

they paused for a while, slowly regaining their center. "oh well. maybe i'll take meds tomorrow. but for now! the lyre awaits."

y/n faced the pond. "fish, i played strings in high school. sure, i was mostly a cellist...but i played violin and harp too! mainly second to fill in the missing parts, though..."

they finally pulled the instrument from its box. "so let's make a deal. if you...purify, this lyre. i'll play you a song."

then their expression turned sour. "if not, i'll make you into sushi."

then they smiled again. "okay?"

they lifted their legs to drip on the concrete. y/n was ready to sprinkle some water on the instrument, but they hesitated.

they sighed. dude. have i lost my mind?

y/n put the instrument back down. "nevermind. sorry fishies, no performance today, i guess. it's late anyways. and i'm slowly losing my mind..."

they gave a gentle smile towards the creatures of the pond. a gentle wind tickled their skin and wove its way through their hair. the fishes seemed to move in response.

"you like the breeze too?" y/n looked down at the pond. "it's the late night gale."

they spared the sea creatures one last glance, then started to pack up. "well, so long, my friends. maybe if i do get this thing working, i'll come back and play you a tune."

they stepped through the gate, right before the automatic locks clicked shut. a light current traced a path from the bushes, to the trees, then to y/n. even the plants are happy i didn't do who knows what to that instrument. marjorie probably would've killed me, too.

a small ache reappeared on their head. "i want coffee."