Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vora Zorell (Scientist) in Holodeck 2- Musical Explorations

Posted by Lieutenant Siennadye Nox (Counselor) in Holodeck 2- Musical Explorations

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vora Zorell (Scientist) in Holodeck 2- Musical Explorations

(snip)

Her expression shifted to match the intensity and forcefulness of the bridge and it was probably here where it showed clearly that the truth of the song resonated clearly with her.

Next time I’ll be braver
I’ll be my own saviour
When the thunder calls for me
Next time I’ll be braver
I’ll be my own saviour
Standing on my own two feet

So I won’t let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won’t ask you, you to just desert me
I can’t give you, what you think you gave me
It’s time to say goodbye to turning tables, yes
To turning tables
Turning tables, yeah.

As the final key was played, Vora became still, letting the music sit with her for a moment. She even momentarily forgot that Sienna was even there. She rarely played music in public and this whole music group thing was a chance for her to push herself in small ways to stop being so comfortable with being less than she was. But she couldn’t sing songs that didn’t have meaning for her, even if they were more fun and not entirely true to her experience. The problem then became that the songs she did sing were so heartfelt that she felt every emotion and that could leave her almost breathless. It was the consequence for having her experiences etched so deeply on her heart. It was the epitome of being vulnerable and while it was one thing to do so here with Nox, it was quite another to do so in front of a crowd.

Lt. (j.g) Zorell, Sciences

OOC: Oops, forgot the credit/link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbazHYqAW-s ~L

Sienna listened quietly, taking in the woman’s emotions as they flowed out. Vora was likely unaware at how loud her emotional experience was, but Sienna was not about to interrupt the scene. There was much she could learn from the other Sienna’s notes but being in this moment now with Vora gave her so much more. It was the difference between reading and experiencing. One can give an outline, a general direction, even details, but the other was immersive and general understanding became acute and intense discovery.

The music faded to a memory and Sienna found her eyes to be tearing up. This was probably quite a step for Vora though she might not have realized it before she started playing. This Sienna was a new person to her, their friendship small and on tenuous ground. And too, Sienna was tasked with helping her work through the deepest of her pain so that she would react in a more healthy manner during missions.

She touched her lashes, wiping away the moisture that had developed there and breathed slowly in and out. “It is a haunting song.” She said at last. “And clearly has an emotional impact on you.”

Nox, CNS

Vora let stillness sit between them for a moment before she dared to look at Nox. While she hadn’t shed any tears, the emotions that threatened them were still there. “I wish it didn’t,” she said distantly. “I wish I could just let it go, but that that is the process I’m going through right now where I am working to stop this stuff from affecting so much of my life.” She exhaled and with it came a release of tension. “I think it’s good for my music, but I’m not sure I can just set it aside for only this. Is that even possible?”

Lt. (j.g) Zorell, Sciences

She considered the question and how she wanted to answer it for a long time. It was a good long minute before Sienna returned the woman’s gaze with empathy and a need to help. Even though their music session was supposed to be casual and friendly, they had ventured into the professional territory, but Sienna kept her tone in the helpful and thoughtful contemplation range rather than professional help range.

“I think music speaks to one’s soul. I think its possible for music to be instrumental in helping one expose oneself in the most vulnerable of ways in one of the most safe ways possible, experience a thing intensely and then recede ones emotional damage to a smaller state. I have seen a significant trauma fade to a very small one with musical therapy. The person in question had a strong connection to music as well as a complete willingness to be vulnerable in that way in front of and with their counselor. It is…” Sienna shrugged and looked at her glass flute in her hand. “Powerful and visceral.”

Nox, CNS