second stanza [video]

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

[Kuja is dressed in her usual garb, and the tail which was evident when she first arrived seems to have disappeared. She offers the Vine a bow. It is a bow without a particularly respectful air, more a dramatic gesture than anything else.]

Now that I have been here for some few days, I've decided to make the attempt to discover whether there are others here like me. Not of my kind, as I sincerely doubt that could be the case, but of a similar bent.

I am a poet, and an actress of no small renown, and I wish to know if there other artists here, like myself. Painters, sculptors, writers, or perhaps musicians? Even a patron of the arts. It would be a great pleasure to discuss aesthetics, as well as the passion and wonder of creation, with like-minded individuals. We might collaborate, combine our talents to reach ever more lofty creative heights. I don't doubt that this Garden would benefit from a stage performance, a concert, or a gallery.

[She pauses, and it is a practiced pause.] Relatedly, I have been browsing in the library, and there I found many volumes of verse. Having read them all, I am curious--does anyone possess more such books? This is a rare and most likely unique opportunity for a poet such as myself: to read verses from another world.

[As a side note, some may find that the library's collection of poetry has mysteriously decreased, as Kuja has stolen borrowed a large number of the books.]

Comments

[urbanwonderland.livejournal.com]

[Reeve smiles a greeting. She finds Kuja quite interesting. Also, a little amusing-- but in the way that one is amused by a clever entertainer. What an odd feeling to have!]

Well I'm certainly glad to hear from you again, Kuja-- and that you've found an interest to pursue here. I'm in the arts myself, well not strictly speaking the fine arts-- but I'd love to help if I could? I'm an architect, you see-- I'd be happy to take a shot at designing a gallery if you'd like!

As for the books-- no, I've no poetry here, just a lot of science and things of that sort, I'm afraid. But I was wondering-- I could have sworn you had a tail. Did anything-- happen to it? Or is that sort of thing kept covered in your culture?

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's my drab little bird. Though your clothing is blue... you should change it to something more suitable, brown or gray.

An architect? [She is slightly intrigued. There is art in architecture, she cannot deny it. In some forms of architecture, that is.] I had noticed that this place lacks a unified architectural vision. It's slipshod. Graceless. I will consider your offer, but if there are no artists here to fill its halls, constructing a gallery would be a wasted effort. Like a body without a soul. [She shakes her head.] In my palace, I had many art treasures. I wish I might set my gaze upon them again.

Science is a subject I have some small interest in, but at the moment, I would prefer books of poetry.

[She seems annoyed at the mention of her tail. Denying its existence might be futile at this point, thanks to this place's magic.] I have no need of a tail.

[urbanwonderland.livejournal.com]

Oh. Of course not!

[Reeve blinks-- and doesn't alter her friendly expression. She does chuckle a bit, though.]

Ah, yes-- well, you'll have to forgive me. My nest at home is full of other birds wearing the same sort of feathers. I'm afraid I'm expected to fit in. On my own, it's another matter-- but when with the flock! Well, you know what they say.

Just keep me in mind you've a need for a palace or a gallery, then! An architect's life here has so few rewards.

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

[She's glad that they have moved on from the subject of her tail.]

If you prefer to remain a sparrow in bluebird's plumage, by all means. [She was mostly joking, and she gestures with one hand, as if to say it matters little to her in the end.] Yet in spite of the color, the design is so dull. You are not now with your flock, are you? Why then do you persist in wearing their feathers?

[Kuja's tone becomes authoritative.] Tell me of the structures you have designed. Describe your aesthetics and your inspiration. If I approve, I may accept you as my architect.

[urbanwonderland.livejournal.com]

[Reeve blinks again, this time in surprise. She hasn't heard demands delivered like this in-- well, a while! Not that Kuja sounds anything like President Shinra. But the experience as a whole does remind her a bit of being called on the carpet. She smiles. This, she can handle. She thinks.]

Well, you see I suppose I've a bit of a sentimental attachment to my feathers, even though I'm far from my flock. Perhaps it helps me to hold out hope of returning home sooner rather than later. But it's funny you should call us birds-- the city I live in is one I designed, and she's suspended in midair on a system of pillars and plates. Midgar is her name.
She's my favorite creation, but I've built other cities, as well as housing ranging from the palatial to multi-family. I've also designed opera houses and exhibition halls, if that's more up your street. So to speak.

My aesthetic tends to be aspirational-- I like to build structures that make life more pleasant as well as more beautiful.

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[restlessdevil.livejournal.com]

[Wow. Zenobia likes what she sees.] Hello! My name is Zenobia! Nice to meet you!

Um, I'm not an artist, but I'd like to become one. Would that be possible?

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[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

[Hm, this one appears to be a humanlike person with a monster's wing. This does not surprise her.]

I am Kuja. [Kuja is generally not pleased to meet anyone, but she's being polite enough. Having made this overture herself, she will remain mannerly. She considers the foolish question she has been asked.]

Artists are both born and made. One can learn a craft, but if one does not possess a natural aptitude, that mysterious, elusive gift known as talent, all one's training and practice may be for naught. [She looks stern.] Even for those with talent, art demands of its practitioners a lifelong devotion.

So I cannot answer your question. That depends on you.

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[restlessdevil.livejournal.com]

That's cool. I'm all about lifelong devotion. It's a very romantic idea.

I guess I'll have to see if I have the born-with parts, though. I never really had time for art back home. Unless you somehow count making pies. I should go make some canvas and paint and see what I can do.

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[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

There is a romance in dedication. True devotion is an ever-burning fire, and what could be more beautiful than a flame that never dies? Defiant in the face of wind and water. Some single-mindedness is necessary for any artist.

I would not count making pies. [On this point, Kuja has no doubts, but she nods at Zenobia's next words.] One must make the attempt, or one will never know what talents lie hidden within.

What would you paint, on your canvas? [Her tone sounds condescending, but that could be intentional or accidental.]

[video]

[nelsangue.livejournal.com]

[She might as well get to know people outside of her initial arrival and now that she's clad in her Assassin garb, she's more willing to talk, most of her face cast in shadows.]

You would get along very well with a friend of mine from home.

[video]

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

Is that so? It is a shame that person is not here. [As there are very few people she gets along with, she would be extremely interested in meeting one.] This world could use more artists in it.

You are not one, I assume?

[video]

[nelsangue.livejournal.com]

Leonardo would have a great time I am sure but seeing as he is a man... [She laughs and shakes her head.] He is not only an artist so I am sure he would study every inch of the gardens too.

Mi dispiace, no, I am not. My involvement only extended to purchasing paintings for the villa.

[And then Cesare destroyed the villa and stole the paintings.]

[video]

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

He sounds a fascinating person indeed. A pity I will not meet him, if he is not permitted to enter this realm. I too have been other than an artist: an inventor, an advisor, a stateswoman. [Kuja is not to be outdone, even by those who are not present.] There is much to explore here. These Gardens have their mysteries, and they keep their secrets well-hidden.

No matter. We cannot all be artists. [This woman seems at least to have some appreciation for artists and artistry. She will attempt to make conversation.] What is your occupation, then, if it goes beyond the purchasing of paintings?

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[aureation.livejournal.com]

I'm not what you'd call an artist, but I certainly take interest of nearly everything in the arts. I certainly couldn't be any help with collaboration, but I would love to be able to talk about it.

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[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

I'm pleased that others share my interest. [Somehow she's found herself living with children, or as good as, which is--bizarre. She would like to speak to individuals of greater sophistication. She has grown a bit bored.]

What would art be without its admirers? It is true that an unseen work exists, but it takes on its true life in the eye of its viewer. An actor needs an audience, a poet her readers. [Kuja's interpretation of her own work as "acting and poetry" might be seen as inaccurate by some, but surely a metaphor is not a lie.]

What is your name?

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[aureation.livejournal.com]

It's very rare you find someone interested in artistic tastes similar to your own. [She gives a gentle laugh.] Even when I lived in New York it was hard.

Mn, I agree. [A small tilt of the head.] Art without admirers would be a sad world. [Even in her own work, Gabrielle sees her sniping as a form of art. The weight of the rifle, the precision of the scope, aiming to hit the target in the perfect place—it may have not used paint, or word of poetry—but it was graceful. Powerful with meaning.]

Gabrielle. [The corners of her lips curl into a smile.] And yours?

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[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

So true. For much of my life, I have worked among those with little appreciation for the artist's craft. [Oddly enough for an art-lover, Kuja has probably single-handedly destroyed more artworks than most people will see in a lifetime. If anyone were to mention this to her, she would claim that their transience but made them more beautiful, but she does feel a twinge when she thinks of it. She has never heard of New York, but she understands the sentiment, though she does not know the place.] Even in the polished courts of the world's most powerful kingdoms, one encounters such paucity of spirit, sadly.

I believe that it is by its art that one can best understand a society: its strengths, its weaknesses, its cruelty or mercy. Art is the heartbeat of a civilization. One need only listen for that rhythm. A nation with no appreciation for art would not know its own heart.

I am Kuja.

[mellifluently.livejournal.com]

I have some books of poetry.

[She looks away from the mirror for a moment, locating the books she's thinking of on the two shelves in her room. But there are less there than she'd thought, and she looks back.]

It wasn't really my priority at the time, so there aren't many, but I could make more. And, ah, I'm still learning, but I sing.

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

[Kuja brightens considerably at this news.] I would very much like to see them. I can never have enough.

I have heard of the manner in which people make things here, but I had not realized one could create books the same way. If this is possible, I could reproduce much of my own library, having learned so many of its sweet words by heart.

A singer... [She smiles, possibly even more pleased by this.] I do so love music. And would you sing for me?

[mellifluently.livejournal.com]

[She nods.]

I made these as part of the room. I wasn't really expecting them to be complete, but they are.

[But then, she had put a lot of effort and concentration into fully visualising the room.]

I imagine making books individually will be simpler. I have some sand saved, so I can make the rest that I remember for you today.

[She dips her head, a little shy. She was used to others coming across her singing, or singing for her family, but a requested performance was something different.]

I'd love to. I need as much practice as possible. It's easy, to get distracted here, sometimes.

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

Delightful. And here I thought I would have to do without my beloved books, a dreary proposition. I feel as if the sun has just risen.

You're very gracious, child. What is your name?

I look forward to experiencing the sweetness of your voice. You speak so lightly and so beautifully. I reside in the Treehouse, with Sora and Xion, if you are familiar with it. [It is more than a little odd for her to be living in a treehouse with two persons she considers children, but perhaps it is part of her penance.]

[gardenmeddler.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I would call myself an artist, but I do have a love of aesthetics. My interests lend themselves towards clothing, and also gardening, if you would be at all interested.

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

Oh, very much so. Clothing can be a form of wearable art, can it not? And more lively than a painting, if more ephemeral--but that is the nature of things that live. They die.

Gardening I know less well. My home was in an arid desert. My gardens took the form of stained glass and statues, but I can appreciate the beauty in a greener garden. I have thought that this land might be improved by more order and design.

[gardenmeddler.livejournal.com]

I choose to think so. Is art not simply putting yourself into something beautiful?

I understand the trials of deserts. My home was an oasis in the midst of the sands. I was lucky to find a place as beautiful as I did. And I agree about the increase of order. I have done the best I can, but there's only so much one girl can do.

[existwithoutme.livejournal.com]

On that point, we agree. Art should enrich all aspects of one's life. It should live with one and be lived, not sit upon a shelf and gather dust. My own garb is always of my design, though others make it for me.

My palace lay below the desert's surface, so I had no place or need for a garden, but I have at times found myself in manicured gardens and conservatories that were themselves like works of art.

I have been considering what I can do to add to the harmony and unity of this place, but so far my ideas are merely that. What efforts have you made?