Song and Dance by carlsojos

Sheryl can't help but feel a little anxious as she waits in the alleyway where Genna promised to meet her. As the odd drunkard and shady character walked by, she simply watched as the sun slowly slid behind the abode of the largest modern building in Aiedo.

Just as she was about to chalk the encounter up as another lost opportunity, she spots the dusty woman walking up with a large black case in hand. What is this, Genna?

That music guy said I could let you try this. Genna opens the case, and shows the ancient guitar to her friend.

How do I use it?

Good question. Try to figure it out. Sheryl picks up the instrument, and after figuring out the shoulder strap, tries brushing her nails across the strings. Though almost inaudible, she hears five tones reverberate back at her.

Is there a special way to use these strings?

There may have been one, but I'm sure the technique's been lost to time. See if you can play something! Sheryl pulls at the strings one at a time to replicate an old children's song. Unsatisfied with how flat it sounds, she tries adjusting some of the knobs on the top of the instrument, and notices how the tones change in response.

I don't know. It seems like it would take some time to get used to this thing. Is there an easier way to play?

Genna feels the strings, and notices how the strings seem to be of different lengths. What if you push down on the strings? Sheryl grabs the guitar's neck, and strums another chord.

Oh. She again plays a simple tune, and finds the sound much more pleasing. As she starts into another simple melody, Genna pulls out her flute and joins in the music.

After Sheryl had fallen asleep, guitar still in hand, Genna got up and made her way towards the Marketplace, and made her way to one of the shop clerks. Excuse me, but could you write a letter for me? The bored clerk shrugs his shoulders, pulls out a piece of paper, and writes down the note that Genna dictates.

To whoever's in charge down there, I'm looking for a type of book with strange symbols in it. They are little round ovals with lines on them. I don't know if you have any, but I think you might since you guys are all bookworms, right? Send it to Genna in Aiedo, because I would like to borrow one.

Satisfied with how it sounds when the clerk reads it back, she puts a postage stamp on the paper, scrawls Piata Academy on the back, and puts it in a random mailbox on the counter. The confused clerk watches as she walks off, and then moves the letter to the outgoing box.