Erzsi pulled out her phone to begin making a notification to remind her. How she ever survived without this little gadget, she didn’t know. Convenience was the best thing about nowadays. “What time works for you?”
Erzsi tilted her head as Saima teases, “Tease all you want, Saima. I have never been happier. It’s interesting how people change and how that change can bring two people back together. It’s amazing really.” She can’t help but smile shyly as she talks about them. This relationship she found herself in was just so new.
“Afternoons seems to work best on my schedule. So maybe around 2 or 3 PM would be great for me.“ They weren’t particularly attached to a certain time – but the afternoon always felt like a good space to create.
Despite their teasing, a genuine little smile appears. “Ah – it is very, very interesting how people change. I’m thrilled that you’re actually that happy. It’s a real rarity to see someone so excited – so I can’t blame you in the least for being over the moon, really.”
Erzsi was thoroughly grateful for the invitation and even more grateful that she was able to attend. “Oh, good! I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t in the way, ya know.”
“I think I caught some pretty good videos of your performance, I can send them to you if you want,” she offers with a shrug. “I don’t know what kind of social media presence you have, but I could upload to my Insta and tag you.”
“Fair. But no friend of mine is in the way. Especially when I invited you to hang out and see one of the shows.“ It was the very least they could do for Erszi’s support.
“Oh that would be great. I do have an Insta – so you could tag me in it. Wouldn’t mind being able to share that with people either.“ While Saima was surprisingly sparse about having social media, they have been enjoying Instagram as a way to share music videos and things about their creation process.
“I am thinking Wednesday or Thursday, those tend to be my less busy days,” Erzsi taps her lip with her finger trying to think if she had any permanent obligations those days. “Unfortunately, Friday and the weekend is out the question because either I am in Vienna or Roderich is visiting. If that works for you, of course.”
Erzsi’s laughter grows louder along with theirs. It felt good to laugh like this. “Liszt was a friend of mine, I learned a few things from him. Maybe I could rule the world with my sweet, sweet piano skills.” And cue more laughter.
“Thursday sounds like a good day for me.“ Saima couldn’t help but smile knowingly at the mention of being in Vienna or having Roderich. “Oh, the wonders of romance – not a bad reason to have your weekends booked.“ They couldn’t resist poking a little fun at Erszi in a friendly fashion.
“Always good to be able to have learned from the greats. Hehe, nothing wrong with having fun schemes to rule the world.“
Oh! Hearing Saima wanted to learn the tárogató excited Erzsi. Of course, that meant finding hers, but she was sure it was in her attic somewhere. “I’ll have to look at my schedule, but I am sure we can schedule a once a week lesson. Would that work for you?”
“I would need to find a piano first, but afterwards there would be no stopping me. Look out world! I am going to rock you!” And then she’s laughing at her antics.
‘‘Once a week lessons would work just fine for me.” It’d be a great excuse to be around Erszi and the opportunity to learn a new instrument was one that Saima just couldn’t refuse. They were already quite thrilled about the possibility of it all.
“Hah, that’s very true. Watch out, we’ve got a wild Erszi on the loose, truly an uncontrollable force!” More laughter from Saima at the silliness that could ensue.
“You did deliver on your promise of a good time,” she laughs taking a drink of the beer in her hand. “Honestly, one of the best nights out I have had in awhile. Thanks for inviting me.”
“Aww, you’re cute when you’re a little sheepish,” Erzsi remarks with a wide grin. “Well, you deserve all the fans and attention you are getting. But, don’t let an old friend get in the way of you making connections.” She motions with her beer to all the people around them.
“Good. I try to fulfill my word when I get the chance to do so.“It was a real relief that Erszi had thoroughly enjoyed herself so much. “Glad to have made one of your best nights lately possible.“
Saima remains quiet for a moment as they smile in return. “Yeah well – I guess this is how I deal with attention. You’re not in the way at all, honestly – it’ll be nice to have you hang for a bit.”
“Woodwinds are fun to play. I could teach you to play the tárogató, it’s an instrument used in a lot of my folk music. A little obscure, but it might lend something new to your music.” Erzsi offers. Anytime she could pitch something of hers she would, it’s just how she is.
“I don’t remember the last time I played the piano. I know I got sick of doing so when they tried to teach me at the Viennese court. Goodness, I should pick that back up, it was a joy to play.”
“Huh, the tárogató? I’ve heard it used to great effect. I think it’d be super cool if you would teach me to play it. It’d be another way to add some more ugric influences to the music and I’m all about that.“ Saima was all too willing to involve those they were close to culturally in their music and this was a great way to do so.
“Ah, I get how it would be easy to get sick of doing so in that context. But I think it’d be fun to try again on your own terms this time.“
“I’m incredibly glad I did too! Hearing the music on your phone is one thing, but seeing it live! It was transcendent!” Erzsi gushes over Saima that bright smile never leaving her face. It was honestly one of the best shows she has ever been too, quite easily making her top ten.
“You seem to have quite a few fans,” she remarks gesturing to the people they were talking to beforehand. Seeing Saima like this made her incredibly happy; they deserved all praise and attention they were receiving.
Hearing that kind of praise come from a close friend was enough to make Saima blush a little bit. It was one thing to have this kind of feeling from people from home – but showing this side of them to long-time associates was another thing altogether. “Oh, wow. I’m.. I’m really happy that you’ve enjoyed yourself so much.”
Saima gives a sheepish little grin while rubbing the back of their neck. “Yeah, yeah – I guess you could say that I have a following. But it’s really just nice to interact with fellow musicians and enthusiasts.”
“I promise I won’t punch too hard if you spar with me,” she laughs pretending to jab at them.
“Do you have an instrument you favor over the others? Or one that you would like to learn?”
“Haha, appreciate it.“ They chuckle fake punching back from time to time.
“It’s so hard to pick one. I suppose I always have a weak spot for piano. But..one I’d like to learn, I’m trying to get into woodwinds. So maybe one of those types would be interesting to learn.”
Keeping her promise, Erzsi shows up to their show excited for a night of great music and light drinking. She didn’t want to get too crazy and not be able to make it back to her hotel. Beer in hand, she moves to the music, cheering when Saima takes the stage.
After their show, Erzsi finagles her way backstage to meet up with them. She waves at them, “Wow! Just wow! That was amazing!”
The night of the event had come and it’s an honor to see that Erszi was able to make it for their performance. It makes Saima all the more determined to put on a great show. Alternating between guitar and piano while singing, they give a performance that often feels from the beyond.
After the show, they had been talking to a few people backstage and just relishing in the post-show glow when they saw Erszi wave at them. Standing, they excuse themselves to go talk to her. “Erszi! I am so glad that you made it. I’m really happy that you enjoyed yourself.”
“It is! Depending on your partner, of course. And if you don’t mind a few bruises, busted lip, and sore muscles.” Erzsi remarks with a smile and a shrug. “If I get back into it, I’ll invite you to a session, if you want.”
“Which instruments do you play?”
“Hah, true true. That risk seems to come with the territory.“ But they could certainly see the appeal of taking up that kind of physical activity. “Oh cool, wouldn’t mind checking it out.“
“I play piano, keyboard, kannel – which is a traditional string instrument, guitar and cello. I used to violin as well. “
Seekesotsibteadmist 