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Post by CelticCailín on Jun 13, 2013 1:50:23 GMT -5
Music, sweet notes of pure joy and happiness. That was all that passed through my mind as I furiously played, plucking my harp strings with vigour I'd never had before. Pub sessions like this were the perfect place, a place to bust out a few trad. tunes with likeminded musicians.
Keeping pace with the bodhran and accordion players, the old, weather beaten door of Danny's was suddenly creaked open, and people entered the crowded pub in droves, attempting to flee the sudden onslaught of rain that was the norm for October. Paying them no notice, I kept on, and focused only on the tunes. Voices rose and fell, almost in perfect pitch with the music that threatened to drown out the multiple conversations.
Almost as soon as it'd began, the impromptu session was over. I longed for the next chance to play, the next ceili, gig, or session. For as long as I could remember, music was a huge part of my life. My instrument itself was practically antique, an old Celtic harp crafted by my great- grandda's hands, and never seen use until I came along.
Snapping out of my reverie, I noticed that during the quick break, the music had resumed and a new player had joined. The best thing about a session is that anyone can play, you just have to pick up the tune that's already been started by the others. Across from me, a fiddler sat, playing Glasgow Reel without hardly any effort at all, so it seemed. I admired the ones who had that mystical quality to their playing, the ease of stringing together a tune that I strived to perfect. Nobody else had joined in yet, so I readjusted my position, pulled back my harp onto my shoulder, and promptly lost myself in the song. Our instruments blended together so seamlessly, my singing harp keeping pace with his fast fiddling, creating one harmony that was unlike any other I'd ever played.
Afterwards, I pondered who the mysterious fiddler was. I'd never seen him around, not busking the streets, nor in a session or at a ceili. He promptly packed away his instrument, and trodded back out into the rain that was now lashing down on Banbridge.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2013 15:31:55 GMT -5
hmm this is cute so far more please ^^
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Post by CelticCailín on Jun 13, 2013 15:35:45 GMT -5
Without pause, I launched into "Star of the County Down" to much applause from the pubgoers. I sang along, keeping time with the thump-thump of my harp and heart.
"Oh, from Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay, Galway to Dublin town, No maid I've seen, Like the fair colleen That I met at the county Down."
A glance at the clock told me it was late, and I plucked the final note, and it hung in the air, suspended in time. It had been an interesting evening, but now it was time I go home for the evening.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2013 22:14:13 GMT -5
another cute update keep going ^^
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Post by celticbear on Jun 14, 2013 13:42:57 GMT -5
Great Start! I have a feeling the mystery fiddle player is Emmet! Update soon!
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Jun 15, 2013 23:54:54 GMT -5
Ooh good start update when you can!!
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Post by CelticCailín on Jun 18, 2013 15:36:47 GMT -5
Quickly, I packed up my harp, and began to lug it out the door, and down into the damp streets. The strains of music, laughter and conversations spilled out into the streets from the close quarters of nearby pubs. With relief and tiredness, I strode into my warm, homey house and promptly fell asleep on the couch.
Ring. Ring. Ring. The metallic din of the telephone woke me, and I blindly reached to answer it before the caller hung up.
"Hello, Róisín speaking." I groggily answered.
"Ah Ro, how're ye? Bit foggy brained, are yous? Do you not remember me?"
The realisation of who was calling hit me like a lightning bolt. I'd been anticipating this day, this call, for so long now!
"Sharon, it's been a wee while since we've talked, like! Aye, last night was a late one, gigging down in Danny's. What brings you to call so early on a Monday?" I asked, inquisitive as to why I'd been awoken at half five on a Monday.
"Well, Lisa has sadly decided to leave the group, and we're down a principal. Would you be interested in coming down for a few days, we've a few other ladies in mind aswell, need to get it all sorted as soon as possible. I would love to have you there."
For a split second, I considered my options. Sure in Banbridge I could play at ceilis and down the local, and fleadhs, but there was nothing the scale of this opportunity in the entirety of Down.
"Yes! I'll be there."
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Post by celticbear on Jun 18, 2013 17:47:52 GMT -5
And so begins Ro's job with CT! And Emmet enters her life!
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Jun 18, 2013 19:21:41 GMT -5
;D yay! Update soon, I like where this is going
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Post by CelticCailín on Jun 20, 2013 3:05:37 GMT -5
"Be seeing you, Róisín." replied Sharon warmly, clearly pleased I'd taken up her amazing offer.
Heart racing, I said my quick goodbyes and began to madly throw clothes into my case, running around like one possessed. Within the hour, case, harp, and all, was jammed into my tiny car, headed for the capital city.
Hours later, tired but excited, I arrived at the theatre that was practically my home away from home. A bit hesitantly, I unloaded my instrument, and made my way backstage, trying to find myself a spot to get ready among the general happy din. Before I had time to check over my harp, a group of us were called to the front of the house. Standing before us was Sharon, cutting a businesslike but welcome figure. After a moment's pause, she began to speak.
"Ladies, you have all been brought here for the purpose of auditioning to fill Lisa's spot as a potential principal with Celtic Woman. Some of you are multitalented artists, and that will be an asset to you. One by one you will perform for me, whilst the others observe from the audience. Best of luck to you all. First up is Grainne O'Dowd."
Quietly, the rest of us found seats in the audience, and watched attentively as the first of the few performed. She was well talented, but lacked the necessary stage presence. One after another, the hopefuls fell away. I could tell by the mask of concentration on Sharon's face that she hasn't found "it", just quite yet. Finally, it was my turn. I went backstage to collect my instrument, and was horrified to see it had been desecrated. No longer did my beautiful harp stand tall and faithful, instead it lay in several pieces on the ground. Were one of the girls so spiteful that they'd take their anger out on another artist's mouthpiece?!
Embarrassed and red faced, I slumped back onto the stage, temporarily blinded by the array of lights. With my heart sunk down into my toes, I confessed that I could not perform.
For a moment, Sharon just stared back at me, uncomprehending. But then, it was as if a lightbulb had went off in her head.
"Róisín, come over here a moment. I already know you can play, but now I have a different question to ask of you. Can you dance?"
"Y- yes I can.. Whyever do you ask?" My eyebrows shot up inquisitively as if to punctuate my question.
"I have something.. shall we say, different planned for you. Sinead will be Lisa's replacement."
I wanted to protest, but knew it was in my best interest not to do so. What could possibly be better than becoming the new principal of Celtic Woman?! Surely thats the top of it, I mused to myself in stunned silence.
"For now, go out, enjoy the city. In two days, you will understand what I mean."
_________________________________________ Two days later....
Once again, I'd returned to the theatre. This time though, it was deserted, not a soul in sight. My fingers had been itching to play, longing to hear the familiar strains that so often helped me keep my wits about me. As I hummed the very same tune I'd played with the mysterious fiddler, I danced around the stage, feeling nothing but lightness and joy with every step and leap that I took. Abruptly, my bubble was burst, and I had almost managed to knock over an entire set that I'd never taken any notice was even there at all. Glancing down, I saw the lines and curves of a Celtic cross under my feet, and large stones scattered about the upstage. Sharon's earlier words ran through my head, but they still made no sense. Was I to be but an extra body to fill the space, a choir member?
Breaking through my wild train of thought was the sound of slow, even clapping. Odd. There wasn't anybody here a moment ago. I turned to face the audience, and there was Sharon, standing amid rows of empty seats and looking very pleased.
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Jun 20, 2013 12:32:07 GMT -5
what's gonna happen?! Lol I love this. Update soon.
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Post by celticbear on Jun 20, 2013 13:11:29 GMT -5
Okay! The set you described reminds me of the Mythology set! I bet Sharon has chosen out girl to be a CT dancer!
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Post by CelticCailín on Jun 20, 2013 16:37:00 GMT -5
Abashed, I began to apologise in stammering sentences.
"Uh.. Sorry for almost destroying your set." I choked out, profusely embarrassed.
"It's okay. That's almost a regular occurrence with Colm around!" reassured an unfamiliar voice.
I shot a puzzled look at Sharon, totally unawares of what was going on. She just smiled back mischeviously.
Suddenly; standing in front of me was a dark haired, tall man with the purest blue eyes I'd ever seen, like crystalline icicles in January.
Gesturing to me, Sharon spoke.
"Róisín, this is Colm Keegan. Colm, this is Róisín Donnelly. Now you know each other."
Extending a hand to me, he smiled and spoke a friendly hello. I could tell from his voice that he's from a district of Dublin. Interesting.
"I swear I'm not half as clumsy as they say." he winked as he spoke.
"Who is this mysterious "they"?" I asked, curious about who he was and where "they" were.
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Post by celticbear on Jun 20, 2013 17:57:31 GMT -5
Wow! Roe does not know about CT! Well she's about to get a crash course in CT 101!
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Post by CelticCailín on Jun 21, 2013 2:45:15 GMT -5
" "They" would be us." chorused deep, male voices from behind Colm and I. The others came to stand beside Colm, and there was a blonde, very tall man who introduced himself as Keith, an older man named George who looked fatherlike, a man with eyes the colour of melting chocolate named Neil, and a Moy man called Ryan. They all seemed friendly enough, but the curiousity of what they were doing here was eating away at me.
"So, what do you do, exactly?" I asked, still puzzled as to why I was presently surrounded by five very good looking men for apparently no reason at all.
Colm stepped forward.
"Well, we s-iii-nnnnn-gggg." he trilled in a low soprano that was pleasing and unexpected.
"And we play instruments." Neil mimed air guitar.
"AND.. we dance. Well, swanky walking is more apt." admitted Keith, as he strutted around, to the amusement of the others.
"Aye, but who ARE you lot?"
As if they were one person, they all answered my query in unison.
"We are Celtic Thunder!" Answered the lads with cheeky grins plastered on their faces.
Oh, I thought to myself. I guess they're a male version of Celtic Woman. Must be. But why would Sharon have me here with them? For these thoughts, I had no answer.
Bringing me back from my thoughts, was the loud, impatient clap of Sharon's hands.
"Lads, this is Róisín Donnelly-" she began but was cut off.
"Róisín.. Little rose, then? You don't look so little yourself." slagged Keith.
"I'm all of twenty one, should ye have need of that information."
"Anyway, she will be a dancer and band member for the opening of our new show here in Dublin. I expect you lot to show her the ropes, well at least try to. And where has Emmet gone off to? He was supposed to be here an hour ago." She said quickly, whilst tapping her foot and tsk-tsking at this Emmet person.
"Really? Me?" I countered in disbelief.
"Yes. None of others would fit with this lot, they're much too tame and proper. But you, I see you've that wild spark that will fit in quite well with this bunch. Now lads, Belinda will be putting you through your paces, and you've all an ensemble number to learn."
Almost out of nowhere, a slim woman with dark hair and light eyes appeared. She came up to me, and asked my name.
"Róisín, I'm Róisín Donnelly." I said, not sure what she would make of me.
With a small laugh and a twinkle in her eye, Belinda turned to Sharon and spoke.
"Sharon, her name is Róisín.. If I didn't know you better I'd swear ye planned this."
"If the shoe fits, why not? And it just happens to work out with her name being what it is, Belinda." she replied, pleased to no end.
Belinda arranged us all around the set, and I was directed to work my way from offstage over to Colm, who was standing by a solitary looking bench. What in the world.. I thought to myself as the music began. I began to slink my way over to Colm and the lads, who were looking in my direction, trying to suppress roaring laughter. I'd made it over to him, and took his outstretched hand that he offered me. And then George began to sing.
"Near Banbridge town, in the County Down One morning in July Down a bóithrín green came a sweet cailín And she smiled as she passed me by."
I couldn't help meself. The sheer irony of it all was too much for me. The song. My name. Where I was from. Along with the lads, I began to laugh. I shot Sharon a glance, eyebrows raised as if to ask why she hadn't forewarned me about this.
Over the laughter, I caught her words.
"Well, the shoe does fit!"
And she was right. It fit indeed, almost too well.
After collecting ourselves, the song I both loathed and loved continued. George picked up from where he had left off.
"Oh she looked so sweet from her two bare feet To the sheen of her nut brown hair Such a coaxing elf, sure I shook myself To be sure I was really there."
The reactions of them all were hilarious, and I shook out my hair over my shoulder in mock playfulness. They all joined in for the chorus, and I was passed from lad to lad.
It was Colm's turn to sing, Neil had just finished his bit. Belinda stepped in to direct us before he had hardly began.
"Now, you are madly trying to impress her, but you mess up and you," then she points at me,"are not impressed by him. He's not the suitor that wins you over."
"Hey!" interjected Colm. "I never get the girl. Not Katie, the lass from Down." he pulled an upset face in jest as Belinda instructed him to put his arm around me, as I was to look away from him, apparently unimpressed.
"Now let's be realistic, Keegan. Wooing the ladies is my area of expertise." laughed a voice from offstage, slagging on Colm.
Belinda turned to shout at the owner of the voice.
"Emmet! Get over here, you're late, and I'm choreographing a new song!"
I couldn't see who 'Emmet' was, as I was looking away from Colm, as Belinda had said.
"You come over here, your bit's next. Come behind Róisín, and Róisín, stand up. Emmet, take one of her hands, and put one of your hands on her waist."
Belinda stood back a moment, surveying us all. I wanted to know who was this man, I didn't quite feel comfortable with him touching me. I hadn't even seen his face before!
"Right, now spin her round to face you."
As I spun, I noticed something. His eyes. I'd seen those eyes before, filled with the concentration and elation that can only be found in a musician's face. I knew those eyes.
He studied me a while, and I knew he had recognised me, just as I had him.
"Well well, so we meet again, little Rose."
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