[open] wake up, it's time to gather now

[cointosser]

Who: ALL OF THE FREE CITIES.
What: A glorious celebration and a Summoned-powered festival!
When: The second week of May.
Where: The Old Public Hall, the outlaying plaza, spilling into the streets of Cadens.



The Reopening Celebration

[The flyers appear all at once overnight among all of Cadens, with the front text reading: GRAND RE-OPENING OF OLD PUBLIC HALL. FIVE DAYS OF CELEBRATION WITH MERCHANTS FROM ACROSS THE FREE CITIES AND NOCWICH, ALL TO CELEBRATE THE REOPENING OF ONE OF CADEN'S ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS AND THE FREE CITIES'S OWN FORM OVER FUNCTION FESTIVAL! with the dates given underneath.

The back of the flyers will list the precise details, including the topics of each day of the festival. This festival is to act alongside and celebrate the native Free Cities celebration Form Over Function week that the Cities host every year. As with most things Jaskier and Alucard touch, it has to be a little Extra.

New to the city? Want to change careers? As suggested by the mods, the Summoned can use this festival to look for work or make new connections in the Free Cities with the locals displaying their craft. Artists, artisans, playwrights, theatres, inventors, and scientists will be looking for the next wave of brilliant minds and talented individuals.

Also acknowledged on each flyer are the equipment and food donated by the various Free Cities governing bodies.]

The Aquila Portal

[A big celebratory announcement during the first day of the festival will be made in front of the Hall once the market opens. This is the grand unveiling of the new portal that is being permanently opened to Aquila, agreed to by the Free Cities government. The announcement comes from several of the Free Cities' very own Summoned: Jayce, Claude and Sam.

The portal is intended for leisure and business travel and will have a crossing fee. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will go to providing those of lower incomes with a single paid-for trip to and back from the Aquila portal. Please make use of such generosity, Summoned!]

The Lunae and Ikorr

[Most of the festival is meant to feature the local artists and artisans of the Free Cities. However, many artisans from Nocwich have also been invited and provided with their own space, with water misters set up to keep the wolves and vampires (and visitors, of course) cool in the desert air. Long, shaded walkways keep visitors safe from the sun.

The Lunae have a history of traveling to Solvunn to attend celebrations, so they will arrive in Cadens in greater numbers. While the vampires have less of a presence than the werewolves, they will still offer their wares like blood-infused wines, glowing flowers, and unique meat dishes - similar to what was provided last year!

All three Nocwich ambassadors will make an appearance for at least one of the days.]

The Festival Days

[A large open-air market will be open throughout the celebration, which will feature retailers and artisans from Aquila, Cadens, Libertas, the Lunae, and the Ikorr, all set up in the plaza that leads up to Old Public Hall itself. Advertisements will be posted to entice new tourists to Aquila, in the interest of Fallon Marsh's new push for tourism to the coastal city.

Each "day" features a special theme:

• Book and Literature Day includes a seller's market inside and on the steps of Old Public Hall, along with book signings throughout, starting off the five-day celebration. The latest and the greatest works that have come from Free Cities minds are featured, sold, and autographed. If you're an up-and-coming writer, there are small podiums and stages set up on the outdoor stages for you to provide readings of your own work and advertise any exciting new book clubs. There is no promise of quality for the open-mic readings, and there's no withholding criticism when it's bad either.
  
  Large presses and the self-published all share their wares, ranging from the latest scientific journals to the unsurprisingly long line to meet the author of the popular Onion James mystery novels. Near the new bar in Old Public Hall, an informal bookclub will open will be hosted. The evening will feature authors in conversations with each other, offering book signings and writing workshops for nervous young novelists. If you're curious, feel free to join in and show off your newest writing piece!



• Painting and the Visual Arts Day marks the second day, which will see the Old Public Hall transform into a gallery for a day. Featured artists are lesser-known independents, working to create monumental-sized paintings, glass sculptures that refract light, tiny drawings that show skill on the smallest scale possible, and more. The Hall provides the ground for artists to lay out sales of local paintings, sculptures, woolen arts, and even the services of artists themselves. All matter of art will be set up for sale in the Old Public Hall, as well as works organized on the main floor of the Hall as a gallery. Clothing designers from Aquila will be showing off the latest fashions, as well as looking for new models among the visitors. Libertas's artists will once again be pushing their counterculture art, supported by Quilleth Kaur and the Arts Restoration Committee.



• Science Day will feature a symposium on the current state of technological developments in Cadens and how they relate to artistic practice on the third day. Within the Hall itself, the maze of the books from the previous day has been replaced with an open floor plan, allowing for a horseshoe-shaped display of inventors and their wares -- and a surprising amount of artisan fashion work. Two large areas feature in-depth talks about recent developments in both fabric production and sewing machines, resulting in more unique fabrics and dyes that will be displayed later that evening.
  
  
  
  
  Keep an ear out, as the names "Jayce" and "Viktor" float among the populace as Summoned inventors to keep your eyes and attention on. Provided by these two fame-collecting talents is a display of their fantastic revolving armillary sphere, modeled after the astronomy of Abraxas, which casts an atmospheric starry light over the area once night falls. This new permanent installation is now available for viewing in front of Old Public Hall as a navigation point and to show the union between art and science.
  
  Further into the night, garments will be shown, with a discussion about new techniques used and how they were made. The beauty of asymmetry is lauded, with the use of coraline plant fibers for boning, experiments with structure and bright fabric dyes, accented with fine details. Shapes and textures are exaggerated and celebrated. A large screen behind the stage allows for some projection magic to focus on all the little details for the whole crowd to see.



• Theatre Day arrives on the fourth day. Indoor and outdoor stages will be set up, featuring short plays and costume shows. There are several morning workshops available for perusal; some are writing-focused, led by some of Libertas's leading playwrights.
  
  Outside of the Hall is the brand new romantic comedy All The Wolves You Loved Before, commissioned for the grand reopening by one "J. Alfred" to be performed for the first time ever. It tells the story of an exceptionally handsome, white-furred werewolf from Nocwich with a charming and surprisingly funny demeanor, falling into scraps and eventually into love. Inside the Hall is the classic Murder Among Thieves, a mystery featuring a group of bandits that are picked off by a killer one by one.
  
  That night, Old Public Hall will host the three-act play It Happened In Section 600. The horror piece sells hard on its exquisite special effects (made with a combination of science and magic), telling the story of Miss Harker, a new librarian at the University in the early days of the Free Cities. Ghosts supposedly haunt the library, but just exactly why remains a mystery until Miss Harker starts her first day. The mystery features spirits and a tale of revenge with the early days of the Free Cities as the backdrop.
  
  Local theatres will provide backstage access and classes on special and visual effects. Playwrights will provide signings and host writing workshops as they scope out new or aspiring young actors. For those brave enough, you can find others to help practice your audition or even aid others in theirs!



• Concert Day, which marks the end of the event, features live, performed music from 3 p.m. until midnight, acting as a tour de force of the restored Hall's acoustic capabilities where both technology and magic work together. Smaller, independent bands will be highlighted and enhanced with magical special effects, with -- unsurprisingly -- the night ending with a special performance by the Gem of the Phoenix himself, Jaskier! Rumors have it that the appearance of a real phoenix itself may appear, granting supreme luck to all who see it in the future...
  
  The magic of the Old Public Hall is in use for this concert series, where magic birds will explode and fly among the eaves of the Hall's roof, the roof will disappear in view of the night sky, or small explosions of color — named "fireworks" — pop off with every growing crescendo. The final show will feature a performance of Jaskier's ballad to Lfybringr, ballads of bravery in the Free Cities sands, and exciting tales of forbidden lovers meeting in the eternal night of Nocwich.
  
  
  
  The final song of the night, ending the Festival, is "The Phoenix Always Rises From The Ashes," a loud and explosive power ballad that sounds strangely like modern rock to some ears, meant to invigorate and inspire all of those who have lost hope. This show features magnificent displays of wildfire magic, echoing the unrestrained strength of Libertas's people. When the final line echoes through the hall — And the people, like the phoenix, will always rise! — a gigantic, illusionary phoenix will appear, covering the roof of the Hall, giving a beautiful, defiant screech before exploding into feathers. These feathers are soft to the touch, quite real, and can be taken home as souvenirs.

As always, thank you for your patronage and interest in the arts, Free Cities. Remember that, in the end, the people will always rise.]

Comments

The Free Cities Conclave Public Statement - Closed

[hextechhead]

[Jayce, Claude, and Sam have been waiting for the right time during the festival to do the unveiling. It is during the first day as the large open-air market is set up at the plaza in front of the newly unveiled Old Public Hall.]

Hello everyone!

[Jayce steps forward first and he has a strong voice used to making public statements. He's smiling widely, his own enthusiasm palpable.]

We have exciting news but first I would love a round of applause for the incredible work that has been put together for the Old Public Hall and this festival. Jaskier, our very own Gem of the Phoenix, and Alucard have worked tirelessly on this project.

[Jayce applauds, hoping other people will do the same.]

As you may have heard, we were given permission to create a Summoned Conclave. Vanguard Sam Wilson, Claude von Riegan, and myself, Jayce Talis, were elected to represent the Conclave, and we're very honored. Our first request to the Free Cities, voted on by the Summoned, was a permanent portal opened to Aquila. Our news is that it has been officially approved!

For a crossing fee, people can now explore Aquila directly. We want to thank Fallon Marsh as well as the other representatives for making this a reality.

[ He looks over at Claude, stepping back so he can speak next. ]

[godshattering]

[ There's an easy smile on his face as he listens to Jayce speak and as he nods at important points. This is a big occasion all around: from Jaskier and Alucard's hard work he applauds, to the festival in all its grandeur and offerings, and now to the portal offered to them all.

Enthusiasm is no less obvious on Claude's part when he steps forward at Jayce's cue. This speech is something he feels confident in giving as well from years of them, and it comes as naturally as ever as he looks out to the crowd. ]

As Jayce mentioned, the portal to Aquila now means easy travel between not only there and Cadens, but also from Libertas to Aquila. This links the cities in ways that will only stand to benefit each thanks to their fellow Free Cities citizens and the Summoned alike. There's chances for trade, learning more about and appreciating the arts and history of each city, and supporting each economy by visiting markets, shops, and trying new restaurants. The latter is something I'm looking forward to myself.

[ Is he kidding? Maybe, but there's a grin to go with that which suggests it really might be something on his own agenda while visiting. But - there's also more (important) things to be mentioned yet. ]

More importantly, this truly is an exciting time. This portal offers an opportunity for the Free Cities to be more united than ever by granting access we've not had before.

In addition to that, we'd also like to thank Nocwich for their support. Artisans from Ikorr and Luna are here as well, and we encourage you to support them as much as they'rve been supporting all of us.

[ With that, he'll step back as well for Sam to take the spotlight. ]

[falcony]

[ sam joins his other conclave representatives in looking calm, comfortable, and entirely too used to his place up on the stage and in front of everyone. while he might not carry the same sort of ease as jayce and claude, sam steps forward mid-applause with his own smile, his own experienced turn towards the crowd. ]

Now I know everyone wants to get back to the actual party part of this festival, so I promise I won't be much longer.

[ he laughs a bit, nodding at the crowd like he knows he's going to get heckled. whether or not he does, sam turns back to the crowd with a bit more of a serious tone to him. something that carries weight, though he is still smiling to the crowd. ]

This is something to celebrate- the restoration of this hall, [ he gestures around him, to the hall and the celebrations and the sheer number of people. ] the opening of the portal, and everything that's brought us here. I've watched over the last few months- hell, year at this point- as Cadens has opened its arms to us Summoned and given us a place to call home while we need it. That isn't something to take for granted, and I feel like I can speak on behalf of us Summoned when we say we do not take that for granted. And now, with these opened portals, I feel like it's safe to say that all of the Free Cities feels a bit more like home- not just the capital. We're dedicated to being members of the Cities while we're here, and that goes for helping change it for the better.

Which, I also have the honor to remind everyone that a portion of the proceeds from this festival will be used to provide those who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford the portal crossing fee a single, paid-for trip to and from Aquila. So if you're thinking about buying something, now you have twice the reason.

[ ha ha, he's funny when he tries, isn't he? someone please laugh because otherwise he's just going to provide the laughter himself before he turns back for his final comment. ]

All this to say: I wanna thank y'all one last time for coming out today. We all know Jaskier and Alucard know how to throw a party, so I think it's about time we get to the fun part. To the Old Public Hall!

[ and with one final applause, he'll step away from the mic and effectively end their speech. ]

Alucard | Castlevania

[cryptsleeper]

[Al will be more or less everywhere, so feel free to wildcard as needed]

first 4 days, ota

[cryptsleeper]

[Throughout the festival, Alucard can be seen hovering in the background of events. If he's outside, he's walking around and making sure things are running smoothly. Only on occasion does he sit down and enjoy himself, such as viewing the new play All The Wolves You Loved Before, where he sits towards the back and seems to be genuinely laughing.

If Alucard is inside, he's lurking near the Hall's new bar, sometimes writing or checking a large pad of paper, otherwise keeping an eye on things.

He's willing to stop and talk if anyone he knows approaches, or if he's managed to find a spot of rest for himself. Almost inevitably though, he greets all with the same:]

And how are you finding things?

concert night, ota

[cryptsleeper]

[When night falls on the final day of the festival, Alucard sheds his usual black trousers, white shirt, and dark coat for something all together more elaborate. Everything has gone as smoothly as possible, and the work is officially done. That is plenty of reason to dress up.

Not that he's going to outdo certain people in the garment department, but he does have a bet to win.

Finally content to wade into the actual crowds following a near week of lurking at the periphery, he walks with the ebb and flow of the would be mosh pits that form and then break away, or otherwise manages to move with the crowd.

Of all the things though, there is a very small smile on his face.

When there are breaks for set changes, Alucard sits himself at the bar, blood wine in hand and perhaps looking a little pleased with himself. Those he knows get a polite nod of recognition - an invitation to speak further if wanted, but hardly a requirement.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda hasn't forgotten the bet she'd made with Alucard the night of the gala. She had caught sight of him on the other days of the festival running around in his usual get up but she had steered clear knowing full well that this festival was everything that he and Jaskier had been working towards. She'd find an opportunity to catch up with him. And besides, she had some of her own work to do for this.

She had worked her little fingers to the bone in time to ensure that several of the actors performing had stunning costume jewelry and accessories. Her perfectionist side had reared its head, but at the end of the day even she had to begrudgingly admit that she was satisfied with the results as they glittered under the stage lights.

The evening of the concert, she's dressed in a darker colour palette than what she might normally wear in sort of an homage to Alucard. The dress may be more simple, but that's by desigh. A delicate bodychain wraps around her torso and neck and her hair is arranged around a gold headband - both made by herself. In between sets she finally finds him and she approaches, grinning from ear to ear. ]

I've been waiting all week to see what you ended up wearing! [ There's an appreciative glint in her gaze as her eyes flit over his garment. ] I'm happy to report that it's definitely fancier than your gala outfit.

Closed to Jaskier

[cryptsleeper]

So.

[It is just him and Jaskier in the hall now, crowds gone and clean up crews not due until nine o'clock. Alucard stands on the stage, looking out over the garbage, the spills on the floor, the signs of life in the building. Everything worked. Everything has been used as intended.

And while Alucard knows what comes next, there is a little bit of bittersweetness in the air right now. He doesn't have to come in here tomorrow and work. There are new projects.

He exhales, slow and steady.]

Now what?

[cointosser]

[So.

It's a brilliant sight. It's what a bard lives for, isn't it? Well -- okay, the crowd is what he lives for, first of all. But the aftereffects. The evidence of the crowd, the people, that were once there, who indulged and laughed and enjoyed themselves simply because it was offered to them. By the two of them.

It's the biggest thing they've done so far, and he's enjoyed every second of it. The Lost, the cultists, his assassination attempt, the torture and execution -- none of it remains in his thoughts now.

He is thoroughly glowing, sated, like after a very, very good orgy. And, similar to the orgy, there is the leftover mess.

Jaskier's legs hang off the stage, but he has fully fallen over onto his back. Mog is nearby, crawling primly between spills, keeping his paws delicately dry.] I think now we go into a coffin and sleep for a bloody week. [Jaskier tilts his head back to peer up at the miles of dhampir above him.] Gods, man, I too am a workhorse, but you can take a bit of a moment to savor what has been done.

[Savor. Before they move on to the next thing.]

Closed, Jayce - Concert day

[cryptsleeper]

Do you have an idea of how many have used the portal already?

[Alucard is aware that he's loitering beside his own building, taking advantage of the shade it casts as noon passes. Crowds are starting to line up for entry, and there's no better place to observe but not be especially seen than to the right of the building, where a narrow alley makes for the stage entrance before opening up into the street proper.

Not wanting to appear like the kind of person who lurks in alleyways means that the dhampir is leaned against the Hall, and okay. Asking about visitor statistics as Jayce is passing by is weird.

But he's curious. And a little concerned, based on what Jayce has said of politics and being a public figure back home.]

[hextechhead]

No, but the enthusiasm is heartening. It helps some of the proceeds are going to allow people without the funds to go. I'm wondering if long term we can come up with an equalizer, but that's more something for Fallon.

[ Jayce is practically glowing at the moment. His energy is high, his smile bright, decked out in gold, white, and red, the Talis colors. He stood up to make his speech with Claude and Sam and he looked like he belonged there, his confident presence undeniable. The fact this was his suggestion and it came to fruition, leading to opportunities no one had before, is particularly exciting.

Since this is now his home, his energy has really turned into making it his focus and goal, same as Piltover used to be. He'll always miss Piltover, but all Jayce can ever do sometimes is look forward. He's had to accept his fate, so this is the present. And today it feels like he's really done something good, always his motivation.

He smiles at Alucard. ]

But who cares about that compared to your amazing triumph with this place. It is truly incredible, Alucard. How does it feel to have all your hard work culminating in such beauty?

Jaskier | The Witcher | OTA

[cointosser]

[Like Alucard, Jaskier can be found nearly in every corner of the celebrations as the festival goes on, nearly glowing in his newly fitted outfit emblazoned, boldly, with an embroidered phoenix on the back. It seems that ever since Jaskier has gotten wind of his new nickname among the city, he has fully embraced it in the most obnoxious way possible. (Unlike Alucard, he also wants to be found.)

His response, if questioned on what the phoenix is about or why he's so obnoxious, is:] Well, the Continent never saw fit to give me a title; apparently, they only saw my worth in bestowing titles to others. IF you ask me, "Gem of the Phoenix" rolls off the tongue with an elegance that "White Wolf" doesn't, and I came up with that one. Truly, the people here have their fingers dipped in poetry.

[Every day Jaskier can be found in the markets buying bags upon bags of things, to the point that you might catch him with a younger man following him around, carrying all of them. (Yes, he's getting paid for it.) Jaskier chats up his fellow artists and will answer any questions or direct confused patrons. He's set up everything meticulously, with his fingers in every pie.

There is also a storefront rather close the Hall, recently occupied after some time being vacated, that has the front door open and an strange path of grass that leads straight in. Once inside, the curious can see that the inside marks the beginnings of a burgeoning new plant store. While most shelves are empty, there is at least one large set of shelves filled with tiny green sprouts covered in fine white hairs in cups. If Jaskier is not there to tell you, a sign will: Celebrating the upcoming opening of your soon-to-be favorite shop! One per guest. These sprouts are quite hardy, need only a little water daily, and are ready to be bring joy to your days. - J. A. Pankratz. Please take one!

Jaskier can sometimes be found rearranging the plants and cooing to them, or singing a little song as they sway in unison. If you catch him in the store, he'll greet you with a large smile and light in his eyes.] Welcome! I hope you're in need of silent companionship, because you've come to the right place! Here, come, come, give them a touch! I call them "wolf's ears." What do you think? Unbelievably soft, aren't they?

[Before the concert, he's especially jovial and bubbly, as if the last month hasn't happened. And while there may be an herb-y smell about him, he promises he is fully lucid -- he must be to use such magic as his concert will require.

If you'd like, you can stop to join him for a small feast. Jaskier will be set up near the stage with a bottle of rich, red wine and an inexplicable steaming basket of pierogi filled with beef, potatoes and cabbage, which taste as if they were made only a second ago.] Please, help yourself! Believe me, you and I will both need the energy.

[That's all the hint he gives about the concert's grand finale: the giant firebird which displays itself, fueled entirely by his magic. And luckily it's a success, because he's only practiced it twice.]

[After the concert, he can be seen splayed over the nearest flat surface, Mog the toy gryphon tucked into a bag at his side or resting on top of his chest. The magic took nearly everything out of him, yes, but it was absolutely worth it.]

I think I could die rather satisfied. What do you think? [It's not immediately clear that he's actually asking the gryphon, who makes literally no response. In fact, it appears to be ignoring Jaskier altogether.]

Closed to Geralt

[cointosser]

[Of course Jaskier has done nothing but talk Geralt's ear off about this festival -- but only after he had set it into motion, moved money to the correct hands, and gotten the permission of the Cadens government to, once again, take over.

The more power he's given, the more he seems to go mad with it. Luckily, for Jaskier, going mad typically means 1) bids to garner more attention from everyone around him, or 2) more chances to make every soul in the Free Cities learn his name.

Certainly there's a sort of addictive element to becoming the most famous bard on a second continent.

But today, when Jaskier pulls Geralt into the waiting door of his still-in-renovation store, there's almost... a hesitation. While Jaskier is an entrepreneur, he has never, exactly, been a business owner. Not so directly. A benefactor, yes, but a sole owner?

Surely this is his version of a mid-life crisis.]

Well? What do you think? Here. [He displays him to one of the many sprouts Jaskier is offering for free, their leaves unfurled to display their fuzzy white leaves.] It is mere coincidence that I named it wolf's ear. Everyone loves wolves. They're a very popular symbol in all sorts of folklore. Besides, I think we can both agree that canine ears have an adorable quality to them. That's all there is to it.

[It's a selling point. Quit looking at him like that.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda isn't intentionally on the look out for Jaskier. After their (bloody) adventure in the mountains, she suspected he had been busy spending time with his own loved ones much like they all had and then the execution and gala had happened, and now the reopening of the Old Public Hall. She knows full well that he and Alucard are likely flat out tending to their grand celebration so the last thing she wants is to get in the way. But a patch of grass in the middle of Cadens isn't exactly normal, and her curiosities take over. Soon enough she finds herself in the soon to be plant store and greeted with the sight of none other than Jaskier himself.

She catches the tail end of the plants swaying in time to his tune and how they seem to wilt a little disappointedly when he stops. If Jaskier's bright grin isn't enough to entice her to check out the little plants, his description of them certainly is. She tugs her glove off to stroke the sprout, a spark of delight appearing in her eyes. ]

I've never felt a plant like this! Are these from home?

Plant Shop

[nadine_he_loves]

[Of course Nadine has come out for every day of the festival. She's made the time for it - which is a lot easier these days. How could she not support Jaskier, when he's put so much time and effort into this? And not just the festival itself...

She finds the flower shop easily, dressed appropriately in one of her favorite 'going out' dresses. It's funny how they've both gravitated towards plants and nature in this world. She'd certainly never been much of a gardener before this. A couple of rose bushes outside her door that had come with the little house she rented in Barnstead had been about it.

Now half her time is spent among flowers and herbs and the like. Both for business and recreation - tending plants, she's found, is very soothing and pleasant. And it's something they can share.

In a variety of ways.]

Jaskier, this space is great! Look at this...

sparkles at

[falcony]

[ sam has, of course, been seen out and about around the festivities. the moment that jaskier had even suggested that he might be thinking up a grand event, sam had known he would be there - and once he and jayce and claude had heard back about the portals, well, suddenly his presence at the festival had an official capacity to it, rather than simply as an extra set of hands.

because of the conclave duties, as well as the rest of the endless to do list items he's had built up over the last couple of months, sam isn't able to help out with the preparations - or even hosting any part of the festival - as much as he'd like. which, of course, means that while he's in attendance it is only with the utmost pride in jaskier and alucard; what they pulled off, everything going on. it's impressive, beyond impressive really, and sam is happy to fill in the obnoxious supportive friend role from the audience during the show itself.

he waits for a good while after the concert is over before he goes to find jaskier, snagging one of the many bottles of wine out and about and sneaking through the crowds. he finds him splayed out across a table with mog at his side, and part of sam almost thinks he's mid conversation when he speaks. it just takes another moment or so before he's able to realize that jaskier was probably talking to directly to mog, but sam figures it's as good a time as any to but in.

so he does - slipping into a seat on the other side of jaskier at the same time he sets down the bottle of wine, grin evident in his voice when he leans in close to jaskier's ear to answer: ] And deprive your adoring fans? You would never. [ when sam sits back, there is a pretty self-satisfied grin to him - though the majority of that has to do with his pride in jaskier than anything else. ]

That was a hell of a show, Gem of the Phoenix.

After concert - one helpful monk if it's not too late

[rarebenedictine]

[It's a small wonder that Jaskier did not immediately fall asleep, the second the spectacle ended. Cadfael saw the bard visit Nadine a few times, but he can't with good conscience say they know each other. He wouldn't be himself if he left such a dramatic proclamation unanswered though.]

I think, and I believe the gryphon would agree with me, that a good night sleep and a good meal could save you from perishing. I also think that lady Nadine would be quite displeased if you were to perish.

[He nods with a smile. The title fits Jaskier perfectly.]

Lord Gem of the Phoenix.

if this is too late ignore me sobs sorry - After concert

[hextechhead]

[ Jayce has seen Jaskier out and about obviously, and he was kind enough to let the Conclave speak at the start of it. The excitement they had over being able to announce the portal was infectious, and then the rest of the festival has been bright and shiny. He's in a fantastic mood and has been smiling for days straight.

He's decked out in a suit without the jacket, his tie gold and his vest red over a sharp clean white shirt. They are the signature Talis colors and his most common look, especially during formal events. It is rare for a single hair to be out of place, although he does pull off the tousled look well, but it's the end of the night of an incredible show.

He goes to find Jaskier on purpose because something like that needs to be profusely talked about. Jayce smiles and takes a seat nearby, unconcerned that he's doing so in his nice clothes. They'll need to be cleaned after today anyway. It's nice to get a chance. ]

After a show like that? You definitely could and live in fame, but we'd all miss you too much, so please don't.

[ Jayce offers his hand toward Jaskier. ]

Do you want a kick of energy? I can help.

[ It won't reinvigorate him, but maybe take some of the exhaustion. Jayce's skills as a healer is at the top he can currently get, and much of it was finding ways to give Viktor stamina and pain relief. So it's a particular skill. ]

— for viktor

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda isn't entirely sure what to expect when she hears about Science Day, but she takes a break from her furious jewelry making to visit. She has no doubt that Jayce and Viktor will appear somehow whether it's their work or their physical presence and she wants to be there to show her support to them as well as Alucard and Jaskier.

She goes in with no expectations and a rather unruly, large package tied together with an equally unruly ribbon that she deposits with one of the staff she recognizes from earlier visits. Free of her package she sets off - and it's difficult for her not to walk around with her mouth agape at everything on display. It's overwhelming even for someone with a leaps and bounds of enthusiasm and energy like Hilda. The displays are pushing her perceptions of what's possible with fashion and as inspired as she is, she can't help but feel like the ideas and projects she's currently working on pale vastly in comparison.

Eventually she sits herself at a quieter corner of the bar area beside her very large, flat box with a cup of tea staring into space a little vacantly in thought completely missing the approach of someone. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor has mixed feelings about the opening ceremony for this event, mostly involving the conclave and all the talk about the Summoned being part of the Free Cities, but of course he can't resist something called Science Day. He spends much of it answering questions about his current projects, to the point where he's more than worn out by the end, not necessarily accustomed to amount of inquiries he's been getting. After finding the missing Summoned, it seems like he's in the awareness of more people than usual, and he's not quite sure how to adjust to that.

Hilda, of course, has not escaped his attention, no matter how occupied he might be by the day's activities. In fact, he finds her while trying to do some slinking off of his own, and decides that he could probably use a drink, just as she looks like she could use one, too.]

I've been looking for you.

[Not strictly true, as he's been distracted in the interim, but he hasn't forgotten about her activities during the opening speeches. Viktor invites himself to sit next to her, flagging down one of the waitstaff so that he can order something for himself.]

How are you enjoying the festivities?

[Beyond, you know, making the giant cardboard cutout of Jayce's head.]

Nadine Cross | Open

[nadine_he_loves]

Painting and Visual Arts

[Considering she and Julie will soon be moving into a proper house, Nadine fully intends to get some new art to decorate. There's certainly plenty to choose from, and of course she's going to support another one of Jaskier's festivals. It's inspiring, how much he does for the community and the arts.

And thanks to both of their various ventures, she has quite a hefty coin purse to shop with.

She's been walking the various stalls and displays, nothing much catching her eye, until she comes to an arguably morbid set of paintings. Anatomical charts mixed with flowers in various state of bloom and decay. A painstakingly rendered ribcage wrapped in vines. A spread skeletal hand with rings of small flowers. A coral chambered brain sprouting shoots and ringed with dead petals.]

Look at these...

[She isn't talking to anyone in particular as she moves in close to inspect the pieces.]


Concert Day

[Nadine isn't going to miss the concert portion of the festival. Jaskier's performing, and she's pretty sure that's a big part of dating a famous musician.

But it's a bit of a long hall.

At the start of the concerts, she has a wooden vendor tray strapped to her front. It's filled with short versions of the new Phoenix-themed joints available at Salves & Stitches. Each of them wrapped in red and gold flower petals, and free for the taking - one sample each, please. What better place to advertise than at a concert festival?

Around the middle of things, the tray is long gone and so are Nadine's shoes. She's relaxing on a blanket with a snack and a drink, enjoying the music but needing to be off of her feet. She's a forty year old med student with her own business, she's not built for nine hour music festivals. Especially ones that start in the middle of the afternoon. She looks like she'd be grateful for some company.

By the time Jaskier takes the stage, she rallies once more, her focus fully on the stage. It's a spectacular show, and she claps and whoops as loud as she can at the finale.

By then she's ready to get her shoes back on and stagger tiredly home.]

Wildcard

[Nadine will be all over the festival, feel free to toss me a starter if the above don't appeal!]

[everybodysterrible]

Dude. Sweet.

[Abby will just, help herself to one. Free shit is free shit. Abby's not sure what she's expecting out of concert day but she dressed nice enough. Black and red pinstripe pants, pink blouse, black corset. And little skull themed hairclips to just be cute (for her).]

Got a light?

[Abby is aware that someone else in Julie's herbolgical business enterprise is not okay with Abby smoking. Due to the age thing or something. But Abby has hardly been good at letting details get in the way of free fun.]

Jonathan Crane | OTA

[restingstitchface]

[Science Day. Now there's something that drags him out of bed and onto the streets. He arrives in the middle of the morning, full of curiosity and expectation. He can be seen attending lectures about artisan fashions, eagerly learning about the chemistry involved, while looking positively unenthusiastic about the concept of fashion.

What here relates to science? To discovery and invention? To understanding the human condition?

His questions are gentle attempts to strike a conversation that involves his interests. People may overhear him investigating The Academy of Medicine and what passes for psychology and psychiatry in this world. He levereges his experience in lecturing at university and begins looking for work.

For as much as a scientist works out of love, he needs money to survive.]

viktor | ota

[techmaturgy]

i. science day

[Viktor is slightly more accustomed to putting his name and face to his own work than he used to be, but it seems he’s still adjusting to his newfound notoriety. If asked, he’ll say that his tracking gambit to locate the kidnapped was what anyone would have done, but it’s clear that it’s gained him some attention about which he is not sure how to feel.

(He is also not quite sure how to feel about the speech from the Conclave, looking vaguely unreadable for the duration—or maybe it’s just general discomfort with the giant cardboard heads).

But given the fact that he’s an inventor and also a small business owner currently expanding to Aquila, it seems prudent to have representation on this day in particular. There’s a small display outside of the Rio Enterprises, where Viktor is happy to talk at length about his current work—everything from equipment for desert hunters to small clockwork objects, enchanted to the user’s specifications, to more esoteric plans that haven’t yet come to fruition.

Later in the day, he can be found at his armillary sphere, making sure that everything is running smoothly and taking in the atmosphere.]

ii. at the old public hall

[When he does escape the various presentations and festivities, it’s for a very important reason. Jaskier has a concert later in the evening, and a long-discussed plan is coming to fruition. Viktor holes up in the Old Public Hall. Those who try to peek in during the day will find the place chaos, equipment everywhere, wires and cables snaking around the floor, and what appear to be rudimentary speakers and microphones.

It is probably not difficult to guess what may or may not be happening here. This is an important concert, and Jaskier wants it immortalized. Viktor is only happy to oblige.

Ever the perfectionist, he continues to make adjustments even if someone (you) is trying to talk to him, bent into the inner workings of something-or-other. Probably he’s got grease on his face. As soon as he hears someone approach, he’s quick to thrust his free hand out behind him.]

The wrench, there. Hand it to me.

iii. wildcard

[I will write any kind of starter you like. Hit me up on plurk at whitticus OR on discord at whitticus#8139.]

III

[cryptsleeper]

--Is it ready to go?

[Alucard poked his head in every so often during the concert set up, making sure that Viktor had everything needed and was able to work in peace. Now though, with the bigger part of the evening about to begin, he wants to be sure.

Ever a good host, Alucard also holds out a glass of red wine for his friend.]

In case you wanted a drink.