[open] a fantastic public charity event!

[cointosser]

Who: Jaskier, open to all of the Free Cities!
What: The bard is holding a concert at Cadens's Old Public Hall in order to raise money for its renovation!
Where: Cadens
When: The end of March, a bit after the eclipse/Singularity event shenanigans
Warnings: None. This is a family-friendly event. :)

The Event

[Flyers hand-written and posted around the city of Cadens promise many a thing: a lovely night of community and belonging, beautiful decorations, a precious place to bring your bonnie sweet (the most important.) Jaskier fully intends on this being the perfect date night; the more lovers who become closer thanks to him, the better. The hall will see a larger audience than it ever has before! And hopefully more money will be thrown at it than ever before.

Of course, that’s what this is: a charity concert being held to raise funds for the old Cadens speaking hall, a large hall that has long fallen into disrepair. Through the efforts of Jaskier (and mostly) Alucard, restoration of the hall has begun. However, it has far more renovations ahead of it, and coin will be needed.

The concert is meant to be a grand time, but, it is about the money. This is a charity event, technically. But there's no reason he can't have fun with it.

And since Jaskier does nothing by halves, he has gone fully all-out. At the concert, any goers will be free to partake in:

+ free food (courtesy of himself, Alucard, and Sam's cooking, generally fresh bread, rolls, sweets, cheeses, and various finger foods and slices of roasts)
+ free wine and local juices (mostly paid out of Jaskier's pocket)
+ flowers will be given out, though it is STRONGLY IMPLIED a donation is expected (bouquets can be purchased for your honey, as well)
+ Nadine will be going around the crowd and providing small samples of tonics and potions

There will also be a small raffle that Jaskier will be running. Tickets can be bought for a small fee, and ticket holders can win small prizes of bouquets (courtesy of yours truly), a box of fresh pastries from the local bakery, an array of prized feathers from his pet toy gryphon, or a slightly fancier bottle of wine. The ultimate prize will be a free song written personally for you by Jaskier, all topics and requests accepted. Yes, it is a grand prize. For the small prizes, you can decide whether your ticket is a winner or a loser!

Please, remember to keep your behaviors amenable, fair citizens of Cadens. This concert is for charity, and no roughhousing, fighting, or generally ill tempers will be suffered. And as an event on city property, it is meant to remain completely neutral. No politics or you'll be kindly escorted outside the event!]

The Old Public Hall



[The Cadens Public Hall is an old, large speaking hall hosting distinctive architectural features that are strongly Thornean in influence. Like the old days, the concert is mostly meant to be standing-room only; the second floor mezzanine has been blocked off due to unsafe conditions (mostly old, rotting floorboards.) There's a slight musty smell that lingers despite Jaskier's best efforts to hide it.

His attempts to hide it are vast in number: every where one looks are richly colorful groupings of flowers, tied to pillars, hanging from strings of semi-magical lights that have been criss-crossed over the main concert area to mimic the sight of stars, and growing from pots meant to hide dusty corners. Illusionary birds fly and flutter about, adding spots of color and life to the old hall.

Small tables and chairs have been set out the entrance for folks to eat and relax at while music fills the hall and spills out.

Jaskier himself headlines the music, accompanied by a flautist, a drummer and a cellist. Songs that he performed at the Summit are part of his set: a song that venerates the magical accomplishments of Thorne (which may earn some grumbles from local Cadenites, but that same magic flows through the hall itself, amplifying the music and preventing echoing and regulating temperature.) His ballad about Lyfbringr, one of the gods of Solvunn, features, with a slightly baudy edge to it. But most prominent are several songs about the Free Cities themselves: bastions of hope for those who have lost their home, rich mixing pots of culture and people, with fantastic advances in technology.

Peppered among the songs are general fun, upbeat songs. As the night draws to a close, the songs become slower and softer, meant for dances between lovers.

Between sets of songs, Jaskier can be see moving through the crowd, shaking hands, dancing, and showing off his precious new pet toy gryphon named Mog, with black fur and feathers and an owlish face. (Yes, you can pet him.) Mog accompanies him on stage as well, flicking his tail and sleeping inside his lute case.]

Speech, Speech, Speech

[Like all good events, it must begin with a speech.

At the beginning of the concert, while his band behind him plays quiet music, Jaskier takes the head of the dais that is acting at the stage, giving the concert-goers a hearty bow with a sweep of his large, feathered hat.]

Hello and greetings, my fellow citizens of Cadens! While you may not know me -- though I highly doubt that, if you've ever stepped foot into a local tavern -- I have been dwelling in your city in some time now as the conveniently-dubbed Summoned. I am the Master Bard Jaskier, and tonight we have gathered for a few hours of good will and merriment.

I have been welcomed into your city ever since I came here by chance, and have long wanted to give back in what ways I can. This concert is being held for the good of the very hall we stand in, long having fallen to disrepair in lieu of other pursuits -- important ones, I'm sure! -- by the city. However, as a musician, I have high respect for any such beautiful place, and I have recently began working tirelessly with an anonymous patron and friend to restore this grand old beauty for the use of all Cadens citizens.

Please, peruse the first floor of the hall to see our recent work in restoring and preserving historical Cadens architecture. There is free food and drink for all -- though, if you're a known glutton, learn a bit of restraint for the sake of the children. [Laugh track.] There are small gifts available in return for donations at the stands just ousdie. There will be collection plates placed around the tables, and by the door -- you'll see that lovely young man there, yes? He'll be glad to take your coin off your hands! [Another laugh track. He's hilarious, he knows.] All donations will go straight to the restoration of this historic hall.

By your leave, lovely gents and beautiful dames, I bid you a wonderful night. May your hearts be light, and your coin purses even lighter!

For ideas about the general mood of the music:

Youtube Bardcore Playlist

Comments

RAFFLE

[cointosser]

Comment here if you would like to participate in the raffle! The grand prize will be a song commission written by Jaskier himself!

[gynvael]

[ Geralt is submitting a ticket strictly because he is, on occasion, an annoying shit and has written your muse on it. If he understood the usage of an ironic smiley face, there would be one.

Don't you want to write him yet another song, bard.

(Jaskier is free to shred it.) ]

[itookashot]

[Jesper has been saving every penny he can get for a gun, but fine, he's in a good mood so he puts his name into the raffle!]

[falcony]

[ sam absolutely puts his name in more for the fact of sending in the donation more than any thoughts of winning, but hey. why not! ]

[techmaturgy]

[ugh]

[frontlinetitties]

[The more songs there are about her and her 11 out of 10 biceps the better, in her opinion.]

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel likes to consider himself a patron of the arts.]

[yeshou]

[Ohhhh he is going to contribute a ticket because participation is exciting. And there is a chance to get a song about Zhou Zishu! Amazing and clearly he must do it.]

[supersoldier]

[Submits a ticket for the sake of donation??? That's the point, right, not the song?]

[petcromancer]

[Hector is mostly putting in a ticket to be a supportive boyfriend. If he wins, maybe he can ask for a song in memory of his favorite dogs.]

[righteously]

oh you know he wants a song

[speak_n_spell]

[Ooo, there are so many strictly spoken histories that would be easier to remember in catchy verse! Sypha buys three tickets!]

Alucard | the hierophant

[cryptsleeper]

AS THE CROWD FILTERS IN
[Alucard was more than happy to leave all the planning to Jaskier. It was a way of funding the work without losing sight of the work - a fair division of labor if he ever saw one. The sole request to arrange the food platters for the #aestheics was perfectly fine, and if the two goat cheese cheesecakes on offer were a hit, so be it.

Early on in the proceedings, he rotates between the different sets of stairs that lead up to the mezzanine. He's put some quick warding spells in place, but it doesn't hurt to be a physical deterrent either. He cuts a strange figure, lurking behind the stairs - all no shirt but with a coat on, scar exposed to the world and a stern expression on his face.

If approached, he nods once, polite enough.]

Ensuring that there's no curiosity about rotten floorboards.

Mosh pit? Most pit.
[The speech is kind. Alucard observes it from the back of the hall, the size of the crowd a pleasant surprise. His name doesn't pass Jaskier's lips, the only point is the purpose of the whole thing. (And Jaskier, but that part was also expected.) It is a good speech, and then everything roars to life.

Alucar doesn't know what he expected. The energy is higher, amplified by the size of the crowd. Then by the hall's natural magic. As far back as he is, he could be right up on stage. It is crystal clear in a way he thought he understood, but no. The hall shines when there's a full band up there. It doesn't just amplify the music, it seemingly amplifies the mood.

At some point, he'll slip up to the balconies and see what it is like up there. (He knows where it is safe to step, after all.) He makes quiet plans to walk around and observe but--

--a disturbance catches his attention towards the front of the stage about three songs in. The energy is still intense, and the dhampir makes his way towards the front. There's a small space that's been cleared - not quite a dance floor, but a space for music to well and truly take people. It is a potentially dangerous thing for something that's meant to be a little less....whatever.

So for a little while, he stations himself at the very outer edge of the group that have decided to respond in this particular way. A bulkwark, and an easier way to catch Jaskier's eye if anything is getting to be a little too much. He's not precisely a silent sentinel, but he is inclined to raise an eyebrow at anyone approaching for the time being.]

Step carefully.

My favorite wine. Bar wine.
[At some point, the mood slows. Or settles. Alucard isn't sure which one. All he really knows is that while the volume remains perfect in the hall, he can hear himself think. And there's been a lot to think about with...everything.

So he stands with a glass of red wine near the bar, eyes moving out over the sea of people as he leans against the wall.]

Wildcard
If nothing above works for you, or if you want to help Alucard scope out fun magical properties of the hall while rocking out, let me know! Restoration work on the hall is very much his project, but tonight is all Jaskier's!

CLOSED TO SYPHA

[cryptsleeper]

[Is Alucard actually shocked that somehow, in all of this energy and noise and magic, that Sypha's found her way towards the front? Nope. Is he more than a little concerned? Absolutely.

Because Sypha's defending herself is often things like set a thing on fire or bisect a vampire and these would kill the mood.

So when familiar firey red hair passes by, he's quick to follow.]

You have been observing this, I trust?

Closed to Quilleth Kaur

[cointosser]

[When Jaskier had first come around to the idea, he had always supposed he would be dealing with Marlo, if only to make sure the concert would not cause any sort of disruption in Cadens. He may neither like nor trust her after her strange response to Geralt's return, but Jaskier also has no desire to be causing much trouble for the place he had decided to reside in.

With some sense of relief, it is not Marlo who grants him permission for the concert. To his delight, the Free Cities do have someone who cares for the arts.

And so at the end of the concert he searches her out, giving her a bow with his arm across his chest when he finds her.] My lady Kaur, I'm delighted to see you had time to attend! You liked it, loved it? You loved it. Either way, I hope you found it a proper treat for the people of the Free Cities.

[abraxasnpcs2]

[ If there is to be a debut of new or upcoming talent, Quilleth is sure to attend. Cadens may not be under her oversight, but she can be seen in the city from time to time.

She finds herself a place amongst the crowds as citizen rather than an official, though she does mingle with a few familiar faces. When Jaskier approaches she smiles with a lazily flick of her wrist rather than a proper bow. ]

The man of the hour himself! Good, I wanted to offer my congratulations for a job well-done in person. But please, call me Quilleth, and I would have kicked myself if I missed one of our Summoned putting on a show.

ota.

[falcony]

[ jaskier knows how to throw a party.

which of course meant that the second sam heard even the smallest whisper from his friend about the event, he had to offer help. now, this isn't in any way something he's putting on, but the second he's been allowed even the slightest bit of room to help, well. sam is there. and for tonight, those responsibilities fall in the food.

sam, for basically the entire night, can be found by the food table, refilling plates, chatting up whoever comes by he recognizes (which is...more than he was really expecting, too, but whatever. he can handle it.) sam's got a moment and a smile for literally anyone who approaches, chatting it up with summoned and locals alike. when he's not chatting, he can be found bouncing back and forth between wherever the food is stored, refilling plates, fixing up anything that might come amiss. he's a host, after all, and jaskier's concert is going to go perfectly. especially if he has anything to say about it. ]

Oh- oh you have to try this. [ surprise: you now have a selection of delectable items to choose from.

if it's not the food, sam will absolutely be found out on the dance floor, playing a very active and excited participant of the audience. just in case there are people who aren't feeling it yet. anyone looking for a dance partner? because sam will be there and he may or may not be pulling you out to dance. ]

Come on, I know you can dance to this. Anyone can dance to this.

[ otherwise, sam will be bouncing around pretty much the entire night - filling glasses, making sure people are fed, checking in on anyone he might know who would have stopped by ( he only told half the neighborhood. jaskier had the other half. ). it won't be difficult to run into him. ]

Fooooods

[itookashot]

[ Since Jesper's arrived, he took on the deal at Mag's inn, a room temporarily in exchange for helping out, and he is a good worker. He cheerfully carries things, cleans up tables, fetches items, and all while managing to make people laugh or warm up to him. Thanks to Sam a lot of them have a better chance of getting started. So that's why he saunters over when he sees the man, smiling. He will always, always, take free food and drink whenever offered to him. The trick is in keeping himself from eating too much, because the kid is skinny as a rail and eats his body weight given the chance. ]

I should've known you'd be here serving everyone else.

[ The man is intensely selfless from what Jesper knows, the type that his crew would find deeply suspicious as they don't know genuinely good people like this. But Jesper's father is that sort, so he knows what he's getting, picking up something to snack on. He's managed to find flashier green clothes since settling in, his long jacket newly embroidered with a lighter shade on the buttons and cuffs. ]

Sam, be honest with me, do you ever take a break?

ota.

[gynvael]

[ Geralt cannot recall the last time he attended a musical performance. A few years, at least. He doesn't do concerts unless he happens to be accompanying Jaskier for one reason or another.

So once again, it's because of Jaskier that he finds himself here. He agreed, he's been promised free food and wine in exchange, and in truth, Geralt hasn't got anywhere else to be. He's not due to leave the city for another week or so. He's even dutifully informed the people he knows that the concert will be happening.

With the music underway, Geralt has tucked himself into a corner with a drink. Despite lurking in the shadows, he seems relaxed enough—he'd not normally be here if not for Jaskier, but he isn't against it, either. It's not unpleasant. Fuck knows they can all use a break. It's possible you may recognize him from earlier as the man who's been carrying all the equipment to set up this event and climbing the rafters to hang specified decorations.

Halfway through the concert, and he's somehow wound up with a small miniature gryphon in his care. It's either lounging on his table or in his arms, but either way—Geralt appears resigned to his fate. He's promised Jaskier he will make sure nothing happens to the creature, though, so here he is. (Why did Jaskier bring it? Why didn't he leave the damn animal at home? These are all questions Geralt has not asked because he knows he will receive no satisfactory answer from his friend.)

If you look like a cat person (Geralt doesn't know what cat people look like; he's estimating), he will stop you and hand you said pet gryphon as if it were a coat or a purse. ] Hold this. Don't drop it.

Gryphon obviously

[itookashot]

[ Someone said free food and drinks and dancing, so naturally, Jesper shows up excited for all three. He likes social events and has cheerfully chatted with people he sees, even parting ways with his very valuable coin for the raffle to give something back. And he hasn't stolen from a single person this time! That was mostly against Thorne in the peace summit, not in the city he lives in.

He loves the music and the general ambiance, so he's feeling high-spirited and has danced to the point of needing a break. He's sweating a little despite taking off his jacket, so when he spots Geralt, what better way to spend a breather? Jesper swaggers right over to his flower crown buddy with a drink in hand, and it's about halfway there he spots the little gryphon sitting on his table. Delight instantly covers his face and Jesper crouches next to the table, cooing affectionately at the beast. ]

Well hello you sweet thing, look at you!

[ Jesper has a soft spot for animals and children. Gray eyes turn over to Geralt and he grins. ]

I would never peg you for a cute animal daddy, Geralt, what's his name?

[ Jesper is going to have to look into getting a cute pet of his own if it's something that can be done here. He's never had a pet before! ]

OTA

[nadine_he_loves]

[This charity concert of Jaskier's has proven exactly the thing to keep Nadine's thoughts occupied while she isn't working or in a class. It's for a good cause, and it's the perfect way to unload some of her excess tonics and potions. She's even dressed more colorfully than she usually does.

But she isn't here just to enjoy the festivities. Her large leather satchel is open and slung over her shoulder, filled with small bottles of her concoctions. She moves through the crowd, offering a bottle or two to concert-goers.]

I've got sleeping aides, minor pain killers, soothing tonics to help with agitated moods, energy potions, oil to help you feel cool in the desert heat, and conditioner that will give you the best hair you've ever had.

[Those all seemed like things it was perfectly alright to hand out as free samples. It might help make people more inclined to donate, and it might drum up some business for her. Either way, it makes much needed room in her apothecary chest.

When she's taking a break from offering her various wares, she can be found off to the side with a tankard and something to eat. She isn't going to spend every moment working, she does want to enjoy the concert. Jaskier's a talented man. And he really knows how to put on a show.

Besides. She ought to try being social. She hasn't done very much of that in this last month.]

Bottles!

[itookashot]

[ Jesper's been having a grand old time having food and drink and dancing. It's a great place to people watch too, and maybe see a few Summoned, and he likes the building, it's old but interesting. He wouldn't say he cares that much about community building, but he didn't mind donating some of his extremely limited funds. He's sipping his wine when he hears Nadine and glances toward her, curious. Something clicks in his head and he smiles, approaching her in a friendly way. He's in bright green himself, colorful on purpose. ]

Oh hey, are you that woman from the ... whatever we call it. When the words show up randomly.

[ Jesper either hasn't heard the name for it or there is none, either way, he has so far seen everything since arriving. He remembers seeing the word potions on there, but didn't reply as he's currently very healthy. Too healthy, in his opinion, since he hasn't gotten into any scrapes or fights. Sigh.

He snaps his fingers.]

Nadine.

[ Jesper has a good memory for someone so easily distracted by everything. ]

Rinwell || The Magician || OTA

[rinwell]

[ Would you like a flower?

Tough luck if you don't, because Rinwell is here to offer you one.

Basket in hand and a cute white owl dressed up like a certain Bard of the Hour hovering at her shoulder, the mageling of House Witcher is handing out blooms to all attendees, various types of flower in gently coloured pastel shades to start off the evening. Whether you be single or here with a date (or two, or more) on your arm, it's her job to make sure everyone has a pretty blossom to commemorate the event. As for larger bouquets, those are on display on either side of the main hall, in brighter, bolder colours; available for purchase via donation (which both Jaskier and Rinwell take pains to advertise about), the more generous the amount offered, the more expansive and expressive the range available. And as for roses? Well, those don't start appearing until later in the evening.

Rinwell herself is wearing the prettiest dress she's ever seen, and it is by far the newest and nicest thing she's ever owned in her 14 short years of life. (Jaskier had insisted, if only to enhance her own enjoyment of the proceedings, and trying on the final result after getting it fitted had earned the man the biggest hug.) Accordingly, when she's not on flower duty, she can be spotted doing her best to not spill food or drinks on the near-sparkly blue skirt, and even sways to some of the songs and music from time to time. (Albeit blushing at some of the more suggestive songs on tonight's play list.)

Eventually, as it gets later into the night, she does retreat, beginning to tire in spite of sneaking quite a few sweet cakes. Hootle the Bard-Owlet however pops in and out to "perform" alongside Jaskier, happily hooting and perching from time to time near the gryphon between sets, and may even put in a showy spin for you - if given just the right amount of attention, that is. ]

[cryptsleeper]

[It's during a slower moment in the early part of the set that Alucard spots Rinwell. The pace has been not quite relentless, but the energy has had an unexpected intensity that Alucard did not prepare himself for. The reaction to it though has been uniformly positive though, and what does the dhampir know about modern music?

So he approaches from the side, clearing his throat politely.]

You're enjoying yourself?

[fourarmedandangerous]

He's Just Here For the Booze, Mostly

Despite Goro's less-than-stellar reputation among most of the other Summoned in the Free Cities (and Thorne and Solvunn too, but a Dragon cares not for the mewling of sheep), the charity concert is an opportunity he cannot afford to pass up. He'll be visible, many of Cadens civic and community leaders will be there, and it affords him the opportunity to make a very large, very public donation to the rebuilding efforts. There are plans being put into place and it's important he remains visible and noteworthy. The donation is made as well, a generous sum. Goro does not make a scene of it, but can he truly help it if he's so big and noticeable that people will probably see it anyway?

He arrives not in his usual leather harness and furs, but in a rich tailor-made robe of green, and black predominately, with gold and red accents, tied at the waist with a sash, a cloak thrown around his shoulders, smelling of perfume, with a golden circlet upon his brow, a far cry from his usual barbarian-esque look. He makes no attempts to mingle with the other Summoned, but manages to find a drink, an out of the way spot off to the side, where he summons his throne and settles in. At least the wine is plentiful.

"I am not interested in dancing, thank you." Formal, if somewhat curt. Were you even going to ask him that?

The Magic's Gone [Closed to Jaskier]

Near the middle of the performance, when the music has taken a bit of a break, Goro looks up and sees the man himself working the crowd. "My congratulations to you, Master Jaskier." He calls out to catch the bard's attention, raising his (current) glass to him in recognition. "On a most successful evening."

There does seem to be a regretful air of expectation that Jaskier will stay and chat for a bit. After all, their first conversation was so cordial.

Dinner over cigars and mustaches

As the concert is winding down and people take their leave, a large congregation of people; older, well-dressed, well-fed, by the looks of them, gather on a street-corner just down the road from the hall. It's not too long before Goro joins them. Brief introductions and perfunctory pleasantries are made before they decamp to a nearby restaurant, one that a large portion of which had previously been rented out. Maybe you were already there having left the concert for some dinner, or you're curious and suspicious enough at the gathering to follow and try to investigate.

The concert is over, and the politicking begins in earnest. Goro knew each of these people, important civic, community, and business leaders in Cadens would be attending, and made sure that dinner invitations made their way to each one. It's as the appetizers are being served that Goro makes his pitch.

"Our movement believes very strongly in efforts such as this one, and our donation reflected that." He's saying expansively, lower hands tucked into the sash of his robe, though he leaves out that that last part went unsaid at the concert. "Not just the protection of the Free Cities, but the promotion of its culture, and values. A venue such as a restored Public Hall will be invaluable to Cadens, and a sign of what Summoned and Abraxians can accomplish when we work together, united as one."

"Well, begging your pardon Master Goro, but...aren't we?" A businessman speaks up, and Goro shrugs.

"Not as much as you might think. It is unfortunate to say, but a number of Summoned have expressed sentiments I find regrettably insular. A belief that we should remain separate from the affairs of the Free Cities, even as we partake of your hospitality and kindness. That your problems are your own, and that it should be left to you to deal with. Naturally, I have no truck with such views myself."

"Ridiculous! Who would be saying something like that?"

Goro holds up a hand. "I understand your frustration, but I have no desire to sully the festive spirit of the occasion, so I will simply say the views are most prominent among the Summoned who's arrival in the Cities predates my own." Which, if you read between the lines and remember Goro was part of the first summoning the Cities attempted, pins the blame squarely on the Thorne escapees. "They believe their seniority gives them the right to dictate to the rest of us how we conduct ourselves. I prefer to take a broader look at what we can accomplish through active collaboration, not separation."

A man waves a cigar. "You were mentioning this earlier, some sort of agricultural innovation?"

Goro smiles thinly. "Ah yes. One of our newer arrivals has experience with a form of magic-based technology not dissimilar from the Free Cities own. I have taken it upon myself to fund this research with the generous help of the Sterne family, and we are hoping to have something in six months that will prove...very fruitful to the Free Cities. I shall have to introduce the young man to you gentleman, I have high hopes for what we can accomplish."

Here for the Booze

[itookashot]

Considering Jesper is an absolute troll at times to people, it would seem smart to stay away from anyone he may have joked about, but while he is intelligent, he is unwise. And cocky. And he's rarely spiteful about his joking, it usually is meant to be taken lightly, like everything else about him. So though Goro comes in and is a terrifying giant dragon-person, possibly not someone to directly approach after mocking them, Jesper does it anyway.

He's wearing bright green clothes himself, always a stark contrast to his brown skin and pale gray eyes, he likes the spectacle. And here's someone who also enjoys spectacle or at least doesn't mind standing out, and he respects that! Jesper picks up a drink and crosses over to him when he goes ahead and summons a throne (????), sitting in it like the prince he proclaimed himself to be. How fascinating!

"You know, I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with Julie on one front." He approaches with a smile and a playful spark in his eyes. "You are clearly a handsome specimen of your kind." Sure he isn't attractive necessarily by their terms, but Jesper thinks he can see it. He personally doesn't like giant muscular men, and he can still be reasonably minded and see their value to others. "I'm Jesper, is that a crown?"

OTA

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel arrives dressed in an elegant silk tuxedo. The sharp, fancy garments might suggest he is well off but he created them from magic to adorn his body for special occasions like this.

He can be found wandering throughout the evening.

I. Food Table

[Fandaniel drifts to the food table and looks at the wide spread. People took great care to put this together. Sure, he has seen bigger feasts in his long life, but for a local charity this almost impressive.

He looks over the breads and cheeses but skips them to pluck an apple from near the middle of the table. When he bites into it the taste is a bit tart so he flips it over in his gloved hand and leans forward to dunk it into a small basin of maple syrup that had probably been meant for the bread.

This, he thinks, is a good snack. Why don't more people try apples dipped in syrup?

As the night goes on he helps himself to a few more syrup-dipped apples and will sometimes wink at anyone who looks over his way.]

Candied apples are quite the treat. Go on, try one for yourself!

II. Dance Floor

[Fandaniel spends most of the night dancing. Some of his dances are ballet, some ballroom, all excessively elegant and performed with great skill. Asahi had died in the prime of his life, lined with the muscle of a trained swordsman. That strength makes his body useful for dancing... Fighting, too, but Fandaniel thinks dancing is more entertaining. A clever Ascian never fights his own battles anyway.

When he has enough room he performs alone but there are times he might wheel himself across the floor and hold a crane-like pose as he extends an arm outward towards people who don't seem to be enjoying themselves.]

Shall we dance?

III. Cracks

[When he isn't performing to an audience or chatting someone up at the tables, Fandaniel is alone in a corner of the building, staring around the cracks and dust, thinking dark thoughts.

Another building that was once full of life and is now in decay. How many more structures like this are there in Cadens? And how many more will there be? Soon, he thinks, every building in Abraxas will be like this one: Old, decrepit, filled with the ghosts of long lost memories. The buildings will stand long after the last living thing has perished then they, too, will become dust.]

ota.

[princessvegas]

[ Julie is not allowed to miss a party. It goes hand-in-hand with being that girl, and she knows it. Party girls don't get hurt, they push it down. It's fine. If there's anything she knows how to do, it's slap a smile and some shimmer on, then go out there and be a beaming ray of support. She loves Jaskier, wants this to be successful, wants him to make a huge splash. It's one night.

So she pulls herself together, drinks a whole bottle of wine, dresses. Has Jaskier trail vines through her hair. Downs a second bottle of wine. Shows up.

Like Rinwell, she can be found throughout the party at first, carrying a basket of flowers and handing them out. Unlike Rinwell, she only has the patience and dregs of sobriety to do so for a single basket, which is then discarded behind a large pot of flowers so that she can claim a table from which to watch the show as she has some more wine. She does not appear to be grazing the finger foods at all. She cheers boisterously throughout Jaskier's performances, and anyone who joins her will be repeatedly prompted to do the same. Failing to do so will only earn her vocal ire and also she might hit you just a little.

At no point does she seem anything less than perfectly bubbly. At least not until the music gets slow and quiet, the dance floor filled with swaying couples who only have eyes for each other. Gross. That's when it all seems to catch up with her, and she will, by the end of the night, be found next to the basket she originally abandoned, sitting upright with her back against the pot and just taking a tiny cat nap. ]

cat nyap

[cryptsleeper]

[The evening is over. Or it just about is, and for that Alucard's disengaged himself from the music and gone about work again. Practical work though, not building planning. With the food mostly gone and cups about, he's started gathering things together so that he doesn't have as much to clean come morning.

But that means also ensuring that everyone will actually leave when the last song plays. The current choice of song isn't something that would ever put him into a state of sleep, but if energy has spent and the lights are low enough, he can understand.

Not enough to let this become someone's bedroom for the night though.

He tries to be polite, clearing his throat loudly and standing just off to the side.]

Miss?

ota!

[supersoldier]

[Sephiroth attends only via invite, and it is clear that his presence is one born out of a strange, distant politeness rather than any enthusiasm for participation. He does not mind the overall concept of a concert, nor the music which highlights the surprisingly keen talent of a man he had only known through shared pigeon-hunting motivations. But he is, at his core, a wallflower, more likely to hang back and observe the crowd—maybe after picking at the food and drink—than to join any passing group. This is fine, of course. He does not mind it; the activity swirling around him does keep his mind busy with curious observations, even if he has no intention to fling himself into the festivities.

He does buy a flower at some point, which somehow rests in his hair, wild and bright. It is a single blossom, but prominent and noticeable, only procured because— well, isn’t that the point? To shore up money for a restoration effort? How it ended up in his hair is a mystery; but one might assume that a bold, enlivened stranger thought it was fitting for the stoic-looking man. Or maybe you did it. It’s just as likely. If you stare, he only gives you an even glance back, daring you to say something on the matter.

As for dancing… Well, he seems to draw a line there:]

I don’t dance.

[Take that as you will.

Later in the evening, he tracks the magical birds that flutter overhead with his eyes, gaze narrowing suspiciously. Memories of ridiculous pigeon-napping shenanigans flash before his eyes, and he frowns, waving one away that has, of course, landed right on his shoulder.]

No. Not again.

hello pigeon friend.

[gynvael]

[ Nothing bonds two individuals more than an experience they mutually wish to never fucking speak of again. It is for this reason Geralt finds himself joining Sephiroth by the wall most optimal for lurking. It's near the wine and away from the dancing, hidden from an angle by the flower booth.

Speaking of: Geralt has one of his own in his hair. A yellow bloom, which he allowed Rinwell to put in. He wears it with the ease that comes with a man who now has two daughters in his household and, as a result, is not experiencing his first time having flowers stuck in his hair despite his usual...preferences.

He doesn't stare so much as raise an eyebrow at Sephiroth's brightened look. Charming. ]

We match. [ At least he brings an offering of wine. He holds the bottle out. Yes, he took the whole damn bottle. His right after he spent all day helping Jaskier carry shit to and fro. ]

Hector | The Magician

[petcromancer]

[Hector's here without too much to offer. His enchanted items don't sell all that well in the Free Cities, so there seems little point in bringing something to auction off. He could offer pet revival for a price, but he doubts that would go over well.

That's fine. He's contributed to the restoration effort by giving Alucard a supply of enchanted nails. This evening, he's here for Jaskier.

And also some of that goat cheesecake, don't tell Alucard.

He mills around the main hall, sampling some of the snacks and trying to resist the urge to steal the baby griffon. He buys a flower to hand to the MC when he sees him, and otherwise, tries not to draw too much attention to himself.]

hector you know goddamn well this was inevitable

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard has already been petty once tonight. It felt good.

So maybe he can be forgiven for not exactly doubling down, but wanting to maybe have Hector say he's good at something besides being depressed or a decent magic consultant.

He doesn't do the whole terrible, awful, rude vampire sliiiide in from the side. Instead, he walks over once he sees the forgemaster with a half eaten slice of cake.]

I think that might have been the last slice.

𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑑 → 𝑗𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑒𝑟

[righteously]

( You had him at free wine. He was on the fence about attending, but in the end it's the utter emptiness of his room that drives him out — he can only stand it for so long. Dean Winchester does not do well in solitude.

He swings in when Jaskier's got a moment between hosting, clapping the guy on the shoulder by way of greeting. Congratulations, deep arguments about pie put you on casual touching levels. )

Gotta hand it to you, Bono, you got some pipes.

( The highest possible level of approval from Dean Winchester when the music is any genre other than classic rock. )

Next time you're in the Horizon, stop by so I can introduce you to an electric guitar.

( And consequently Geralt will hate the both of them for the rest of their lives. )

[cointosser]

[Ah -- ow. Jaskier's about to shoot a glare at whoever's thought to be so companionable, but it's only --

Oh, right! Castiel's Dean. The anti-hat man. The man of many poor fashion choices (an opinion crafted purely by Castiel telling him Dean's thoughts on the hats he and the coat-wearing man had shared.)]

It's Jaskier, actually. [Normally he'd be very insulted, but -- look, this whole thing is an absolute success and being called Pongo or whatever will not bring him down.] But thank you. I like to think so. I've only dedicated my entire life to singing.

[It's not entirely sarcastic; he's taken the compliment for sincere. He perks up, if not a little suspiciously -- a guitar. Electric? That sounds like music, and he is dedicated to learning music from other spheres...] Ah, you know, I may just do that. Perhaps you can show me a few new songs from your sphere. In payment for the free wine.

[He tips his head towards Dean's glass. He would not have taken him for a wine drinker, but sometimes booze is booze. He gets it.]

Wen Kexing | The Tower | ota

[yeshou]

I. What's a date like?

[Charity event is a new term for Wen Kexing, but he likes it the moment he hears it. He likes events, and he certainly likes to think that he can do good in the community (probably), so he ends up excitedly dragging Zhou Zishu along for the experience. So that they can learn and meet people, of course! At first he stays pretty close, and they can be found together with Wen Kexing trying to feed Zhou Zishu some of the various food offerings available.

And then he ultimately wanders off, exploring alone to browse the samples of wine, look for anyone that seems like they might have medical or healing experience, and of course collect flowers to bring back to Zishu. He offers up money thinking it's only fair to purchase them, but at least he mostly got the idea.]

II. Public Hall

[He enjoys Jaskier's performance immensely, clapping along to the music of the group and wondering at the effects of the songs. During a pause, he sighs a bit and glances around at the other people in the hall, either eating or finishing their last dance.]

Are instruments difficult to come across? Or is it just the performance that makes these ones seem unique?

[It wouldn't be so bad to find one himself, even if it wasn't a flute crafted from white jade. Then again, he misses a few things from home--and people, if he's really honest. But honesty is more expensive than even jade, and Wen Kexing settles for wistful looks and praising the other guests for their outfits and dance moves.]

I haven't seen someone dance like that before.