[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

[princessvegas]

[ Whether or not there's someone to make sure she gets home is largely dependent on her state at the end of the party. If she can still walk, then yes, there are people -- her roommate is circulating around the party with potion samples. If not, then things get a little more iffy. Nadine cannot carry Julie. But Julie doesn't really have a problem with just finding a neat little hiding spot and sleeping it off there, either.

She laughs, takes another drink and shakes her head a little. ]

What, you think he's got room in that noggin for any more ego? The first thing he tells most folks is all about how famous he is, he couldn't think more of himself. Let him sweat over the fact that maybe someone out there thinks he's got rings on his trunk.

[ It's said in good humor, though. Julie adores Jaskier deeply. She just also finds his sensitivity very funny. She taps one nail on the table (there are flower petals pressed into the polish), flicks her eyes across the crowd. Nearly everyone she knows here is somehow working at the party. Which, technically, she should be too, but she never promised more than the bare minimum. ]

So how's your shit goin'? Got a gun yet?

[itookashot]

A man after my own heart. Confidence is key. You can do almost anything if you believe in yourself enough.

[ It sounds like something off a cheesy card, but he means it in the way that Jaskier does it, the way he does it. Swagger, on the verge of arrogance, the biggest hypeman has to be yourself. Of course, most of the time that sort of behavior hides that someone is in fact damaged and not as egotistical as they seem, but that's where the performance comes in. ]

He is old though. Same age as my father.

[ Jesper is seventeen. He may act older and his struggles have made him a little grizzled for a teenager, but it's still true. He definitely has to compliment the man's music, it's fantastic. He glances over and sees the flowers into the nail, leaning closer. ]

Those are nice.

[ The question has him sighing a bit, and he drinks from his wine. ]

I'm so close. I know the exact one too, obviously I didn't go with the cheapest, even though I'd already have one if I did.

[ But if this is a gun that's going to protect him and Inej, and give him some peace of mind, it's not going to be a shit rifle. Some standards are required. ]

I am going to join the project here for restoration using my gifts. The pretty blonde shirtless man implied there could be coin for it, and that might finally get me what I need.

[ It's a far throw away from him being terrified and anxious to talk about his powers at all, to now being free with them to a relative stranger. But it's because of people like Julie who let him feel safe, who didn't react poorly when he showed them, and even encouraged him to use them. Now it's becoming easier every day. ]

You'd think being poor my whole life I'd be used to it, but it's still irritating.

[princessvegas]

[ She can't help it; the revelation that Jaskier and Jesper's father are the same age makes her absolutely cackle. It's not that she thinks Jaskier's old or that age even makes a difference -- that becomes just a number really quickly when the world population is nearly extinguished in a matter of weeks -- but she does know exactly how Jaskier will take it. ]

Jesper, please, do not tell him that unless I'm there to see it. When's your birthday? We should tell him on your birthday, give him a midlife crisis. Wonder what they bought to feel young before Corvettes were invented.

[ It's an offhand comment that she doesn't clarify. She's long become accustomed to people from other worlds not understanding her jokes. There are just enough people around who do get it to keep making them.

She waggles her fingers at him. ] All flowers courtesy of Jaskier, too.

[ With a snort, she shakes her head, takes another drink. She spent most of her life making less than the poverty line, and when society crashed and she relocated, she had rocketed into the 1%. There's no getting used to poor. ]

Yeah, rich is for sure better. I mean, my world didn't really have money anymore, but I was poor when we did. I just got lucky here, I kept gettin' horses dropped in my lap, so I was able to sell 'em, work part-time and still support myself. And when I moved, my friends who were already here took care of a bunch of stuff for me. I do have a third tip you can use, though. [ She points at him, keeping a very serious face. ] Get your roommate a sugar daddy.

[itookashot]

Oh, I didn't say that exactly, but I did tell him I have just enough parent issues that someone in their forties would still do it for me. I should've specifically said daddy issues, missed chance.

[ Jesper is, of course, joking, in the sense that he really does not care about age in the least. He's attracted to people of any kind, but he was saying it to be a smartass, as per usual. He does technically have daddy issues, not the way a lot of other people do, in fact his dad is a good person who is moral and upright (with some blind spots) so he wouldn't want to hook up with anyone who reminds him of Colm. Gross. ]

My birthday, comparative to our time, would be in about three months. Every year we spend our birthdays amazed that we're not already dead, so it'll still work with this world, if I make it until then.

[ Hey, he's not going to assume. For all he knows he'll be dead tomorrow. That's why he's always having a good time, or tries to. Jesper may be young, but his city is full of dead youths, the ones who couldn't make it, so there's no such thing as the expectation of a long life. Only a hope.

Jesper sighs and rubs a hand through dark hair, mournful. ]

I had a sugar daddy, a beautiful rich boy with eyes a perfect crystal blue, sweet as can be. I was finally living in a mansion and not having to worry about money every minute of every day, and then bam, I'm here.

[ Saints he misses Wylan. He truly does. It's not actually the money that made him adore that ridiculously soft boy, but having money was going to make their life better. So he had love and a real house, but you know, good things rarely last in Ketterdam. Whoever said Wheels are supposed to be lucky is wrong when it comes to him. ]

I'm the one who would do the sugar daddy though, I would never bring it up to Inej even as a lark, she was ....

[ Well, that's a very dark thing that he is not inclined to say for her, although he knows it weighs on her every minute of every day. Jesper is drunk enough to slip up, but he manages to pause. ]

Let's just say it's a miracle she hasn't stabbed every man she's ever met already. So I'll happily have all the casual sex for us.

[princessvegas]

"Daddy issues" is just a phrase that men made up to pin the blame on women and kids 'stead of addressin' their own failures. It's bullshit.

[ She says it very matter-of-factly, finally taking a small bite of bread to sop up some of the wine in her system. Julie also holds little fondness for men as a whole, but instead of violent hatred, she sees them better used as resources for the taking. Men often have the things she wants: money, power, dick. And she's perfectly capable of adoring specific men as individuals. But as a collective? Absolutely not. Total garbage, throw the entire gender out.

With a snort, she swallows the bread, washes it down with more wine. ]

That sounds like too much pinin' for a sugar daddy. I was half-jokin', my girl's sugar daddy is more like a boyfriend with a big bank account. [ It's Jaskier. The man is bankrolling Nadine (and by extension, Julie -- they're kind of a package deal), but there's definitely a non-transactional relationship behind it all. ] But dead men don't usually pay for supper, and they definitely don't do the one thing most men are any good for.

[ Rolling her shoulder, she crosses her legs at the knee, bobs her foot. Where she comes from, men are both the safety blanket and the danger one needs them for, much more than they were before the end of civilization. Julie was lucky in her experiences, but she was also wary and carried a shotgun. And she always played her cards exactly right, because men fought in the death matches to win slave girls. Women fought to win their freedom.

Her foot wiggles again and she smiles. ]

Whatcha into? I'm a topnotch matchmaker, y'know.

[itookashot]

Oh but it's been my go-to excuse for when people question why I sleep with men twice my age, what would I say without it?

[ He waits a beat and then winks. ]

Just joking, I don't need an excuse for anything I do.

[ Jesper doesn't make it a habit of sleeping with much older people, it really is just whoever seems interesting at the time, who appeals to him in that moment. Or if he's really bored and someone's attractive enough. He wouldn't claim it as issues with Colm, because he is in no way attracted to men like him. Or, he normally wouldn't be, but then there's Wylan who is the most decent person he's ever hooked up with by far.

He has excuses for all his bad decisions and behavior, he doesn't bother to use them though. He is the way he is. He's gotten better at some things, no more gambling, he hasn't killed anyone since getting here, so he's shaped up, but mischief is around the corner. He knows what she means though. ]

Yes, exactly, boyfriend with a bank account. But oh do I miss that bank account. Endless amounts of food and drink. Multiple sets of my favorite types of clothes. He got me this beautiful trench coat, I had a dozen secret pockets to stash things in.

[ Jesper places a hand over his heart, clutching like he can't believe he is without it now, which is true. But he would have been with Wylan if there wasn't a penny to his name. There's just no harm in also admitting there were other highlights to living with a rich boy. Jesper hasn't exactly gone starving in Cadens, he eats plenty, but there will always be a part of his mind that is uncertain if he will keep getting food. It could stop. So it's the safety he is thinking of, permanent access to food.

It's a good question and he does consider it.]

Well if it's a sugar daddy, it would be nice if they were good-looking and moderately entertaining. But in general? I suppose I'm only looking for fun these days. I love sex, I normally don't go this long without it. It's been months. I had some fun on the Horizon, but he's in Thorne.

[ So it was great! He's glad he did it, fun times for both of them, but it isn't the same as having sex in person. ]

Men, women, whatever. I think I'll start hooking up with locals. I wonder if the Summoned thing will be appealing to them. Very mysterious.

[ He might as well have a gimmick. He glances over at her. ]

What's your type?

[princessvegas]

Doesn't help with money, and it probably ain't somethin' you should like, actively want, but there's always a chance he'll get summoned. I got here two months after my ex.

[ Which is a drastic and perhaps not-altogether-correct simplification of the relationship, but it's the simplest way she can think of to quickly convey what Lloyd was to her. In reality, he both was an ex and wasn't -- it wasn't an exclusive relationship and he no longer provided the vast majority of what she wanted from him, but neither had she been willing to separate from him until only a few months ago. He'd wronged her and she told him to fuck off, they weren't really together when he disappeared, but because of where they came from and what they went through together, she's not capable of feeling indifferent toward him. She is still deep in the fallout of his disappearing, and she doesn't know if or when it will clear up. She might very well drink herself to death before she truly gets over him.

With a hum, she tilts her head side to side, as if to waffle back and forth on her thought process. ]

Yeah, try livin' somewhere there's almost no other Summoned. I think it's a little... weird? Kinda, to sleep with the locals. I don't know why, it just feels off. Also, I used to work in a tavern, so I've had my fill of how the dicks in this world think they can treat women. [ This world is not exactly politically correct in their approach to sexual harassment. Know what doesn't usually turn women on? Getting their ass slapped or pinched while they drop off drinks. ] But it was just me, Nadine, my ex and one other girl we took in, so I could only make it work through the Horizon. Which was great, but not the same. It's good for folks in other factions though.

[ Smirking at his question, she leans back in her chair, takes another drink as she casts her eyes around the room. That's not really how she functions. ]

Depends on what I want outta 'em. But for the most part, I follow the rule of sixes.

[itookashot]

The first thing I thought when I realized Inej was here, was that I'm glad I was too, so she wouldn't be alone.

[ Jesper thinks that way, his loyalty is a defining characteristic. If his best friend is stuck in another world trying to survive, he wants to be there at her back. Inej can handle herself, she was doing fine without him, it's not about her lack of ability, more that they're family and that's how the Crows are with each other. ]

I know he'd want the same, but it does feel selfish, to want him here. Even if I think he'd actually do pretty well here, better than me, even.

[ Wylan's smart and kind, he didn't really suit the corrupt city that they lived in. He could be trouble just like all of them, but it was something he was forced into being, not something that came naturally. He'd find a way to land on his feet here, and probably like the lack of pressure. Jesper would love to see him again, he wants him here, but he can acknowledge that it's not right to wish him there, even if he still will all the same. Jesper doesn't pretend to be a good guy. Being selfish is another problem of his.

His eyebrows go up at her description of how dicks treat women here, and he knows of course that as a man, he is not able to understand it firsthand. Inej hasn't said a word about anyone treating her poorly, but she also wouldn't, not to him, since he'd stab someone in the eye. So would she, really. He doesn't know if he agrees about sleeping with the locals, but he also hasn't slept with anyone who lives here yet.

His original plan was to sleep his way into a housing situation, before he was plucked off the cart by Sam. Jesper doesn't want to live on the streets, although these ones are nicer than Ketterdam, though that's not saying much. It's just that everywhere in Ketterdam's dangerous. Even the nice places. He's glad it worked out this way.

Jesper glances over at her and raises an eyebrow, smiling.]

The sixes?

[princessvegas]

Yeah.

[ That visibly sobers her, because she doesn't know what she'll do if Nadine disappears now. She knows that she won't be completely alone, not with the friends she's made here, but to be the last person from her world -- the last person in the whole universe that she ever knew from before Abraxas -- disappear to a certain death... Julie can't think about that.

She takes another drink instead, welcomes the change of topic with a smile. ]

Oh sure, rule of sixes. Six feet, six figures, six inches. Never accept less than two of three. You can always go for six-seven-eight, but you'll narrow the pool somethin' wicked if you do, so you need a lot of men around for that.

[itookashot]

[ Jesper will be despondent if he loses Inej, but as long as she's here, he wants to be here. He probably will be able to get by because surviving is what he knows best, but he has made some good connections here. It's not the same as his family of Crows. He hasn't had to lose someone here yet, it's not something he's looking forward to. Jesper bonds fast. He's already bonded to Julie.

He laughs at the description and waggles his eyebrows at her playfully. ]

I'm two of three there, the only thing I'm lacking, as always, is the money.

[ Jesper is tall at 6'3 but he's skinny, a beanpole. All long limbs. He has never really had a rule like that himself, he's just too inclined to doing what he wants when he wants it. ]

Is there anyone in the Summoned group that's actually rich?

[princessvegas]

[ There is, actually, a moment where Julie appears to give this idea serious consideration. Unfortunately, it's not a very good night. Or week. She's still dealing with way too much personally, if the way she is guzzling down wine doesn't announce it loudly enough. ]

Bad timing. Next time.

[ She has to flip through her mental contact list to try and make a gauge of wealth amongst the Summoned. It's not really equal footing for the various groups of them, which creates a bit of problem in actually determining who has money. ]

Mm, it's complicated. Here, Jaskier is basically a celebrity. The monster hunters do pretty well for themselves. Fuckface McFourArms over there gets bankrolled by rich locals. In Thorne, you could kinda say they all have money, since the crown gives 'em everythin' they want, but they don't have their own gold. And in Solvunn, I'm pretty sure they use goats for money.

[itookashot]

[ Jesper can never resist flirting no matter what, but they are both technically inebriated, him only tipsy but it's only downhill from here, so he's really just having fun at this point. Julie's hilarious and charming and he likes being around her, it really is that simple. The fact she's gorgeous is a footnote next to all the other things that make her unique. He just winks in reply to the rejection, showing he never takes these things personally. ]

How does he make money with his fame? Do people tip here for musicians? Do I have to tip here?

[ He already put what meager funds he is willing to spend into the raffle, but he can probably still tip. RIP. Jesper doesn't want to put his money into rich people's hands, other Summoned, maybe more so. He glances over at said Fuckface McFourArms, grimacing. He tried to play nice but the guy creeps him out, honestly. ]

I was thinking of doing the monster hunter thing for money, but Ciri and Geralt both told me I'd just die. One of them nicely, the other one, not so nicely.

[ Ciri is warming to Jesper though, he can tell. He grows on people with time if he can't win them over right away, it's one of his things. Geralt was genuinely nice about it, he might not have listened if it was said in another way. In classic 'rebel' energy, he would've gone toward the dangerous thing if the wrong person told him not to. ]

I'm surprised rich locals are backing the dragon. Aren't they getting the clear 'I'll rip your head off if it serves me' energy from him?

[princessvegas]

Yeah. [ She says it simply, like this is something he should know. How can any world possibly not have professional musicians? ] People tip him, pay him to show up and perform, stuff like that. You don't have to give him money now, though. This shit is for charity.

[ Julie has no problems with rich people who earn their money through effort. To a point, of course, but Jaskier getting paid for a skill is no skin off her nose. She is also sort of living off of him, so it's fine. He gives to worthy causes! With a hum, she shakes her head a little, takes a sip. ]

Mm, I wouldn't bother. The market for monster huntin' is pretty saturated at this point. Plus, no offense, but I don't think you'd be much good compared to Geralt and Ciri. Might as well figure out somethin' else and make money on that. I told you, you should just start doin' little knick-knacks. Swear you'd make a fuckload of gold, 'specially if you make stuff they ain't seen here before.

[ She sighs and rolls her eyes. Honestly, Goro can fuck himself and all the people propping him up, too. She hopes he does rip their heads off. ]

Dumbasses with money'll throw it at anyone who tells 'em what they wanna hear. The people who like him are afraid of magic and think they should have control over the world. He's just repeatin' what they already believe.

Maybe can wrap this one here, I was going to tag into the bbq :D

[itookashot]

I gave some coin for the charity part.

[ He is not completely stingy, but he has very little money he'll part with. Jesper has always spent his money immediately upon getting it, so this whole saving part is new to him, and he is a bit obsessed with it. It's nice that one of their own can just come in here and make money like that though. Maybe some hope for the rest of them. ]

Oh you're definitely right, and so were they, I'd be very dead. I think you've got the right angle. [ He smiles over at her. ] What would anyone here do without you, Julie?

[ She might be abrasive but he thinks that's one of the best things about her since they met. And she has people here who care about her, he understands why. She's given him the most consistent good advice of anyone he's met too. ]

Well I hope they do end up on the wrong side of that I'll rip your head off energy than.