abraxaslogs | [open] a fantastic public charity event!

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[open] a fantastic public charity event!

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

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

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

Edited 2022-03-26 02:19 (UTC)

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!

[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?

[ 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.) ]

[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!]

[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.

[ 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! ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

[It has been such a long night, it is morning. Only barely. Technically. The stained glass windows let in nothing but inky darkness, and in it there is a little bit of heartaching nostalgia for the dhampir. He loved nights like this. It was an excuse to stay out with--

--never mind. There's a lot of emotion to sit and sift through now, now that the basics of clean up are done. The donations have been gathered, counted thrice, and locked away until Alucard can squirrel them somewhere safer. Most of the trash has been bagged and swept off to the side, uneaten food was encouraged to be taken away by those departing, using a napkin or two to hold it all together.

There's just three bottles of wine, a bard, a dhampir, and the bard's toy gryphon left in the hall. Alucard can't speak for the other two, but he is spent. So much so that he simply walks over to the dais and flops down, bracing his back against one of the columns that supports the galleries above.]

Heading home soon?

[ 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.

[ugh]

[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.]

[ 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! ]

[ Jesper was absolutely delighted to see the flyer because he loves parties and not someone who adheres to the idea you have to come later. He shows up right on time ready to eat, drink, and be merry. He's wearing his brightest green clothes, his long jacket now having embroidery on the cuffs and buttons, and so he's suitably flashy. He hasn't been here before so he's curious to look, and the first thing he notices though is the beautiful man with no shirt on. What! Wow.

Gray eyes boldly eye him because why not, and he raises his eyebrows as he comes closer and the mention of rotten floorboards. Jesper glances down and then up again, smiling. ]

Rotten floorboards? You know, there are ways to fix that. You'd just need someone with a good set of hands.

[ 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. ]

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

[ 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. ]

I'm Nadine, the one who sent the message about medical aide here in Cadens.

[Nadine nods as she affirms she is, indeed, who the young man thought. The little pearlescent horns peeking out of her hair catch the light coming in.]

And you're in luck, I'm offering samples of my wares today only. It's the same as what I make for the apothecary I work at. Just smaller.

[And with all of the offerings being relatively simple and basic remedies and aides, the apothecary hardly needs a bunch more of them. Any apprentice can make these sorts of things.]

But if you'd like to show your appreciation, a donation won't be turned away. It's really not necessary, though.

[Look sometimes you go to a concert with your tiddies out and only your coat covering them. It's how ~~s4 design~~ works.

Alucard does not appear to catch the stare. Or else he is pointedly ignoring it, as he is absolutely invested in the success of the evening. The funding is for his work.]

Well, yes. [His response is more interested in the explanation, in point of fact.] The full restoration of this place is specifically my purview and current occupation.

[ The gryphon was a mistake, not because it's a hassle—all it does is sleep and eat and occasionally pounce on a lizard—but because it attracts. People. Geralt has been eyeing anyone who approaches, but this is the first familiar face that's come his way.

Still alive and in one piece, he sees. It seems Jesper at least took his advice about not venturing into the desert unprepared.

He sighs: put-upon, but without any real heat. ] It isn't mine.

[ Animal what? Geralt squints at Jesper, then decides it isn't worth asking. He points at the stage, where Jaskier is currently giving his lute a vigorous strumming. ]

He named it Mog.

[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?

[ Jesper is in no way unhappy with this fashion statement. It looks fantastic! He's used to his forward flirtatious looks being ignored at this point, but it won't stop him. This guy actually reminds him of Sephiroth; it's the willowy pale long hair and perfectly sculpted pretty face thing. Add one more to his list proving the Summoned are ridiculously attractive. ]

And are you going to handle all the rotten wood yourself or delegate?

[ He could probably suss out the damage himself if he was put in the right place and put his hand down onto the wood, but it's yet to be determined if that would be a thing wanted around here. Jesper shoves his hands into his pockets for now, genuinely interested in what comes out of those lovely lips. ]

I've not decided yet. [It is an honest response, one that's hiding nothing. This project is a huge undertaking, and tonight has the potential to alter quite a few of Alucard's plans depending on how the hall behaves at full capacity and music in the air.

Absently, Alucard gestures downwards to the floor.]

There's a complex system of magic at play here in order to create a satisfactory audio experience and the mechanisms are etched into the floors and walls themselves. It is a delicate system, and what's on those boards needs exacting documentation that I'm not prepared to delegate yet.

[Jesper, you really want a full conversation about this?]

[ Any wine is good wine. Geralt's relinquished the gryphon back to its rightful owner, which means his hands are free to retrieve more such wine.

He expects to see Alucard. This is the dhampir's pet project, after all. Step up from restoring a graveyard. It's a nice place—and as far as providing for the city goes, about as unobtrusive as it gets. No one will complain about an old building brought back to life. ]

You're enjoying yourself.

[ It's not a question. He hasn't seen Alucard do much beyond duck inside his cactus, and that one time they killed a few things together. So. It's a welcome sight. ]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

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[open] a fantastic public charity event!

RAFFLE

Alucard | the hierophant

CLOSED TO SYPHA

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Closed to Quilleth Kaur

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ota.

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Closed to Jaskier

ota.

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OTA

Gryphon obviously

Crowd Filters in

Rinwell || The Magician || OTA

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Bottles!

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no subject

bar wine.