[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

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?

[speak_n_spell]

[No fire or ice involved, only sharp elbows and the occasional stomp. She assumed there'd be a crowd, and swapped out her open-toed sandals for sturdy boots accordingly.

Sypha's on the short side for a human, and basic manners dictate short people either get to stand at the front or lifted up by taller audience members. Listen, she doesn't make the rules.

Luckily, a much taller audience member makes himself known before anybody tries to jostle her back.]

I have! [She almost has to shout to be heard over the celebration] It looks amazing! This is going to be so good for your project!

[cryptsleeper]

[Sypha, your elbows are also very dangerous weapons. Alucard was just relieved to see boots on her feet when she arrived.]

Jaskier knows how to attract a crowd. [Luckily for Sypha, Alucard can hear her easily over the noise. Less luckily for Alucard, it is becoming a bit much.

He takes a step forward, and there's a little parting of the crowd. There's a nod of his head towards Sypha, letting her fill in the space if she so desires to.]

Can you see better from here?

[speak_n_spell]

[Gratefully, Sypha tucks herself in to the hollow at Alucard's front, careful not to touch. The press of the crowd must already be winding his nerves tighter.] Much better, thank you!

[Aside from the sheer number of people here, someone had to arrange the vendors and the tables and the drinks, all the little logistical pieces that call for lists and organization. Sypha doesn't know Jaskier very well, but she can't quite picture him bending to that sort of task. The extremely anal retentive dhampir behind her, on the other hand...]

How much of this was your brainchild?

Closed to Jaskier

[cryptsleeper]

[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?

[cointosser]

[If Alucard is spent, Jaskier's about dead on the ground.

It is the sort of feeling he lives for. The sign of a job well done. His boots dragged with his steps, almost drunkenly (which he isn't, this time, which is the first in a while after a show), his feet two blocks of aching stone, legs stiff trunks, his shoulders turned red with the pull of the lute's strap for hours. It'll linger like a scar for the night, aching across his shoulders.

But it's perfect.

He finds Alucard after plucking up Mog into his arms who, with the falling of night, is finding it to be the perfect time to start getting into trouble.] I was certainly considering. [He smiles, setting down with an oof next to Alucard, letting Mog go to begin chewing on the edge of his boot.] It was a rather fantastic night, wasn't it? [His head leans back against the column.] I dare say I saw you enjoy yourself tonight.

[cryptsleeper]

[Mog that's not a food.

Alucard has grabbed the last bottle of red for himself. He has just enough energy to uncork it with an extended dhampir finger nail and a whole lot of wiggling about. The pop! is satisfying, and god. He really does like drinking on the work site, doesn't he?]

I don't know how you manage that for a living. [He means it respectfully, and offers the wine bottle over to Jaskier first.] My ears are still ringing, and that's with the pitch perfect control of the magic here.

[....not him too.]

Pardon?

[cointosser]

[He's learning.

Jaskier can't help but tease him by wiggling his foot around, anyway. Mog chases after it with a sort of chirrup-growl, which he finds utterly adorable.]

After decades of it, I've gotten used to it. [With a tip of his head, he takes a sip of the bottle. Mm. Oh. That's good, shit. He passes it back politely.] It probably helps my hearing's not as good as yours.

[Not after this long in his career, at least.

He stretches, his back cracking. A grin spreads across Jaskier's face. He'd meant the food, the dancing, and that Alucard came out in public at all, but if he's going to be so obvious about it...]

Well. It was a night meant for lovers... I'm only saying, I think you may have enjoyed yourself.

Crowd Filters in

[itookashot]

[ 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.

[cryptsleeper]

[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.

[itookashot]

[ 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. ]

[cryptsleeper]

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?]

bar wine.

[gynvael]

[ 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. ]

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard grew up with a wine cellar, he still will have opinions.

The dhampir nods once, eyes moving from the crowd to Geralt. He's...oh. It can't be helped.]

And you're no longer gryphon sitting.

[Some things are impossible to ignore, like a large man holding a toy gryphon.]

I have good data on how to proceed, and some reassurance that this is worth the effort. [Geralt knows Alucard's the one doing the work, even if Jaskier may as well be a consultant for audio reasons.] Easy night's work, I hope?

[gynvael]

[ The expression on Geralt's face says he was anticipating that to be remarked upon. He tips his head. He will not acknowledge that he didn't mind holding onto the creature. It has got soft feathers. And it's absurdly round.

In any case. ]

If you can call it work. [ Yeah. Easy enough. The night has been pleasant. Things have been...tumultuous as of late, for most everyone he knows. One evening without any bullshit weighing on them is worthwhile.

His gaze flicks to Alucard with interest. ] You brought a...friend.

time 4 wine

[techmaturgy]

[The evening becomes more bearable after a while--maybe it's the general slowing down of the crowd, the mood becoming a little more subdued, or the fact that Viktor is now comfortably buzzed. He's stayed off to the side for most of the party, knowing that both Jaskier and Alucard are probably dealing with an exhausting amount of attention.

So he waits until things have cooled off a little. Later in the night, he finds finding Alucard at the bar and pulls up a stool.]

I, uh. Wanted to congratulate you.

[He's pretty sure that Alucard wants most of the attention away from him, and he can relate, but Viktor is coming around to the fact that he likes some of the people here, and possibly thinks of them as friends, and showing his support is the least he can do. He has a book--a folio of some of the more interesting buildings in Cadens, compiled by one artist or another--tucked under his free arm, which he offers, leaning forward a little to close the distance.]

You may have seen this, in your research, but I came across it at one of the bookshops and thought you might like it.

[cryptsleeper]

[What about Alucard would ever imply he doesn't want to be the center of attention?

Viktor, however, is a welcome enough presence, and much of the evening's energy has transmuted into something softer. Cozier. It's yet to wear out though, and Alucard isn't sure that the bard is going to end things on this muted of a note. The energy will doubtlessly pick up for one or two songs before everything comes to a proper end.

The book has his attention. Alucard leans over, taking it carefully.]

I did see the title, but I remember the volume being a little slimmer. [Not a terrible thing, but--ah. He opens the book, and the title page says it all. New and updated. Turning the page to the bibliographic data on the verso makes it clear that this is a more recent printing.

There's a soft smile on his face, genuine and just a little surprised.]

This is exceedingly kind. Thank you. [Moreover:] It'll be put to good use. There's a closet off to the side here that has all of my current plans and blueprints, since I couldn't just leave them on the floor for the night.

[techmaturgy]

[For as much as he tries to wrangle his own feelings, Viktor's face often betrays him, and there's some relief on it when Alucard seems to like the gift (it's possible he's not in the habit of giving presents, or never really had an excuse to do so).]

Don't thank me. I'll probably want to borrow it.

[A joke, of course.]

I wouldn't mind seeing those plans, either. [Just out of curiosity's sake.] When you have time.

mosh pit!!

[frontlinetitties]

[So she's not precisely here in a casual capacity, and her original aim when she too had sidled up toward the edges of whatever the fuck was happening toward the front of the stage had been to keep people in check. To ensure that this wasn't some kind of fight on the verge of breaking out, a situation needing to be handled. It's what Jaskier is paying her to be here for after all - which was kind of him, when in reality she'd have come along for free and still acted as bouncer if he'd needed her to. But it doesn't take her long to discern that the movement of bodies here, their intensity, their lit-up exuberance, is some form of dancing. It's something people are doing for fun. And okay so it looks like it could get a little out of hand as the music rises and swells over them, but the mood in the hall seems bright and electric, a mood that sparks in her as surely as it does for the dancers, or whatever the hell they'd call...this.

Surely no-one would mind if she joins in just a little. And surely the centre of the revelry is the perfect place to be to look out for disturbances.

She starts to step forward, and it's then that she catches sight of golden hair. Of a familiar face. She beams.]

Al!! What excellent timing. Come join me in whatever the hell this is for a minute?

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard assumed Gideon would be here somewhere. If only to make sure the bard committed to songs about biceps, which doesn't seem to have happened yet. The night is young, after all, and the front part of this concert has gone mad in a very weird, very specific way that he doesn't quite get.

So he's less shocked at Gideon being there versus her proposal, which while not indecent is definitely something to step forward carefully with. But in a fun way.]

I'll wade into it with you, but people might just bounce off. I can't take responsibility for what happens after that.

[There's smugness in the response and the grin on his face.]

[frontlinetitties]

Bounce off?

[She looks at him with a bemused expression, head tilted slightly to the side. Voice still raised to allow for him to hear it over the spill and thrum of the music. She's quick to grin though, as much invitation as it is expression.]

Well, now I gotta see that. C'mon!

[And then she's grabbing for his hand. Fully intending to pull him into the fray along with her.]

scoping the stairs.

[wiedzminka]

Oh, boo. You're no fun.

[ Ciri says this lightly, rolling her eyes with a smirk that is only half-suppressed. In truth, she's less curious about the rotten floorboards and more so about Alucard, having seen him lurking from staircase to staircase in that dramatic long coat like some sort of specter who'd misplaced his shirt. ]

What's up there, really? You're so keen on protecting it, you're drawing more attention, not less.

[ She seems to be in good spirits. ]

[cryptsleeper]

So I've been told.

[A dead serious tone for an eyeroll is a fair trade, so far as Alucard is concerned. Still, he gives a casual shrug, the folded arms across his chest falling. There is absolutely no logic for his foregoing a shirt tonight. It puts certain scars front and center, after all.]

It really is just rotting floorboards. And some of the work tables I was using, since I very well couldn't leave them out this evening. [He gestures to the front half of the hall vaguely.] That entire area was covered with paper, trying to document this place.

[wiedzminka]

[ Seeing as Ciri isn't keen on people asking about her front and center scars (and she can't exactly hide it as easily as putting on a shirt), she politely refrains from voicing her curiosity. Looks like he suffered quite the injury, but other than that, it doesn't strike her as odd that he'd show it.

She follows his gesture, looking around. ]

You cleaned it up nicely.

What inspired you to take this up as your project? You've certainly got Jaskier all excited about it.

[ She knows it's not generally advertised Alucard's behind this, but considering she's been helping Jaskier, she's a little better informed than most. She's just not sure why Alucard got so into an old building. Is it a step up from the cemetery? Maybe. ]