Minstrel MEETUP: Charity Concert for Adventure Scout Troop 405
Tenebrae - Thursday, November 20, 2014, 7:57 AM
EVENTS: Minstrel Meetup: Charity Fundraiser is scheduled to start RIGHT NOW! -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* A04: Theatre District *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- While the area contains more than theatre, it is most known for its dueling play houses and established, theatrical families. Competition for talent, especially known actors and playwrights, is fierce. An example of these long-standing, yet well-entrenched feuds are the Flightwright and Flame's Hope--two theatres built within a hundred years of one another yet separated by more than ideology. Owned by opposing families, the various troupes have been unofficially "at war" for over a hundred years. Ribbons in Ceinara's vibrant colors grace the mismatched and often run-down streets, attesting to the District's colorful and creative background. The buildings possess no single style. Though not the quality in Upper Alexandria, this District possesses a thoroughly bohemian spirit and style amid its contrasting landscapes. Aside from several well-known theatres, artists and crafters of all sorts make their homes here, as much for company as cheap rent. Callers-out stand on street corners, announcing the latest play, with what's in production reflecting the tone of the times and often, current politics. Street musicians abound, playing instruments or, for more visual artists, offering portraits for a few coppers to silver. Present, too, are Muses and their ilk, whose blessings the houses and various artists compete for. The very center of the district is home to an open stage, an area raised a few feet from street level and worn flat. Anyone may perform here, and many do, though it's often an area for musician's gatherings and general lounging. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- Aldean Blonde, tanned human male with a muscular build. 1s 2h Vroole Black stone creature in arcane armor. 26s 13m Silmeria A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 6m 7m Renfrey Half-elf with a black braid and short beard. 30s 1m Roland A tall man with auburn curls and hazel eyes. 0s 9h Cesran A tall dark-skinned man 4m 17m Selia A sleek halfling lass, quick and nimble. 47s 1m -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- Gumdrop's <GG> Flightwright Theatre <FT> Hope Theatre <HT> East <E> North <N> -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The square is decked out in full, festive measure. Wreaths hang from lamp poles and streamers of popcorn and holiday gaiety are strung throughout the district -- while a sign proudly proclaims "1st Annual Alexandria Yule Talent Show and Charity Concert: All proceeds to benefit the Adventure Scout Troup 405"
"Oh, there we go, there we are! Oh! How delightful! Well, when I'd heard about it, I'd said, well, you know I -love- parties, and who could resist one with kids? Oh! It will be so delightful! Why..." the prattle goes on. And on. And ON, as a roundish figure makes his way out of the steps of a local building. A local building. There are several in the District, each of different color, size, design than the next. Each of a different STYLE than the next, as though they would all outdo one another...or at least. Be /different/.
The roundish figure stands just a gnose over three feet tall, his proud countenance making the way before him in a way that most resembles a beachball, and gives doubt to his ability to walk at all. Several trays of candies--SUGAR!--float around him, bobbing gently in the air like oversized Yule-tide candies. He talks to a more slender member of his elderly generation, a thinnish gnome in a pinstripe suit, who smiles gently, and nods occasionally to the words.
The stage itself has a gathering of said scouts -- a mixture of young humans, oruch, gobbers and even the odd gnome -- lined up in neat little rows, some waiting more patiently than others as the young gnome sets to fidgeting with her uniform -- making sure the creases are just /so/.
The curtains pull back further as Roland takes to the stage, arms raised high over head as his cloak falls back. "Friends, Alexandrians, Countrymen! Lend us your ears -- and lend these youngsters your hearts as well...And I think these fine lads and ladies have their own special way of wishing you all a Blessed Yule!"
With that, the bard's arms drop back to his side as he backs away in a half-bow as the kids being to...sing?
The bar comming off the mana post is ment to hold a banner. Which is does just fine, actually. But it also serves as a rather nice perch for Selia to lounge upon, high enough to see and not get stepped on, which is a trouble that comes up more often than you might think. It's also a spot few think to look, which tends to suit the sneaky little halfer perfectly fine. Not that she's anything to hide... just at this particular moment.
Renfrey wanted to show off a talent but picking a dwarvish 9 pin quad lock under 3 hours with a hair pin was, to his dismay, not deemed appropriate. None the less he snuck in to watch and is keeping the concessions busy as he stuffs his face with candies while watching the stage. A few rotten tomatoes at the ready just in case!
Never one to turn down a good party, Aldean's perched on the back of a bench off to the side of the main stage, elbows resting on his knees and hand drum slung over his back, watching a group of older kids chasing one another up and down the street, shrieking as they go. A mug of something in one hand, he's quite thoroughly wrapped in layers of clothing against the chilly breeze that whisks the last of the dead leaves through the squares and streets of Alexandria. He wears a wide, good-natured grin as he watches the children and activity around him, but as the stage comes to life, he looks up further, his attention drawn by the would-be singers.
Thankfully, Silmeria is not the only Speaker for the Dead, and a couple more have begun to crop up about Alexandria. Otherwise, the blond would be utterly unable to justify attending a charity concert... but after hearing that bards aplenty would be turning out to secure the welfare of the local Adventure Scout troop, she'd managed to successfully cajole the clergy into allowing her a few hours to herself. Thus, it's with an especially light step that she enters the square just as the Scouts thank the populace in song. ...And almost immediately, Silmeria chides herself for her initial reaction; wondering if there would be any horribly tragic last requests born of children singing with much, much more enthusiasm than training.
"Oh, isn't that delightful?" Abrahil pauses to applaud--and immediately the candies and their trays begin to jiggle. He scrambles, face flushing red to steady them, with a breathless, "Oh my, oh dear!" while his companion clears his throat once, quietly, and smiles. Either one are well-of-years, with those balding domes only the aged might acquire.
Not a singer, not big on eating, the large War Golem merely stands there, observing like a statue in the middle of the crowd. Vroole was there mostly as an experience, his slight glowing green eyes in the dim lights that flicker seem to take in everything at once and nothing at all with no actual eyeballs to speak of. He can clap though, and the sound of rock slamming into rock can easily be heard around him and well the whole area can probably hear that as he claps above their heads.
Cesran has comes to see what this was all about. He has his brought his staff with him and Ral-sara is pouting, "I don't see why I can't join the talent contest." Cesran hmms, "Oh and what would your talent be, going up there and being sassy to everyone." He teases and the staff snorts a bit, impressive for only being a crystal dragon head on top of a staff. "I have other talents besides those." Cesran chuckles, "Oh sure you do."
Pendleton is in attendance, for once! He is sharing pieces of an apple with a small boy, maybe a year or two old, seated on his shoulder. The boy is very slobbery, but bright brown eyes watch the festivities intently.
Abrahil gives a small wave towards the stage, before looking over. At the sight of the other mage, his eyes light up and he waves again. "Cesran! Oh, my, it's so good to see you! What brings you out this way?" he says. The gentleman beside him leans over to place a hand on the round little gnome's shoulder. He whispers a few words, nods, and then gently departs into the crowd, with his pinstripe suit and hat.
Roland smiles as he slips off stage as the kids continue their song, complete with a soprano solo from the anxious little, little(r)?, gnome. There's a nod towards Aldean as he steps off the stage before making his way over towards Abrahil. "Thanks again for all your help with the stage" A pause he nods, "Masters Cesran, Ral-Sara."
Drink seems to be more to Aldean's taste than food, although there's no smell of alcohol from the mug he carries. Instead, the smell of warm spiced cider wafts from it, and he raises it to drink while he listens. They're kids, though, and he just snorts to himself, instead turning his attention after a moment to the group of older boys running around. When Roland acknowledges him, though, he raises the mug in response, with a warm grin.
Renfrey walks up to Abrahil with a face stuffed and covered in sweets "Where you get those..." he manages to get out without spewing too many bits of food and nodding to the candies floating about the gnome.
Silmeria claps politely, with a large smile on her face, as the children finish their set. Glancing about the throng, she eels her way through the crowd toward the chosen donation-taker, murmuring a few kind words, and slipping the gnome an anonymous donation. Really, because who wants to know the Temple of Death wishes them well?
Cesran smiles as he hears his name and he grins, "Abrahil! I wouldn't miss an event with the Adventurer's troup 405. Is Den Mother Sandy around?" He asks as he chuckles a little bit as he looks around to make sure that she's not going to come up behind him and punch him. He nods to Roland, "Hello Roland how are you doing?" He too eyes the sweets, "For sale or for everyone?" He asks curiously.
Abrahil watches the pinstriped gentleman go for a few moments, before turning back around and adjusting his rose-tinted lenses. At the mention of Alexandria's Great Hero, his eyes light up and crinkle at the edges, and he clasps his hands together. The hands barely fit, of course, but it's perhaps the gesture that counts. "Oh, I'd hoped she'd show up! And oh, they're for everyone. Why, with all the kids...I thought, why not a day of fun?"
Sweets fill the floating trays, from gummies to cupcakes to sugar-dusted sugar bombs, to candy canes and caramels. They float gently in the air, of all colors and sizes.
Roland laughs and spreads his arms wide, "The sweets, and other treats are free -- our enterprising scouts have gathered up a wide selection through generous donations and other means. The drinks now...are another story, soo...I'd suggest being generous, and maybe avoiding the cinnaspirals. Those...might have a little extra kick than you're used too." Or well, anyone is used too without swallowing a river of over priced grog! Did we mention our ENTERPRISING young scouts?
"After all, isn't that what Yule is all about? Coming together amongst friends and family and learning to give generously?" There's a nod to the gnome on stage as her solo ends before he looks to Abrahil again, "It's amazing how far she's come -- Still a little shy, but when she lets go -- she really shines."
Vroole listens, that is what he is doing now and does as words are spoken here and there, but mostly he listens to the children. He seems almost in complete rapture. Singing of any kind is a joy it seems, as a War golem he must not have heard many things like this and his attention seems to be set on memorizing every little bit of it. Food, drink, nothing else matters till the solo ends and once more he is loudly clapping his large rock hands over everyone's heads.
Almost everyone's heads. Selia remains on her lofty perch, watching quietly. ...she did manage to snag a mug of something, somehow.
Renfrey claps politely, with cheeks puffed out and full of food. Somehow the trays around Abs slowly grow more empty and Renfrey's face fuller. GAME: Renfrey rolls sleight of hand: (2)+17: 19
Pendleton snags a cupcake and samples it, offers some to the boy on his shoulder. Who promptly bursts out crying and a bemused Pendleton jogs the boy a bit in his arms and pats his back, wandering through the crowd.
The little girl's voice does draw Aldean's attention from his watching of the group in general; dark eyes light with impressed interest at the little one's voice. He, too, applauds when she is done, putting two fingers between his teeth and adding a cat call. whistle.
Cesran claps as the solo ends and he nods, "Well we shall be as generous as we can be. I hope you have some green hornets." He says as he reaches to grab a cookie with some chocolate chunks in it. "Mmm this one is delious he says as he continues to eat. "So any of you going up to perform?"
Sugar. It's the name of the day, today. Cupcakes, sugarbees, gummy golems fill the floating trays. A bit of magic holds them in place...a floating spell that bobs and weaves, leaves them easily grabble and snaggable. The empty tray, unaware that it's empty thanks to Renfrey's efforts, bobs past, and attempts to offer itself to Vroole, the golem.
"Oh my! Why, I see what you mean. Such energy, such earnestness! Oh, bravo, you know. Bravo!" the round little gnome says, and brings his hands together to clap as best he can. At least, he makes the effort--the arms strain a bit, but it's the gesture that counts.
Looking at the floating tray and any others that may float by and expect Vroole to be partaking, he says, "No thank you." It is said with every politeness, even as the words sound like stone running over stone, the effect not so much pleasant to hear, but very clear for such an effect. The stone creation then looks around some, for the moment the music has ended and he wonders if it will continue.
Godwyn has arrived.
Silmeria liberates a pair of cookies from a table in passing, clapping as the girl wraps up her solo. At the call for volunteers to step up and lend their voices, the blond looks around, eyebrows rising curously. So many bards and music lovers, surely the concert isn't nearly over yet.
And it isn't! Because just then, someone enters the building wearing her standard white-on-blue ensemble with a hint of brown in the gloves and boots, the blue rose silhouette of Althea emblazoned proudly on the front and back of the tabard.
She'd heard of this for days now, and far be it for Godwyn to miss out on a chance to sing!
Pendleton finally settles the boy with more apple slices. Pendleton nabs a cookie for himself. "Well, fine, 'Gan, you don't want it, great. More for Pop-pop."
Renfrey finally seems content to fill his pockets with sweets instead of his face and moves closer to Cesran. "You know they should have gotten Sandy to perform. I mean I brought tomatoes and everything for that! "
Sandy has arrived.
From his perch over on the back of a bench not far from the stage, Aldean looks up, his attention drawn away from it as more and more people begin to swirl in and the music stops. His mug of something warm is clasped between his hands, but it's near-empty, and he takes the opportunity to get to his feet and find a refill. This time, the refill is of the kick-inclusive variety, and he flashes a grin at the vendor, slipping him an extra couple of silvers for the service and the cause. "Aye, 'tis a fine person ye are fer that." So saying, he turns away and looks around at the larger group.
Tatyannah has arrived.
Cesran mmms as he continues to eat the cookie and he moves over to get a drink from the vender. He smiles as the vender does know how to make a green hornet and soon Cesran has the lively colored drink in one hand and a cookie in the other." He comes back and smiles at Renfrey, "What do you think the grand finale is...Sandy singing."
"Well from what I've heard, I hope not."
From behind Cesran, a familiar voice. "We'd all like to leave with our ears intact."
Renfrey lights up and produces a small lumpy brown bag with a foul smell "Oh good! I even got these tomatoes from gobber town, really drive the point home."
The gnomish girl blushes and bows her head, quickly retreating backwards to her former place in line. Another scout steps forward, this one of an Oruchish bent -- a little taller and stockier than most of his fellows.
"ThaEeenK you!" he cries out, or tries too as the stress of the stage leads to his voice breaking at an embarassing moment. Still, he swallows and soldiers on, "Thank you!" He cries out again, "Thank you for coming, and for all of you who have helped already. We are Adenture Scout Troop 405! This is our first concert, but the scout manual says to always be of good cheer, to be an exem...an exem" there's a pause as he starts counting off on his fingers to remember the words, "...an exemplary example to others, and to always -- be prepared!"
There's a grin as he seems relieved to have gotten through the bulk of the prepared speech, "We'd also like to give a special thanks to Gumdrops! They're the ones who've provided all these nice sweets you see moving about, enjoy them -- but we hope you'll try our bake sale a visit as well. Some of our scouts have worked hard earning their cooking badges, and we're very happy to share there results with you today!
Now, of course we couldn't stand up here and offer our thanks -- without including a VERY BIG THANK YOU for our dear Den Mother, Lady Arwenieniallwehn Sandiel!" There's a big gasp for breath as he finishes the long name, OBVIOUSLY having spent far too much time in tracking down, much less memorizing their den mother's name -- even as he steps back into the group of scouts as they break from the Yule song as a drum and fife start up as an ORIGINAL SONG breaks out, "The Hero of Happy Valley!"
Selia snorts and applauds. If there's anything sure to bring good cheer, it's songs to the praise of Hero Sandy.
"Oh good, I didn't miss it," Tatyannah says a little breathless when she appears from whatever she's been doing. She claps enthusiastically for the boy who just gave his speech.
Abrahil does his best to applaud! The trays of goodies and sweets applaud, too: the cupcakes leap, the cake dances. They really do, through a sort of whimsical magic. One of them twists, and stands up to form a smiling and wide-hipped figure, who reaches out as though to gather in loving arms, all of the children to her.
"Hooray! Three cheers for the Troop! Hip hip, hooray! Hip hip--!"
Pendleton applauds for the gumdrops, as best he can. The boy looks around, does something resembling a clap.
Godwyn chuckled. "Well that's adorable. They really do love her..."
Cesran jumps and spins around with a smile to cover his nervousness, "Den Mother Sandy so nice to see you. Your adventurer troup has done quite a lovely job." He says as he didn't spill his drink. He in fact raises his glass to Sandy as the toast is made. He takes a large drink of it and his staff chuckles a little bit.
Roland stands smiling, rocking on his heels as his arms swing about, counting time to the music as he sings, albeit softly, right along with the kids on stage.
So. That's the Hero of ... all sorts of things. The announcement and the point-out of Lady Sandiel isn't lost on Aldean, and finally, the group that Roland's been associating with catches his attention. While he politely applauds for the troop as well ... the group is much more interesting. Beyond the group, though ...
He finally spots a familiar face, though, and pushes his way through the crowd towards Silmeria. "Oy, fair winds find ye," he greets the Speaker. "I'd not expected t'be seein' ye in a place like this."
"Anh yfoo!" Silmeria says around a pair of cookies, ceasing her applause shortly after to remove them and favor Aldean with a bright, beaming smile. "Well I do love a good song, and I rather like littles on general principle... So at least one part of the Temple simply had to come and make a donation... anonymous, of course." Pausing, she looks the bard up and down, smile widening. "And you look well-rested, I see!"
Godwyn took a look around. "So it seems everyone here knows each other..." She spotted Aldean and grinned. "And there's the man I wanted to see. Aldean!" She waved as she jogged over.
"Aye, no more strange dreams," Aldean tells Silmeria as Godwyn jogs up. "Fair winds find ye, Sentinel. Ye comin' t'sing?" He cocks an eye -- and an ear -- at the stage where the adventure troop continues to hold forth in the way that only kids can do. "Thought t'see if they'd want other singers, but ain't lookin' so." Apparently he'd been too far away to hear Cesran's remark. "The little 'un be worth an ear. 'Tis well to see ye, and not on errands." That's for both women equally, with that usual grinn. He's clearly in good spirits -- and carrying a mug.
Roland turns his head, nodding to Sandy by way of greeting even as Abrahil takes off. "You have some good kids up there."
The song ends with smiles on their faces of all the kids, who are only FAR TOO HAPPY to praise their den mother..on stage...in front of the whole city. The half-oruch steps forward again, "We have more coming, and trust me -- you'll want to stick around for the grand finale! Lady Sandiel has worked very hard to make it awesome! And if you're half as eager as we are to see it -- then you're definitely having a good time! That said -- this is also a talent show, and we even had a few non-scouts sign up as well...WOuld a..." He unrolls a scroll and squints, leaning in to put the words together, "Miss...Gooo Down? Go...Dine?" He lowers the scroll to look around the stage, "Uhh...Ma'aam...would you come up on stage now and sing?"
Back in the crowd, the bard chuckles as he looks to Cesran and Ral-Sara, "Did I hear that you signed up as well?"
The boy yawns a bit, rubbing his face, smearing apple bits all over. Pendleton chuckles and holds him close, wanders out.
Godwyn nodded. "Certainly!" She made her way to the stage and climbed up. "You all certainly have some good voices. Maybe I should have you teach me!" She giggled and took in a breath.
Cesran nods to Godwyn as he goes to grab another cookie while he can. He eats the cookie. He waits to see how Godwyn does for her singing and if he'll need another green hornet.
"Glad to hear it," Silmeria says, blinking as Godwyn jogs up... and then turns around without so much as another word and climbs to the stage. "She does love to sing, doesn't she?" the Vardaman asks Aldean, her smile wry. "This is rather a lovely event, though."
"Aye," Aldean nods agreement, folding his arms across his chest as he turns to watch, although the surprise at Godwyn's near-rude abruptness lingers for a moment. Some of the smile fades into concentration. "Children ought ta sing."
Cesran looks over at the bard and he shrugs a little bit, "I might and I might not." Ral-sara huffs, "Yes he won't even till me." Cesran laughs, "It's all part of being a mysterious master of the arcane arts. Besides you might or might not be in it as my lovely assistant. I could make you disappear."
Selia disappears all on her own. Sneaky little Dancer. Selia has disconnected.
Godwyn smiled. "If it's not too much trouble, I'll sing something about the Bard!"
And with that, she went into a song about Tarien and one of his roundabouts in a village. Old story, but a good one.
"By the sound of it," Silmeria chuckles, "they'll be doing the bulk of the singing... but even young throats need a rest now and again, right? So... what's changed, that your dreams've stopped, if I might ask?"
A statue, one could say that Vroole had stood there as such and still does, till a new person takes the stage. Once more those glowing green sockets concentrate on the stage and the one telling the story. To him the rest of the people there fade away like a recorder only set to pick up on one thing and that was to know more about Tarien and this roundabouts in a village.
Butters has arrived.
Off in the distance a thumping can be heard, echoing down the streets. As the sound gets closer, other instruments can be heard. High notes and low, as mixing melodies flutter down the to mix with the city noises.
It might not have been the first time people heard the song. It might however have been the first time they'd heard it sung this well, though! Godwyn put embellishments on the story, swinging the notes back and forth, but still keeping good time. In the exciting parts, she raised her voice, and when it was calmer she brought the pitch down.
In the end, Godwyn gave a bow and grinned toward the children. "Well then, who wants to go next?"
Vroole claps once more.
The loud booming can be heard getting closer as the moments tick away...
Godwyn's ears perked. "Well then, it seems I'm going to get more than I bargained for." She grinned. "This is gonna be fun."
Tatyannah goes home. Tatyannah has left.
Aldean's quiet as he listens to Godwyn sing, but he nods his approval. "Aye, she's got that one well nailed," he mutters in approval. "But..." He's about to say more when the booming and banging of instruments begins to march down the street. "What in...." A quick shake of the head. "Aye, if none else'll sing ... ye'd think Lady Sandiel's personal bard'd sing something."
Roland gives Cesran and Sandy a brief nod before breaking off, leaping back on stage with the group, turning to give a bow as the back row of older scouts steps behind the curtains, slowly emerging with instruments of their own as the scouts fall into their obviously reheared roles of playing into the approaching beat as the younger kids begin re-arranging themselves into a smaller group near the front of the stage.
Roland turns to the crowd, "Thank you all for coming once again! These fine kids have one final number for you all...unless we have anyone brave enough to give a last minute show?" The bard's arm sweeps out as he pivots slowly, beckoning any oncomers with a wave of the hand as more of the kids find their places, adding to the approaching sound one instrument at time.
"Who?" Silmeria asks, head tilting at the name, applause duly given. "Sorry, I've not made time enough to know the bulk of the notable bards in the city, yet... Who'd that be, then?"
Well, since ye're impugnin' me courage an' me singin' both," Aldean raises his voice with a laugh, and a grin at Silmeria. "Can't have that." The voice is a baritone shout with a definite sailor's accent. With a wink at Silmeria. "No idea, mightn't have one, though most nobles do. Looks like I be after singin' fer this lot after all." Taking his mug with him, he begins to shove through the crowds to the front.
Cesran turns to the bard, "I guess that's my cue." The wizard and staff suddently fade out and he reappears on stage. Has he been on stage this whole time, was the Cesran they were speaking to merel an illusion. With a word of command he extends his hand and ten bright stars moats fly up into the air and explode in a shower of illusionary sparks. He holds out Ral-sara and the dragon opens her mouth to breath out a gout of flame some 15 feet tall. Cesran smiles as he gets the crowds attention. "Now many of you know that my staff Ral-sara can talk, but she has learned a new trick." He says as he leaves the staff standing upright in the middle of the stage. From Ral-sara's mouth comes a roar of a dragon and then on stage stands a huge silver dragon. The dragon roars again and turns towards Cesran, "I told you I knew more then one trick." Cesran laughs and smiles, "I knew that you had it in you." And he's glad that he pre-loaded the major illusion spell. The dragon turns back towards the crowd. "What would you like to see next?" The staff/dragon asks as she sees Aldean coming up, "How about a duet?" The dragon says as she starts to sing and Cesran laughs a little bit.
GAME: Butters casts Silent Image. Caster Level: 2 DC: 16
As the crowd parts at the edge of the square, a small figure with a tall umbrella hat appears with a flurish of music! Surrounding the figure are birds fluttering about in complex patterns and rainbows seem to be kicked up with every step. With the rolling thunder of the bass drum, fireworks apear directly overhead as the accordian plays a merry tune. A trumpet is added to the mix while the cymbals clash in time with the music.
GAME: Butters rolls Perform/Dance: (19)+8: 27 GAME: Butters rolls Perform/Keyboard: (1)+8: 9 GAME: Butters rolls Perform/Percussion: (18)+8: 26 GAME: Butters rolls Perform/Wind: (10)+8: 18 <OOC> Butters says, "POLKA WILL NEVER DIE!!!"
"Good luck!" Silmeria calls after Aldean, grinning widely... then the stage seems to be swarmed, with one illusion after another and another, accompanied by a strangely rhythmic cacophony. "....Uh. Well then," the Vardaman murmurs, to no one in particular.
Halfway to the stage, Aldean stops as the magic and music burst to life on the stage -- and the staff addresses him. "Aye..." he begins, folding his arms across his chest. "I'd not be interruptin' th'show, though." He seems content to listen to the magical music for the moment. Some of it is even actually decent.
Cesran shakes his head as he looks to be concentrating and Ral-sara starts to sing in time with the merry polka music. "Not interrupting at all, why don't we all sing for the crowd." He says as he shrinks the dragon down to a more managable size so she doesn't take up all of the stage.
Butters marches up to the stage with the heavy thumping of the base, his fingerwork on the accordian faltering for a moment as a giant dragon appears. He doesn't miss a beat in his fancy footwork though and recovers quickly. He strides up next to Cesran and the dragon, giving music for the performance as the birds twirl and fly around the edges of the stage.
Silmeria weaves through the crowd after Aldean, as the party picks up into full swing. When she finally gets close enough, she tugs gently onto the bard's sleeve. "...Actually," she says, a wan smile on her face, "I'm terribly sorry to ask, but... would you mind walking me back to the Temple District? Only, it's a bit late for me, and I've still much to do in the morning..."
GAME: Godwyn rolls Sing: (18)+10: 28 Godwyn claps her hands for a few moments before adding her voice to the mixture. She doesn't notice how well she's stinging amidst the others, but she doesn't pay much attention to it. She's simply having too muc fun. ^^
Cesran continues to concentrate on the spell as Ral-sara provides the voice for singing. She's not half bad at least she can carry a tune. Cesran looks to the dragon, "All right time for a big finish."
Before Aldean can answer, there's a tug on his sleeve. "Aye? Oh, aye." The bard raises his voice, to be heard over the music. "I be after singin' wit' ye," he tells the staff, "but later." He turns away from the stage, and nods to SIlmeria. "Aye, I'll walk ye."
"Thanks," the Vardaman says, apologetic gratitude on her face. "Sorry, really..." And with that, she turns to lead the pair unnoticed through the crowd, eventually free to have some elbow room and walk at a decent pace, some ways down the lane.
Silmeria has left.
Watching with rapt attention still, not much noticing anyone leaving or entering, Vroole completely falls for all the illusions and music that is going on. Not a singer, his large tone foot begins to tap out a meter like a rather dull thudding drum. He isn't half bad really, able to keep the rhythm of the music with the simple act while he watches.
Ral-sara sings to a crescrendo and the dragon suddently busts apart and there is the staff again. Cesran lifts his hand and the staff suddently re-appears in his hand. The pair suddently shimmer as they look like they become liquid and melt away.
Godwyn clapped her hands in appreciation for the new trick. "Bravo, Cesran! Well done!"
Butters continues to play his little heart out, thumping out the beat and playing merry tunes for everyone and especially dragons to sing along to. It really is a complicated bit of playing to syncronize four instruments at once.
Roland steps forward in applause, "Well done, well done indeeed..." His arms wave towards Cesran, "...Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for the very talented Ral-Sara, and her lovely assistant, Master Cesran!" There's a pause, and perhaps a bit of a glare as he observes the rogue one-gnomed band before turning a suspicous look back to the scouts, still happily playing right along. Perhaps there was some conspiring that one minstrel was left out of...and with that, he simply turns, waves to the assembled youngest in the crowd as they suddenly start chanting, "All I want for Yule are my two front teeth..."
Butters picks up the tune and plays the melody for 'All I want For Yule'...
Cesran moves along as a pool of water and he dodges of of the way of anyone that wants to step on him. He coalses up next to Godwyn and he still looks shiney, "Hello Godwyn, excellent singing. You really have a talent for it."
"Sometimes I wonder where it comes from. Like now for example." She shook her head. "I wasn't even thinking about it. I just did it, and it happened so naturally..."
Roland moves off stage as the kids sing some more, waving to the recent performers before his gaze takes in the crowd, settling on the dark war golem. There's a complete grin, "Wow.."
Cesran hmms, "Perhaps it is a blessing from your Goddess, although usually it's the Muse that has most to do with music, but there is no god of music."
Godwyn shrugged. "You know, I was thinking that as well. Ceinara might have something to do with all this, or even Tarien. Though I have an unsettling feeling about the second one..."
Butters starts up a merry marching song that Alexandrian soldiers use to march into battle to keep up spirits, his voice picking up the tune. With the war going on witht he Dran and Rune being attacked, it seems appropriately jingoistic. A large Alexandria flag fades into view above his head with fireworks bursting off to the side, trying to get everyone to join in!
Godwyn glanced away from Cesran for a moment. "Pardon, I do believe that's my cue." She made her way up to the stage and sat on the edge of it, nodding her head to keep time before she joined in.
Cesran nods to Godwyn, "Of course." He doesn't join in the singing, but Ral-sara does.
As the evening progresses on, many of the helpers have been steadily clearing away empty trays as sweets continued to be consumed, now even the table cloths are being cleared away from the edges -- though, it seems every so often, the cloth wasn't covering tables so much, but large boxes.
It's at this point, Roland retakes the stage even as one of the human scouts sets down her instrument to walk up to the smaller scouts, talking with the gnomish girl even as the young gobbers seem to get rather excited, bouncing up and down in excitement before being led off the stage...something must be up!
Roland simply looks on with a smile, nodding to the oruch boy once more as he once again steps forward. "It's been a wonderful night and I hope you've all had fun. Heavens know that we have.." he says with a smile and a look back to the rest of the scouts. "We've already said this once before, but we're so thankful you came -- and so thankful to our den mother. Because of her, we're not only the fastest growing troop -- We're also the best dressed! Now, for those of you who've donated tonight -- thank you! Thank you indeed. However, for those of you who haven't...perhaps you feel that you have nothing to offer -- that's Ooo-Kay! BELIVE ME...Not having much, is something ALL OF US, understand only too well. Please don't feel bad, we are grateful for your cheer, but there is one more thing that Lady Sandiel and the Adventure Scouts have taught us. It's not always who you are or what you have, but who your willing to call on and what your willing to learn. So much of what our Den Leaders have done for us -- isn't about handing us something, but introducing us to new things or new people who can teach us some new things."
There's a wide smile, revealing a broken tusk as the oruch draws in a deep breath, "Now...for our finale, we have...well -- we have a mixture, where all sorts of things we've learned are coming together. We'll still have music, but well, some of our members are very keen to share some of the other skills they've picked up....and well, we hope you enjoy it and a very special thanks once more to Lady Sandy for watching over us and for those introductions to new things!"
With that, the music begins again as the gnome girl goes onto tippy-toe, stepping ever so lightly to center stage as Roland fades back to collect the missing girl's instrument as the little soloist starts to shine, showing not only her talented voice but with a pirouette as well, prancing about on stage for several measures until...that special surprise is revealed.
Several surprises in fact -- as those boxes mentioned before, a few even with the emphatic glee of gobber cackling before the boxes begin to spin...and spin, even as the tops slide back as the band kicks in with "Toodoo dee.dinkdadink.da.laala..diink" (OK I don't know how to actually pose out the nutcracker melody but that's what's stuck in my head for this scene...maybe because it's the SO's favorite ballet :)
The boxes continue to spin even as something shiny begins to slowly emerge from the center, spiraling upward in glittery array until each box reveals a clockwork Yule tree...all of which in turn begin to move together, closer to stage, weaving a pattern as the little gnome girl comes down, dancing in between them -- seeming to lose some of her shyness once she's no longer upon the stage and in the midst...of a company.
Godwyn removed herself from the stage as the finale began, and once the full surprise was revealed, she gasped. They'd done all this, the little tykes? She couldn't help but grin. Perhaps a part of Althea was here today, and a bit of Ceinara as well.
Vroole is still clomping and clapping, though a bit slower as the music slows as well into something far more beautiful then anything the stony appraiser has ever seen or heard of till now. The words about teaching perhaps touch him far more easily, one thing that he was built to accomplish one day. Even Reos would have appreciated such a display and music, even as one of his stalwart, rockin children is right now.
Butters steps to the side and lets the announcement be made and the performance. He claps as much as anyone else for putting on such a nice dance.
Roland stands and applauds, stepping back as the remaining kids put down their instruments to walk down amidst the spinning, mechanical trees even as the girl and assorted gobbers walk over, some with shiny sticks and buttons in their hands as the full group assembles to take a bow, "THank you all -- and a special thanks to our new friends at the Enclave, I hope they'll forgive us for not mentioning them before -- but as you see, they really helped with this last surprise -- and to you all, Have a Happy Yule and a Merry Night!"
With that the scouts all bow once more and proceed to file away to the side while some stage workers start assembling with Roland on stage to put away the instruments...Meanwhile, the mechanical trees are still spinning and playing their own little tune like oversized music boxes...