Open Complete Dunnstads The Devil went down to Falderen

[Fiora Di Angelo]

.

Spoiler: The Song

The piano went underused and for once collected the slightest specks of dust and dirt, invisible to the naked eye, as it's player retired under the pretext of a new-found wound itching, bloating even and headed through the backdoors of the expansive tavern, leaving deafening silence that made the crowds feel no more than a bunch of drunkards gathered for a meal and some booze to forget their blights and sorrows, past and present.

To see such life fall apart once the melodies stopped piled a little bit of frustration upon the pit of her stomach, eyes scanned for any willing soul to take up the spot of the pianist or even pick up an instrument, as the tavernkeeper so offered. The talented musician-for-hire was a man of multiple performances, and yet no knight, average lander nor scholar could pick up their spot. A bard wasn't among them, she figured, as these would take this opportunity to glory-hound, or did they find it beneath their skills to do so? It took so much as a pick of a mastery for a 'traveler' to play a song. But Fiora didn't need none of that, not when real life skills could translate more or less to this world.

A lute wasn't a weapon anyways, stats didn't matter here, and she's up for some fun, so why should she care? She's up for some fun, and the tavern full of vibrant and picturesque guests could very well use some entertainment. The time it took her to adjust to the courses and the fine-tuning, was almost enough for her to lose the spotlight. And then-

Chords struck, and music begun to play. Fickle at first, emboldened by courage and the guts to play in public, a skill few could master without the aid of drink or moral support alike. And the play proved to be to the crowd's liking, a playback of a song none had heard in this world, and a rarity to those who weren't into theatrical performances, the tranquil melody aided the sorrowful mood and inspired a short-lived round of claps, slow, rhythmic, as if to follow her lead with their own musical expression only a crowd could pull.

Her piece concluded with proper applauses, far tamer than a concert would be in modern times. Satisfying nonetheless for her, and for her efforts? A foamy mug filled to the brim which she took with gusto, for one singular gulp before determination once again aided her overconfidence, addressing back to the crowds.

"Where are the actual players, huh?! Do I need to drag y'all from your drinks if I ask for a challenge?!" She called out, puffing her chest out as she laced her lips with a smile, right hand pulled back seconds before she spread both arms, lute on the left, gold purse on the right. "How about some gold to spice things up?! Three songs, public decides the winner. Don't care if ya' got a lute, anything should do, even y'all harmonic people!" The last brought some confusion, at least among the landers who knew not what she meant with that.

Emerald eyes caught upon one in particular amist the masses, right index pointed straight at them, inquisitive flame behind her gaze for this particular person. "You look like you could put up a show. Gonna tuck your tail between your legs now?"

Several heads turned at once, many eyes settled upon the one whose been issued a straight-forward challenge, curiosity blazing through many, others simply found the whole deal amusing...

 

[Celestine]

"Mmmmhm, yes. I could do us the show…"

The star magician took a sip of tea, not worried a bit. Of all people, she was perhaps least averse to attention… to a fault, even! The drink was placed on the table as the magician stood and smiled.

"Sure~"

As the lady stepped forward, the floor turned to flashing lights, smoke and lasers became her frame… all appearing from nowhere. She turned to face the room. No instrument was in her hand, but as the melodious plucks of a harp began to ring out from the ether, it was clear she didn’t need one.

And then, she began to sing…

Spoiler: Performance

Hello baby you did me a call but I not hear.
I am not of having all the service in this club.
What did you the say, oh, you are of the breaking up.
I am sorry, cannot hear, and of the kind of busy.

Suddenly, drums joined the fray as she continued to sing…

In a second they will do my favorite song a play.
And I cannot be doing you a texting and a drink.
You should have done a making of the plans, I was the free.
And you do not stop all the calls, I am the busy!

And then sounds most in the room really didn’t have a name for…

Do the…
Calls a stop!
Calls a stop!
I do not want to do a think!
My heart and head are doing themselves a dancefloor!

Do the…
Calls a stop!
Calls a stop!
I do not want to do a think!
My heart and head will do themselves all the dancefloor!

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Do not do yourself the phone.
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I am the busy, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Do not do yourself the phone.
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Do all the call, but I do not the home.
And you can not do me the telephone.
I do a club and I do beer a sip.
And you can not do my phone a reach.
(x2)

Blowing up of my phone will not make me do a leave, fast.
Put on of my cost, fast.
Do my girls a leave, fast.
I should have done my phone a leave.
‘Cause this is of disaster!
Do calls like collectors!
Sorry I do not answer!

I do you a like, but I am in the party.
And I do me the sick and tired of the phone ring.
I do me a feel like of Grand Central Station.
I do not do the take of calls because I will dance.
Because I will dance.
Because I will dance.
I do not do the take of calls because I will dance.

Do the…
Calls a stop!
Calls a stop!
I do not want to do a think!
My heart and head are doing themselves a dancefloor!

Do the…
Calls a stop!
Calls a stop!
I do not want to do a think!
My heart and head will do themselves all the dancefloor!

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Do not do yourself the phone.
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I am the busy, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Do not do yourself a phone.
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Do all the call, but I do not the home.
And you can not do me the telephone.
I do a club and I do beer a sip.
And you can not do my phone a reach.
(x2)

Telephone!
D-do a telephone!
Because I do a club and I do beer a sip.
And you can not do my phone a reach.
Telephone!
D-do a telephone!
Because I do a club and I do beer a sip.
And you can not do my phone a reach.

Calming down a bit, she placed a hand over her mouth and added…

We are the sorry, but the number you do a reach of is not of the service at the time.
Please do the number a check, or do your call another try…

She took a bow as the illusions vanished, returning the tavern to normal. It was very impressive and inspiring, but most of the people sitting around were just plain confused: like an alien had given them an amazing concert, and they weren’t sure whether to be impressed or existentially terrified.

The performer turned to her challenger @Fiora Di Angelo.

"I am Celestine~ Nice to do you a meet."

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

.

Finally someone rose up to this challenge, the peculiar looking girl carrying herself with a stride and confidence akin to a performer's, Fiora practically knew this would be a tight match-

Until the whole tavern shifted to her rival's magic, or was the whole world falling apart, replaced by a different timeline and game all-together? Nope, it became a nightclub almost in a flavourful mix between 'two-story tavern' and 'two-story new york dance floor'

Once her turn concluded, Fiora stared in pure awe and disbelief, both to this girl and the whole tavern who clearly had not a single clue of what transpired infront of their noses. Some actually managed to pick up on it, at least those cowardly travelers incapable of braving the musical storm. Celestine introduced herself after such grandiose finale that returned the settlement back to normal, to the crusty tavernkeeper's relief, and Fiora cleared her throat in an attempt to recover her composure - Nope, she's screwed on this one, and the only reason she could actually win is because of how clueless Landers are in the first place.

"Pleasure's mine, @Celestine . You are some kind of idol out there? Damn, I'm impressed, really. Funny lyrics, by the way." She snickered. These weren't exactly how she remembered that song to go, but the rhythm, pacing and energy Celestine radiated practically spoke for itself, let alone the vocal range she possessed.

"Name's Fiora. Nice to do you a meet." A smirk pursued her lips for a second as she gave the lute a twirl and a few testing strums right as she fine-tuned this throat this time, clearing it once and picking up on a much more suave manner of speech.

Spoiler: Performance

Oh traveler, dear traveler what a-shame indeed
I get your loud message, I -get- what you mean.
Bright like a star, you sing and you sing.
Your verses trascending past this realitý.

Fiora begun to move around, dragging herself across the tavern

Oh traveler, dear traveler, explanations do we owe
For the voice, for the spark, for the song you just brought
Take my hand and grant me thy strength, thy dust- all you got
So I may then decypher your piece for this lot.

The cords stopped as her hand gestured to the public, turning back to Celestine just as the tempo rised, instrument and voice alike.

And you ponder what I mean
Or the answers that I give
Non sequitur be damned and all THIS uncertainty.

Such skill that you wield
That curses my existence-
Yet my sword's name's: 'Persistence'
So why should I give in?

Let it know wide and clear
Singer this one is not-
But a child playing bard-
Compelled by heavens, the treasure you hold

Loud notes played in one wild swipe and silence, right as her voice elevated itself like a mumble everyone could hear.

Oh traveler, dear Celestine-
Heaven's voice so pristine-
Lullabies for our Kings
Today in this world, we'all drink and then-sleep
Unbeknowst we weren't ready to learn how you sing...

And with the last pluck of a note, Fiora concluded with a gentle bow to the audience, and many had... Mixed feelings, between lyrics or voice alone, there was a clear difference between both, and yet Fiora aimed for familiarity and traditional play in a similar fashion to poetry, bastardized to a sense by it's simplicity. Let alone Celestine's performance was stellar, if way too alien for the little minds of the Landers around.

"Hah, don't ask me to do singing again, because I bet you It will suck."

 

[Lune]

As the performances of both girls conclude, there's a mixture of shouting and murmuring. Probably because most of the visitor to the tavern doesn't know the common courtesy; if someone performs for you, you gotta clap for them. There are only a few of them clapping right now in the whole tavern, including herself.

"Looks like they need to learn how to cheer, huh. Time to give 'em a party."

A single acoustic strum suddenly echoed through the tavern, as the murmuring began to slowly quiet. Heads turned to Moonsong who is sitting on the side of the table, playing a conjured acoustic guitar. Her voice and the sound of the instrument were amplified with the help of Harmonic Magic.

Spoiler: Peformance

The somber melody she played with the guitar seemed familiar in an unusually slow tempo, but not to the landers' ears.

I'm a sad, emo girl in a fantasy world
Goth makeup, armored up, still a darling
A bad roll? I reroll, feel the power in me
This guy here, hey you there, let's get funky

Eyebrows were raised at the incoherent lyrics she spouted. Some patrons are interested to see where this is going. Or maybe they were getting ready to kick her out.

You can laugh
It's okay
Next head rollin' might be yours

Suddenly she slammed the arcane guitar into the ground, breaking it into pieces before dissipating. In her hands, however, materialized a glowing microphone. Calling forth the power of the star to light up her stage, she conjured extra instruments and percussion to build the increasing tempo. God knows if the melodies sounded good. She jumped with an obligatory "Let's go!" before singing the chorus in an upbeat tempo.

I'm a traveler, in the lander world
Life in Lyrwick, realistic
But I'll never stay, with idiots everywhere
Don't wanna die in this whoever's creation

Come on, landers, let's go party (ah, ah, ah, yeah)
Come on, landers, let's go party (ooh ahh ooh, ooh ahh ooh)
Come on, landers, let's go party (ah, ah, ah, yeah)
Come on, landers, let's go party (ooh ahh ooh, ooh ahh ooh)

Moonsong jumped around on the "ah, ah, ah, yeah" and "ooh ahh ooh, ooh ahh ooh" part, pointing the microphone towards the audience, encouraging them to join her in the madness of shouting and chanting.

Let's go hunt, let's go drink, just don't make me angry.
Else I call down a star, lest I destroy your knees
Come jump in, lander friend, let us sing it again
Pay me drinks, second round, let's go party

Can I ask
For an ale
My throat is already sore
You can laugh
Anyway
This purse I stole might be yours

One patron seemed to check his belongings during this verse. The performing girl cheekily throws back what should be his, before encouraging them to chant again by clapping her hands together and doing small dance steps around. The instruments are getting loud.

Come on, landers, let's go party (ah, ah, ah, yeah)
Come on, landers, let's go party (ooh ahh ooh, ooh ahh ooh)
Come on, landers, let's go party (ah, ah, ah, yeah)
Come on, landers, let's go party (ooh ahh ooh, ooh ahh ooh)

The music ends. The instruments and the gimmicks vanished, leaving behind a quiet, still indecisive audience. Moonsong smiled and winked as if there was a camera capturing a close-up of her, before walking up to @Fiora Di Angelo and @Celestine.

"Well, girls. Just want to let you know my name in case I get kicked out and banned permanently from this establishment in the immediate seconds. I'm Moonsong, pleased to make the acquaintance." She grinned, waiting for her fate.

 

[Cain Darlite]

There was, perhaps, a time where the three ladies would be able to introduce themselves to each other. To face the confused crowds, kick their opinions to the curb, and forge a bond from burning the stage with their vibrant, anachronistic performances.

Celestine’s lyrics, garbled up as they were, invoked an impression many times fresher than the original, and undoubtedly won herself more than a few fans amongst those in The Lopsided Swordfish, her illusory act consuming all five senses. And Fiora, for all her canine-exposing taunts and her vicious provocations, showed that such a personality was as calculating as it was aggressive, the switch from aggressive battle-lunatic to handsome-as-hell lady charming the absolute socks off of the populace, especially when it became clearer and clearer that what she performed was an original verse, made on the spot. Such subtle sweetness, though did not truly arouse the sort of adulations that any bard would wish for, and it was certain too, that the strike range of this song could only truly be for the one who it had been sung for to begin with…so Moonsong’s switchback of a crowd-pleaser certainly livened everything up more. A declaration of the self, egotistical as it may have been, was always wonderful to see, and her focus on audience participation got the sadsacks off their butts too, pulling them into the vacuum of her parody song!

Indeed, now that all three of them had shown off their skills, the three songs that Fiora had originally demanded were up, and the audience were to judge, as willing or as unwilling as they were. The bartender looked up from his counter. The waitress leaned against a pillar. The patrons looked back and forth at each other, none truly certain how this unstructured format was to go. And as the first looked to cheer for his idol…

…the light was snuffed out.

Spoiler: Eutopia

Hey.
It's me.
Are you ready?

Lights speckled the pitch black, moonbeam spotlighting the midnight-haired muse standing at the entrance. He flashed his teeth, the electronic beat already hammering through the foundations of the establishment, magical energies already saturating the atmosphere.

Hotter and higher! Light speed? Faster!
Your heart, I will take it higher!

Shadows lengthened as he sauntered up to the stage, the rhythm in his gait and the gesticulations of his hands timed with the beats and the bass. Two clicks of his heels sounded as he rounded once more and with a gesture most grandiose, he tossed his coat off and allowed his luscious locks to truly dance!

I’m overwhelmingly stunning
Oughta be feeling it right now
I'll give you the excitement you’re seeking.
Come on! It's showtime!
Just faking like you’re the real deal (Uh-uh)
Isn't quite enough doll, so
Welcome to my world!

The room brightened now, darkness taking the hue of daybreak as he stepped onto air itself, ascending upon musical steps. One hand reached out, sweeping over the crowd below, but failing to reach; a smirk emerged, immaculately targeted towards Fiora. Arrogance wasn't the property of just one performer, after all.

Can anyone keep up with me? Anyone?
This view from the city of solitude
Is something that only I shall know!
Perfection now unfolds!

And above them all, he spread out his arms, a cloak of nebulae billowing out with awe-inspiring brilliance! The grace of the heavens, the glory of the cosmos, stretched out infinitely within the enclosed space, and then, just as suddenly, surged into the muse himself as he dropped amongst the audience.

I’m addictive and I intoxicate!
I'll pierce it through, your budding heart’s gaze!
Fearing nothing, the time for games is over
Now everything begins
This chorus with no quarter!
C’mon let’s get it started!

Sliding between seats, skipping upon tables, sashaying past folks in a way that was just shy of sinful, the midnight-haired muse remained ever-elusive within the darkened space, emerging from disconnected shadows amidst his omnipresent voice, before rising up to the stage once more, his slender hands guiding every gaze to the perfections of his chiselled form as he danced.

Top of the top! (I)
Top of the world! (AM)
Top of the top! (THE BEST!)
The world revolves around me
Top of the top! (CUZ I)
Top of the world! (AM)
Top of the top! (THE BEST OF THE BEST!)

"Well," Cain turned, the room darkening once more for verse two. "Not bad, huh?"

These excited feelings are burning
Hearts throbbing, eye to eye
Will the excitement never stop?
Let’s dance, it’s the best time!
I am your sole exception (Oh yeah)
Anyone else ain’t ever enough
Cuz my banner will cover the whole world

He squared up first with Moonsong, reaching a hand out for her. If she took it, he'd pull her up to the stage immediately, harmonic beats bouncing against the surface of her joints, guiding her movements so that they seamlessly matched his. They flew over to the very corners of the stage, quicksteps crisscrossing their trajectories, before he sent her off into the shadows once more.

I'm the one who you've been waiting for
(You know that?)
I sought out only the best
It's all I've ever reached out for!
Perfection now unfolds!

Softer movements pulled him towards Fiora, a reflection of the woman's own suave persona. One hand reached to bring hers to his lips, before they swung into a speedy waltz, shoes hovering just millimeters above the wooden floor itself. Yes, this wasn't dancing at all, but rather, figure skating! The world blurred around just the two of them, isolated stars turned into concentric rings of light, and then she was skywards, unchained from gravity and bathed in moonglow! And as for the man below...

I’m majestic and I lead the way!
I'll steal your gaze, just stick to me!!
I won't ever hesitate, no one else can emulate!
The world will expand further, from today to tomorrow
Fated to be…the starcrossed starbreaker!

...he thrust his index finger towards Celestine, magic flowing out towards her. An invitation to craft her own illusory world with his! Was it time? Time indeed...to CROSSFADE!

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

.

Finally a few begun to clap, and yet she felt undeserving of the slightest of praise in comparison to Celestine. Was she admitting defeat? Absolutely, when it comes to a medium she's unfamiliar with, expertise and merit belonged to the actual players here- One set of claps stopped in exchange for words, and a strum had everyone's attention gravitate towards this mysterious second challenger, the lady who posed with an instrument unlike theirs, familiarity that made her blink, her eyes fooled her for a sharp minute until the play begun with one final announcement, an acoustic guitar begun it's ballad, with a song and lyrics to match the singer and guitarist alike.

The whole spectacle caught everyone off-guard. Between the poor commoner whose pouch was taken briefly from, to the ones who begun to bob their heads at the tempo Moonsong dictated. Some held pride to try and hold back their lips and limbs, yet even their hearts pounded at the Armored Emo Girl's vocals. The harder they resist, the stronger the urge grew, until the strange 'instrument' was pointed to them all, and the crowd sang along. The burly and strong, the lean and elegant alike, everyone would grant their voice in to the chorus of low and high pitches in pure unison, transforming it from a messy attempt to a performer's greatest gift: Cooperation.

Upon conclusion everyone fell short of words. Not out of disgust nor sheer confusion, but indecisiveness as a winner had to be picked, and yet the price felt underwhelming to the quality of each song.

Fiora gave a shrug, dumb smile resting on her lips. "They can't even piece together what's going on, probably the last goin' on their heads is to kick your ass outta here, emo barbie." She reassured with a chuckle to add, hands ending on her waist. "Name's Fiora, this is-" Her hand moved over to present Celestine, right as everything went pitch dark. Smiles and giggles turned to serious looks all across. Normally this would be just another day at home with a blackout happening, but... This is Terrasphere, there shouldn't be black outs over here, not in a tavern lit by lanterns, sunlight and candles alike.

'Hey.
It's me.
Are you ready?'

A voice rang across her ears, hard to pinpoint where it's coming from, until a spotlight erupted, akin to her other two challengers, upon their surprise guest dressed in pure white who waited not to pick up the pace of his very own show.

"You gotta be kidding me..." She called out moreso to herself than the other two next to her, a wide grin forming on her lips as the ever so familiar Flagbearer of Miracles showed up just on their doorstep, as if fate once again decided to reunite him with yet another all-girl group. If Lady Luck cursed or blessed her for his repeated appearence. The hand that swayed and the followup smirk towards her confirmed it had to be the former, the 'tsk!' she exhaled muffled, diverted by the beat itself.

The play split in two, second verse coming next and beginning with a waltz between Cain and Moonsong, a glance went back to the public to notice just how quiet they were. Respect, awe, and yet they could barely contain themselves the moment the man started to pull partners to the stage, a play that struck particulary to the public with how unique it seemed in comparison to the other three, a contrast that fully struck a cord with the lyrics themselves.

Moonsong was sent to the shadow realm not quite literally once the few seconds of their frenzied track ended, and emeralds only then targeted Cain once the cazanova turned towards her, a sly, knowing smile surged as her left hand reached out to her silver pin and let long golden strands loose as he pulled her into scene. Floaty, literally so as not a single crack could be heard from the ground, and yet their footwear illuminated with the traces of magic that trailed with every motion, arcane blue traced glowing patterns over the surface they prived themselves off, until the night said farewell to the sun that reached into the skies as she defied gravity in most dramatic and serene pose. Now she could see her little addition from up here, the view leaving a proud smirk: A moon, with a flower from within, marking two of his three partners and bursting into star glitter all around them.

At the peak of the crowd's involvement that had even the tavernkeeper and the confused piano player, back in arrival from the backdoors of the stablishment, Cain held power upon the eyes and ears of everyone, enthralled in spirit and body alike, directing them at will as he so pleased to the shadow, the sun, and finally the star itself, and they awaited, patience thin like ice, to see the continuation left at Celestine's hands.

@Cain Darlite @Moonsong @Celestine

 

[Celestine]

Spoiler: Reactions

Celestine watched in awe as one performer after another turned the small bar into a proper concert venue. Fiora's song, though she may not have been a professional singer, was moving in its sincerity: a heartfelt, ad-lib piece which put a big smile on her face as Fiora complemented her performance with her own.

She was happy to join in with the next singer, who had a special way of boosting the energy of the tavern and getting everyone involved. A major contender for the win. Celestine's floating hat tipped itself in @Moonsong's direction. "Nice to do you the meet too. I am Celestine... if you did not do the hear before."

The moment was tense: suddenly choices had to be made. But another voice cut through the awkward silence...

Celestine immediately felt attracted to a kinship with this fellow astral mage as he glided effortlessly from verse to verse. Truly inspiring! She felt inspired to up her game: to match or even exceed! And then, she felt a rush of magic draw attention straight to her.

...or that. That worked too.

Celestine smiled as waves of stars burst out from her feet: every word a new flash as she thrust her arm to the sky.

CUZ!
I!
AM!
THE BEST!
CUZ I!
AM!
THE BEST OF THE BEST!

Striding forward, Celestine took the hand which had been pointed her way, spinning the two performers in a circle as a white fire from their hands spiraled out into a galaxy.

With your hand on your chest, do your true heart a find
(One, two, three, four... Again...)
The constant heartbeat throbbing much heat
(One, two, three and four...)
Your soul does wishes to impart!

Hi,
When those biases do your eyes a cloud
and assumptions are but in your way,
Do my light a shine, bright up today.
Cuz I not run away!
I do the peak a show!
Do not be blinking!

Spinning... whoever this guy was, off to the side, Celestine scooped up the galaxy's core in her hand and tossed it into the night sky, where it exploded into a blazing sun.

Hotter and higher! Of lightspeed? The faster!
Your heart, I do take much higher
I do not hesitate, and none do an emulate!
Our legacy be made here!
So do a come on up!
Following me!

Suddenly, Celestine (or rather, the image of her), vanished in a puff of stars, reappearing beside one of the audience members and running her hand over his chin with an alluring smile. She repeated this several times as she continued to sing.

I do the addict and intoxicate!
I do a pierce it through, your beating heart’s gaze!
I do nothing the fear, time for games is the over!
Now it does begin, this chorus with no quarter!
Come on, we do it the start!

Front and center, Celestine returned, hair glowing with a holy light. With every line, dazzling planetary rings of vibrant colors expanded from her hat to revolve around her as she danced in place.

Am top of top! (I)
Am top of world! (AM)
Am top of top! (OF BEST!)
World does revolves around me
Am top of top! (CUZ I)
Am top of world! (AM)
Am top of top! (THE BEST OF THE BEST!)

Throwing her hands up, the rings exploded into bands of colored lights, leaving a nebula of color in their wake. The starry night began to fade, marking the end of the sudden astrology show, and as it did so, Celestine held out her hand to the strange man who'd suddenly arrived.

She offered the other hand out to @Fiora Di Angelo, the one who'd started it all, and gestured to @Moonsong, hoping she'd link hands with one of the others. A curtain call: she imagined the four ought to bow together for the finale they'd all taken part in.

(@Cain Darlite) Celestine was quick to focus her attention on the late entry, however. Maybe the stars in her eyes were normal, but the flirty attitude was not. "Hi, I am Celestine~" she introduced herself for the third time now, fixing her hair a bit. "You do a very nice performance!"

She appeared to have forgotten about winning the competition...

 

[Lune]

The sudden blackout interrupted the conversation with @Celestine and @Fiora Di Angelo. She looked left and right for the source of the problem before a voice echoed through the tavern.

'Hey.
It's me.
Are you ready?'​

It was at this moment that she realized the show was, in fact, far from over. Moonlight broke the darkness, revealing not just any man, but the man @Cain Darlite, ready to jam to the electronic beats. Multiple 'ooh's can be heard across the tavern as he tosses aside his coat. This is a new side of the Flagbearer of Miracles that she hasn't discovered yet. The way he used Arcanamancy? Most exquisite.

Keeping it unpredictable, he emerged from the shadows. Table to table, chair to chair, perfectly slipping in between the dark and the light, making the whole tavern his stage. Now this is proper showmanship.

During the second verse, the long haired-man extended his hand toward her, lighting up a path to the stage. Smirking, she walked up and took up his hand, which immediately pulls her up. Somehow, she knows what to do, as the beats and the lights guided her steps, they both glided seamlessly crossing the stage. The dance steps were intricate, accurate, yet light. They exchanged stars that lightened up every step they took, leaving behind sparkly, colourful trails. They shortly reached the end of the stage, however. After a spin, Cain let Moonsong go, sending her to slowly float into the shadows.

The landing was fortunately safe. She did account for the height of the stage before jumping off. As she walked back to the front of the stage where Celestine and Fiora were, Moonsong looked at the stage as it yet transformed into something more. Both Cain and Fiora were literally gliding a few millimetres above the wooden planks, spinning around the stage making it more like figure skating rather than a dance. This mad man...

...Suddenly tags Celestine in! And it's up to her to bring about a spectacular finale. With the new stars she conjured, Celestine spun around with Cain forming a galaxy, before lighting it up into a sun. "What a high note to end it on," Moonsong commented as the explosion faded. Truly a fitting end for the performances of the so-called Starcalled Travelers. Smiling, Moonsong linked up her hand with Fiora's, before all four of them bowed in unison.

Celestine introduced herself once more to the man in a slightly different way. Moonsong jumped on the conversation nonchalantly, speaking to Cain.

"Oh hey, we met at that Beginner's Dungeon. Didn't know you had these moves." She joked.

 

[Cain Darlite]

Brilliant to the end, Celestine’s illusions and form offered a different sort of appeal that Cain did, perhaps fitting even better to the song than he could himself. To that, as well as to the others who had put up with his antics, what could he do but take their hands and take a bow, the audience finally having adjusted to the eccentricities of the Starcalled enough that they gave waves of applause and adulation, some going as far as to toss gold coins onto the stage!

It was a good gesture, of course, but when thrown, those coins were still heavy enough to do some amount of damage, and the Flagbearer led the trio to a table further away from the other patrons. On the stage now, the pianist who had been scheduled to play, certainly looked a bit nervous with following up that act…but a job was a job, so he sat down at the bench, wrung his fingers, and began to press those monochrome keys.

“Of course my performances are as grandiose as they come,” Cain spoke, leaning back against his chair. “Though I will do well to remember your name, Celestine. Your own charm and quirks certainly could not be imitated by one of my stature.”

Moonsong too, was a familiar face in unfamiliar circumstances. She had struck him as a hellfire warrioress for all the darkness and flame that made up her attire, but perhaps that was simply inspired by a love for hard rock? “We did indeed, Moonsong. Naturally, I would have had plenty of opportunity to show off such moves within the dungeons themselves, if it weren’t for how well all you newcomers handled yourself under such circumstances. How have you fared since? Your armour certainly appears of higher quality than last I saw.”

In the background, the pianist sped up, his fingers gliding over the keys at a pace most aspirational! Had the acoustics of this aged tavern ever been this good? Had this cheap piano ever been so fine-tuned? Had new improvisations ever danced in his mind so freely as this very moment? Arpeggios and allegrettos flowed like wine from a bottle, brilliant as gold, and the patrons continued to enjoy themselves, settling into a good mood as familiarity eased their attentions back onto their companions.

Cain caught Fiora’s eyes and winked.

“And, presumptuous as it is, I must ask: what was the occasion for this battle of bands to begin with?”

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

.

Celestine's entrance meant her own departure from the stage, leaving the two performers to their star-ridden gambit, and for Fiora to admire from afar, standing near Moonsong just to grant the other participant some minimal company as she picked up the pace of the crowds at clapping along the rhythmic beat that bursted out of the very tavern itself.

They all had put a show far more than the reward for this so called 'competition' was meant to. Every single one of them would be underpaid if they did this for a true reward, yet any bard who could call themselves one would not claim gold but reputation, smiles and cheers. The chorus of the curtain call, and even the screams that said 'Encore!' outloud. Minimal, thankfully, to grant the group of four a rest to their throats and feet alike. With her hands linked to both @Celestine and @Moonsong alike, all players bowed and retreated from the gold coins thrown at them. Positive in meaning, despite being like ammunition for them to receive with how weighty economy felt, in all senses of the word.

If the world felt brighter, she couldn't notice it after their play, eyes darting across the tavern as the former pianist took inspiration to heart, tenacity that seemed shared among his kind. Much like herself, she could tell apart with just her ears, despite the melodies he played being but alien to her, ancient in comparison to what modern life dictated. Did her piano even had such a feel as that one? The sound felt far more electrical than it should, but perhaps that is the bane of technology: it could wipe the enjoyment out of everything it stood against it, assimilating it until uncanny ressemblance is all it shares with it's predecessor.

"Oh wouldn't you like to know." Fiora added, crossing her legs once a devilish little smile curved her lips and her unphased attention fell all upon Cain's curiosity. "Did anyone ever need a reason to play music before? I guess it might just be the alcohol that got me in the mood to dance and sing." A lie, if she ever told one. Nostalgia still tinted her eyes even now as a group of strangers all took it to heart to perform, to bring some fun and life to an otherwise dull tavern with souls just as blunt wasting away on their drinks. And for what? Passion, and nothing else.

Warmth coated her features at that point, a lite rose tint creeped her cheeks and she found it hard to hide it despite pressing her elbows over the table and exchanging glances back with Celestine and Moonsong. "You all know how to make an entrance eh? Well, I tried my best, but it was fun to play host for you three. I'm better at killing stuff than I am at singing." A half-truth, but her one skill is far more slow-paced than theirs, clearly befit of spectacle, applause and admiration. Almost like she was sitting in a table around pop idols or something, only each looked and played so quirky, she couldn't tell whose the weirdest around here. Celestine's lyrics, Cain being Cain or Moonsong's metal version of an old classic.

"Weeell, we all won didn't we? so what if we put that gold to good use and buy ourselves some drinks to celebrate? HEY, BARTEND- TAVERNKEEPEER!"

@Cain Darlite @Celestine @Moonsong

 

[Lune]

She chuckled at @Cain Darlite's reply. There is always room for a show for him, it seems. "I'm doing great! Listening to the old adventurers does me good. Sometimes I gotta wind down though, hence..." She motioned to the then-dim tavern, now brighter than ever filled with unfamiliar, upbringing melody from the piano. Was their performance that inspiring?

"What have you been doing? Can't seriously picture you adventuring around in that classy... look." She can't believe she almost uttered the outdated lingo drip.

Moonsong pointed two finger guns at @Celestine, praising her for the performance finale. "Celestine! That ending was a bang. You'll have to teach me the tricks to the stars and the sky sometimes! Maybe then I can put up a much better show." She has quirks, but it worked so well to her advantage. "Some of our gimmicks share similarities, after all." Speaking of which, there are a whole lot of astramancy users here. Maybe she can ask Cain or Celestine a few tips later.

Playfully deflecting @Fiora Di Angelo's praise, she joked. "Look who's speaking right now. You sure you're not in the music industry yourself? Lyricist, perhaps?" She wasn't lying, the performances were on the top, professional level. Back when watching and collaborating with them on the stage, there's a hint of nostalgia coming back to her. Was it the joy of performing together? Or was having someone to share the spotlight the thing she missed so bad?

"Anyway, I agree! 'Tis a win for us all! Let us grab some drinks." Already drunk on the atmosphere, Moonsong grabbed the mug that the tavernkeeper served. "Cheers! To songs and stories!" Not sure if the first gulp is already taking effect, but the tavern is getting livelier by the second.

"Man, I missed doing group performances so much..." It seems in her drunken stupor, she slipped a bit. "This game is another level, you know? Everything is magical. Hell, the harmonies themselves are magical, literally. Anywhere could be our stage. Tavern, town, crystal jungle, icy mountains, even battlefields." Moonsong energetically proclaimed her ambition.

"We should have another collaboration next time. Bigger. Better. Unlike anything the world had seen."

 

[Celestine]

(Sorry this took so long btw)

Celestine nearly blushed as the sharply-dressed man tossed his complements. Her floating hat tipped itself in his general direction courteously. "I will not do your name a forget either… uhm…" She blushed. Well, that was downright embarrassing. She’d focused so hard on keeping up the weird speech, she’d forgotten he hadn’t even given her a name!

Thankfully, Moonsong was quick to jump in with another big complement, and while it might’ve involved much less doki-doki coming from her, she still appreciated the praise! "Oh, thank you!" Cel nodded, just happy to move away from her awkward blunder. "I can do you a teach or two if you are having the need of it. Astramancy does itself much beauty if you are using it right."

As Fiora offered drinks out to the tavern at large, Celestine turned to the wall and began to weave an illusion as stealthily as she could (which, in the case of the girl with glowing hair, meant not at all). Seconds later, she’d conjured up an illusory glass of ale in her hand. As the drinks were passed out, she then held it up as a signal to get passed up. The good thing about illusory ale was that it couldn’t get her drunk, and even better, it could actually taste nice: like apple juice!

"I would be happy to do a perform with you all again~" Celestine nodded enthusiastically as she took a modest little sip of air ale. "Imagine what we could be doing with the practice!"

@Fiora Di Angelo @Moonsong @Cain Darlite

 

[Cain Darlite]

“Pure spontaneity exists only in fiction, dear Fiora,” Cain replied, snapping his finger in her direction. “Beyond that, we are all molded by circumstance and culture, drawn towards certain paths more often than others. As can be seen, though so many here imbibe freely in the liquors of their choosing, twas only you, dame, who sought to turn the courage of drunkenness into song and dance.”

The call for more drinks drew out a laugh well enough though, the midnight-haired muse leaning back against his chair once more. “And drinks would be lovely, in preparation for our second round up on the stage.”

As Fiora made some quick orders, he turned his attention towards Moonsong, pulling open the interior of his swallowtail coat to reveal stitching that appeared almost runic, and fabric that seemed to shine in the warm light of the tavern. “Light as it is, the fusion of ensorcellments and monstrous materials allows for even the finest of accoutrements to possess durability similar to hardened steel. One must not neglect fashion when it comes to adventure, after all, for that,” he winked, “is what separates swashbuckling from grimdarking.”

The drinks came soon enough, and Cain toasted alongside the others, taking a deep draught of the amber fluid. It was smooth and fruity, compliments to the watered down taste of alcohol, and that made it all the better for quenching his own thirst. Summer heat, cool drinks, good music, and flowers all around. If he were younger, if she was younger, it would have undoubtedly been a highlight of the week.

But now?

He only wanted to go bigger.

“There is an event, in truth, to occur at the end of summer in Astorea. A music festival unlike any other in Arcia, one in which the best and brightest musicians amongst the Starcalled show off their masterpieces upon a stage floating over Finweald.”

The Flagbearer leaned in, conspiratorial.

“They call it the Cornucopia Symphonica, a nonstop setlist of smash hits, serving as a final send-off to those halcyon days before winter must be prepared for. Are you all, as the kids say, down to show?”