open mingle ✧ songs of summer

[removal]

Who: Everyone!
Which: Open Mingle
Where: An open-air area at the riverside
When: Evening of July 18th
What: Summer Concert!
Warnings: None

I. Prelude

[ The riverside square is bustling with activity as the sun rises on Songerein. Many members of the Music Studio have pitched in to help run the concert, humans and talking animals alike. The orchestra's instruments have to be moved to the concert venue, the seats have to be laid out neatly, the stalls have to be set up with sufficient serving equipment... there's no shortage of tasks to be done, and any passersby are welcome to pitch in and help out.

A few bluebirds are fluttering around the square, offering leaflets advertising the music studio to anyone who might be interested. The studio now offers tutoring in saxophone and composition in addition to its previous offerings! They'll practically talk the ear off anyone who is willing to listen. ]

II. Andante

[ Most of the concert stage is set by afternoon, allowing the musicians and stall owners to relax for a few hours. Some of the musicians take this time to rehearse their segments, but it's difficult to tell what they are supposed to be playing without the accompaniment of their fellows. Occasionally one of them will take the stage and play a spirited solo - anyone is welcome to join in, true to the music studio's relaxed atmosphere.

The stall owners have also opened for business: there are a few instrument makers displaying their wares in the hands of the performers, as well as some vendors selling instrument care supplies and small trinkets. The offerings range from hand-copied music scores, wooden metronomes, to crystal globes that play a short piece of music when shaken. Some of the globes might look a little familiar. ]

III. Scherzo

[ The musicians return after dinner in earnest, and the show begins on the dot at 8pm. Today's announcer is a bear wearing a bright blue bow tie, reading out each performing group's names and their chosen piece with great care. It's never too late to join the stage - even if you haven't signed up beforehand, the announcer is more than happy to give any musician some time to share their music. While most of the musicians are NPCs, a few familiar faces can be spotted as the night goes on. Anastasia, Venti, Sholmes, Tifa and Eustace will also be playing on stage. The Wild Harvest has also arrived with their refreshments in tow! Now is a good time to check in with old friends.

As the music fills the nighttime sky, fireflies start to gather in the riverside square, landing on nearby greenery and perhaps on the hands of attendees as well. Their light blinks in time with the music, as if they are also sharing in the show with the larger audience members. ]

IV. Allegro

[ The twin moons of Songerein now hang overhead, and a sense of anticipation begins to crackle in the air. All the music studio performers stand ready at their instruments, and at last Phantom makes his appearance at the concert. He is dressed in his usual dark and formal style, though he does not take his place in front of the piano. Instead, he walks toward the podium set up before the assembled players, and retrieves a slim baton from his pocket.

The bear clears their throat and signals for silence.

"To all our guests on this beautiful evening, we present the fruits of our labour. Next up is our final piece: 'Summer', a violin concerto crafted in a distant world to honour the brilliant season around us. Let the verses of summer infuse your heart with great joy."

Phantom raises his hands, and the musicians begin to play. ]

V. Coda

[ While the concert is technically over after the finale, there is no shortage of encore requests and people willing to honour them. The music studio will need to pack up and move their instruments back eventually, but there's still half an hour or more to go until then. As always, everyone is free to mingle or congratulate their friends on a successful performance. It seems the fireflies will see you home, so there's no worry about walking alone in the dark. ]

Comments

Susato Mikotoba | Great Ace Attorney | Open

[judicialassistant]

a. Pre-Show: Andante.

[ Susato is absolutely here in support of her friends. Mr Sholmes, Venti, Tifa and Eustace... The chance to boost the Wild Harvest again is just a bonus. When she is not passing out animal friends filled with marshmallows, or colorful cups of fruity iced drinks, she can be seen sneaking off to the explore the other stalls.

She's really on the look out for a couple of things... namely
a.) a koto;
b.) a violin that's something equivalent to a Stradivarius.

...so you may have to call her back to her booth if you would like to try a taste of the Wild Harvest.

The crystal globes catch her attention as well. She picks one up and shakes it, noticing little tiny hot air balloons, and an impressive tower. The hot air balloons seem to bobble up and down, but as she shakes, the skies seem to alternate between sunny and balloon filled, and rainy with strikes of lightning. Even the music seems to include the pitter-pattering of rain when appropriate, punctuated by claps of thunder; though it all notably disappears when it isn't. ]

Ah! It's a little music globe of London! [ She has to take it home! ]

b. After the Show: Coda

[ After an evening of incredibly memorable performances, Susato can be seen helping pack up the Wild Harvest's stall. A white dragon, roughly the size of a pony stands at the ready as Susato straps on a large satchel with her belongings. At the very least, the journey home will not be as heavy and loaded as the journey there, though she is notably taking some souvenirs with her. She's stuffing two crystal globes into her satchel bag, which already looks full, when the light of a firefly lands on her hand.

She lifts her hand up to get a better look. ]

Oh? You want to come home with me?

[ Said in a laugh, as it's just a joke, but then another firefly lands on her. And another. Susato's surprise does not seem to deter them. One even lands on the dragon's nose. ]

c. Wildcard

[ Anything before, in between, or after are welcome! ]

Wildcard: Just a bit of everything

[chippedsoul]

[Here also to support his companions, Kazuma had wander away from the Harvest booth for a moment, trying to locate where Susato had gone. He's not worried, just that she had been away for some time. Eventually, he'll locate the stall she was at, admiring what looked like a snowglobe.

Rather than immediately make his presence known, he gazes into the scenery that has formed in the globe. Huh, seems oddly familiar.] Thinking about getting it?

[judicialassistant]

[ Come now, Kazuma, surely it hasn't been that long since you've visited London...?

--on second thought, don't answer that. (They've been over this.)

No hiding the way Susato jumps slightly at the question, turning her head sharply at the voice; but in the end, it's just Kazuma. Heehee. ]

Oh! Yes... [ She holds the globe so that Kazuma can see it better. The sky's appearance changes as she tilts it, brightening blue as various colored balloons fade in from behind the white clouds. Another peeks in from out of view, from behind the Crystal Tower. The music playing from the globe seems to come clearer, too, the sounds of rain giving way like someone adjusting the volume dial. ] It's London, look. There are others, too.

Maybe there is one of Japan?

b

[hearthwarming]

[ Ori had been getting ready to start making her way back home after such a magical evening full of music, herself, when the sight of a peculiar creature the likes of which she's never seen before catches her attention! She can't help but make a quick detour to see it up close, only to be pleasantly surprised to find Susato here as well! ]

Oh, good evening, Susato!

[ But then she's momentarily distracted by the sight of Susato being sweetly swarmed by the fireflies. ]

Hm, the fireflies seem to like you quite a bit, don't they?

[judicialassistant]

[ The creature's name is Fang! There's a tilt of her poor head, like she's trying to get a better look at this small glowing light at the tip of her snout, when another one lands soon after. Susato has to watch as Fang lets out a noise and some air, like a light sneeze.

The fireflies naturally fly away, somehow unhurt, meandering in Ori's direction instead. Susato laughs. Some of the fireflies on her own hand have also been startled and look like they might follow suit. Some do, but others are content to land back on her skin. ]

Hello, Ori! You may be right, though I think they like you, too. [ At least they're not mosquitos? ] Did you notice how their lights flickered in time with the music?

b

[donfire]

[Ace is there trying to help whoever needs it, moving heavy things is hard. He looks at the dragon ad smiles, but then the lady that has it, and her talking, makes him blush.]

Wha- Wait, what? Are you sure?

[judicialassistant]

[ She's seen Ace by now, helping out the other stalls, so it's only a matter of time. She smiles easily, giving Fang, the dragon, a gentle pat on her head as she looks at Ace. It does falter a bit though as she notices his cheeks redden. ]

Yes, I'm quite sure. [ Anything she can't handle, Kazuma could, after all. ] Um... thank you, though, Mr...?

[ She trails off, maybe curious as to what to call him, but then she can't help asking: ]

Are you alright?

A

[projections]

Whoa, you're right. It is. I haven't been to London before but my father traveled the world a lot. He'd always come back with stories of his journey. Wouldn't be surprised if he went to London a few times.

[Shirou looks curiously at Susato. ]

Nice to meet you. I'm Shirou Emiya.

[That's an extremely Japanese name. He waves and then smiles awkwardly. ]

[judicialassistant]

[ That is indeed a very Japanese name. She turns to face Shirou, her expression ever bright as she holds up the London globe so he can see it better. ]

Oh! Hello... [ She's still excited, but she may also seem a little shy. ] I'm Susato Mikotoba. My father is well-traveled as well...

It has been quite some time, but he likely knows London better than I do.

Venti | Genshin Impact | ota

[concierto]

[a: prelude]

[As one of the main players in the concert Venti can be found with the other stagehands or musicians helping with tuning musical instruments and making sure everything sounds just right. He will be turning a cello, a lyre or even a violin or two. Or tapping the keys on the piano to a gentle little tune just to make sure everything is just wonderful.]

Ehe, there we are. Everything sounds right. This is going to be lovely.

[Fellow musicians are more than welcome to chat with him before the concert!]

[b. andante]

[Before the concert is set Venti finds himself with just a little bit of free time to wander through the stalls that have been set up. He whistles a gentle tune as he explores this and that although the doesn't really buy or pick anything. He's more than happy to explore the stalls and ... when no one is looking Venti might pull a tiny little bottle out of the folds of his kimono to sip. Is it really smart for Venti to be drinking something (and yes it's alcoholic) before he plays...?]

Oh! [He'll tuck the bottle away before anyone can see it!] The outfit? It's very comfortable and has some extra little perks, ehe.

[Like stashing a drink...]

[c. allegro/coda]

[For the music concert itself Venti is equipped with a violin. He plays with the group with expert skill. Leading the notes from highs to lows. His fingers expertly play the bow across the strings that the notes sing with such power and passion! He smiles and looks like he is entirely in his element.

And while he plays it seems that the stage is slowly showered with a collection of glowing anemo particles that light the summer evening air like sweet sparks of light in the sky. A little gift to Phantom for his hard work, as he would call it.

Once the music has been played Venti will take a small bow and smile sweetly. He'll join hands with the others to bow once again. And once everyone shuffles off Venti will be more than happy to mingle.]

How did you like it? Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart. How did it make you feel?

[d. wildcard]

[do you have something else? feel free to toss it down here! or find me michrure at for some plotting.]

c

[hearthwarming]

[ Ori has come to support her friend, of course! This whole event has been quite magical for her, too, a soothing balm for what in many ways continues to feel like a gaping wound in her heart. Ah, Venti would be so proud of her if she were to put those feelings into words.

In any case, she's quick to try to find him when the concert has ended, a bouquet at the ready in one arm as she waves at him in greeting with the other. She holds it out for him in offering when he greets her. ]

This is for you. Diluc told me that it's customary to bring flowers for a performer! As for how it made me feel... It was amazing! I've never been to a concert like this before or heard this kind of music very much.

[concierto]

Oh?

[He's so delighted to see her and even more so to see the gift of flowers in her arms. Diluc is very much right that flowers are a perfect gift for a performer to show appreciation. It makes him smile with a sparkle or two in his eyes. It's good to see her out and about and enjoy things even though she has so much going on inside her heart.]

That's very kind of you, dear Oriphi! Thank you very much! Ehe!

[He giggles happily and takes the offered flowers. This is why she's one of his favorites.]

It's been a while since I've been able to play something as powerful as this on a violin. Phantom picked such strong pieces for our little summer play. I'm very proud.

b

[judicialassistant]

[ Well, it may not be pink, but the fabric he chose suits him, and Susato is happy for him. When she spots Venti, she has bouquets of blue and purple hydrangeas in her hands that she made herself--for heartfelt emotion and good luck. She's going out of her way, spending time before the show trying to locate all her performer friends to make sure they have them.

When she's not manning the Harvest booth, or being distracted by all the wares, at least. That doesn't seem to be the case now. ]

Venti! [ Sir, please hide the alcohol. ]

[concierto]

Ehe?!

[Oh, he's giggling and waving a hand as if to tell Susato to pay no mind. Please keep collecting flowers they are very pretty!]

Hello, Miss Susato! I see you're out and about as well! Thank you again for all your help with getting me this kimono.

[He wiggles the big sleeves appreciatively.]

C

[abyssbound]

[The light show is less of interest to one member of the audience than the music itself, and Asura spends most of the performance with arms crossed and eyes closed, possibly leading a few to wonder if he was actually sleeping through the whole thing. He actually is dozing somewhat, but only in the sense that he's allowing the music to guide his mind to distant places and times, flowing via dreamotion to visit those whom he can no longer see in person. Even if that person forgets again when they wake, Asura can at least content himself with seeing him, if only in a dream.

When the music ends, so too does Asura's mental soujourn, and he returns to the present in time for the performers to take their bows.

...And of course Venti had to come greet him after the show. Asura knew he was a bard, but hadn't actually heard him perform before now, so when the petite man asks him that question, his response is a nod of acknowledgment.]

Warm. [Is his vague answer, but the whole truth is no one's business but his own.]

[concierto]

[Honestly, it's a smidge surprising to see the taller man here in the first place because he doesn't strike Venti as the type to enjoy large crowds. But music has a way of carrying the heart and the ear to new places. It makes him smile when he sees the man in the crowd, a quick quirk of his eyebrow before he finishes the song.

Once it's all over he tilts his head at the word choice and claps his long sleeves together with a small joyful giggle.]

Such a powerful word for such a small one.

[He's so pleased to hear it.]

You looked as though you might be experiencing the whole story from somewhere else in your mind! I'm so happy you liked it.

V + wild card

[projections]

Oh, you're that guy from last time. Thanks for helping me. Sorry, I either didn't get your name or forgot what it was.

[...This isn't a very polite way to greet someone after they've saved you.]

That's not helpful, I know. I just wanted to show some appreciation because you fought along side me before.

[removal]

[ Oh, it's him again. Phantom wouldn't forget that shock of red hair anywhere. ]

No need to thank me. Others would have done the same.

[ He looks Shirou up and down for any injuries. Somehow, he has a feeling that this boy found it hard to stay out of trouble. ]

Asura | Onmyoji | Open

[abyssbound]

I. Setup

A [You would be forgiven for assuming otherwise, but Asura--huge, scary, and brutal as he can be--ranks musical performances among his favorite things. So it may surprise some who spot him there before the show begins, assisting with the setup of the venue.]

Move that over a little. [He instructs the person helping him as the two of them construct pop-up stalls to line the path to the seating area.]

B [Once everything is set up but before the show begins in earnest, Asura will continue to wander the venue with an eye out for anyone else who might need some last-minute help (or just wants to bug him for whatever reason).]

II. Conclusion

[Once the show ends, Asura will stay for a while to assist with cleanup, so if anyone needs help (or again, just wants to bug him after the show), he'll be there with an extra pair of hands (or eight) until everyone else heads home.]

a

[donfire]

[Ace decided to offer himself to help out, and when this scary looking man talks to him, he picks up the materials and moves them exactly a little bit.]

Here ok?

Anastasia Romanova | Anastasia (1997)

[grandduchess_anya]

(For the concert, Anya is wearing a lilac chiffon gown with thin beaded straps and off shoulder sleeves along with gold heels and her Together in Paris necklace.)

I. Rehearsals - Andante
(She has been waiting for a good few weeks for this. This concert is her second time performing in front of the audience and thankfully there is no glitter pollen to be found as well. With the stage set up, she could do a final dress rehearsal before the concert begins later.

With Pooka by her side, she quietly plays her violin as eloquently as an amateur violinist can be before the concert. Anya is pretty busy at the moment that it might take her a while to recognize anyone trying to get her attention.)

II. Concert - Sherzo/Allegro
(When the night comes and the concert is about to begin, Anya takes in slow breaths to calm down any nerves she has before stepping onto the stage. Despite his insistent wanting to see her perform, Pooka is told that he couldn’t barge in during the performance which leaves him pretty sad.

Realizing that her dog is upset, the Grand Duchess gets down on one knee in hopes to reassure that he’s in good hands with the staff and that he does need to wait for her to finish her segment.)

Arf…

I’m sorry Pooka, but the falcon staff member has informed that you can’t simply run around the stage while I’m performing. I know it is pretty tough not to resist the urge, but don’t worry. As soon as I’m done, I can give you some dog treats afterwards.

III. Finale - Coda
(The concert has finally come to a close and it was quite the night, she will admit. Pooka is already itching to play after waiting for hours as patiently as he could. Meanwhile, his master is busy chatting away with some of the guests who congratulated her on a job well done at the concert.

Anya politely accepts these compliments and praises with a curtesy fit for a Tsar; she will stay a little longer to mingle before she and Pooka can go home and call it for the night.)

ii

[starshower]

[Tifa is also waiting near the stage after her performance with Eustace as she waits for him to return with some refreshments. Her own nerves are still on the fritz, having never performed in front of such a wide audience before. It was only ever in the comfort of her home back in Nibelheim and now, here, or in the studio with Phantom. So, she's still trying to catch her breath after such an exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping performance when she hears the sound of a dog nearby.

Iris, one of the flower dogs who's been at her side almost all evening, lifts her ears towards the sound before she trots off towards its source, pausing to urge Tifa to follow. It's then that she comes across Anya kneeling over a pup, and she tips her head with a warm smile as she and Iris make their approach.]

Iris and I can keep an eye on him while you're up there if you need.

iii

[archivists]

[ Noé happens to be one of the guests who are utterly mesmerized by Anya's performance. There's no way he would give up a chance to offer a compliment. When he approaches with Murr on his shoulder, his eyes are shining with excitement. ]

Your music is so heartwarming, I wish your performance never ended! I hope I'm not being too forward here.

[ Because that's definitely a fault of his. In the meantime, Murr jumps off his shoulder and walks closer to Pooka, wanting to see his reaction. ]

closed to phantom - coda

[flamekthunder]

[After the performance, Eustace stays behind to help with some of the heavy lifting. But first he needs to Phantom, so after storing away his bass guitar and loosening his tie and suit for comfort, he looks around before spotting him.]

Phantom.

[Just a quiet call out as he approaches.]

Seems like your concert was a success. Congratulations.

[removal]

[ Luckily for Phantom, none of the attendees have come to speak to him overlong after the concert. He's alone near the back of the concert venue, away from people and the noise. Nevertheless, his expression brightens when he sees his friend. ]

I could not have done it without your help. Thank you.

[ He seems at ease, pleased even. There is no trace of the darkness that haunts him - at least, not now. ]