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

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



I. Prelude
II. Andante
III. Scherzo
IV. Allegro
V. Coda
[ 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. ]
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Never. Well, I can't say for your father, but for me, not yet. I could try to help the next time you're at a lost. [He's not the most efficient cook, but it's passable. Someone's voice loudly announces that the concert is about to begin throughout the area. There's a shuffling of footsteps as people start moving toward the stage area.]
...How do you feel about having another dance?
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Susato is among the more reserved, though the way her face lights up is quite clear. She turns to Kazuma. Whatever she might have said about food is forgotten, and she opens her mouth, a question eager to leap out from the tip of her tongue. Kazuma beats her to it, though. Before she can reply, fireflies flicker like stars, moving along a path as if to guide them to the dance floor.
She has to take a moment to shake herself of her awe. ]
Yes! O, Of course. [ ...It feels a little different from the atmosphere on his porch, though perhaps not so different. Mostly, there are more prying eyes. ] Um... It's been a while, hasn't it?
[ Shyly, she holds out her hand--an offering, but also an inviting gesture. ]
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A bit, but I'm sure it'll all come back once we start. [A slight tug, asking her to start walking with him to the stage area.]
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Are her palms sweaty? Should she have worn gloves or something? No, surely it's too warm out for that. That would have appeared strange.
She squeezes his hand and follows him, deciding that this is all the reassurance she needs. Despite there being more prying eyes, everyone seems to be far more focused on the performance, or on each other. That makes her feel better. Plus, the first performer at center stage isn't someone they know, so she doesn't feel bad about stealing glances at others in the audience to see how they're doing it.
Keeping her hand firmly in his, she reaches for his shoulder with her other. Except she's short, so it's probably like... the side of his upper arm, at best.
It's fine. ]
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Right now, it's just him, Susato and the music. He'll take the first step in the waltz, unless Susato wishes to try taking lead.]
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Should she stay quiet...? Or make conversation? Would it be rude to do so? Would it be rude not to? ]
..."Songs beneath the stars." [ Before she can decide one way or the other, she hums beneath her breath as they waltz. Not even sure if she meant for it to be heard, honestly. ] It is rather romantic, don't you think? That is what Mr Phantom calls it... this concert.
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A fitting title for this concert. [He takes her for a small twirl.] Certainly a good venue choice to share a dance under the stars.
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Right? [ Her voice raises in octave to match that delight. ] I asked Mr Sholmes if he would be willing to perform, too. He said yes, but...
[ ...Well, she does wonder whether or not he would have forgotten. She really should have reminded him. Subbing in for Iris is hard work... ]
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Even though they have kissed before, she somehow manages to find something new. A spark.
Every time. ]
. . .
[ Her mind is blank. ]
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...I probably should have warned you for that. [He does not sound that apologetic for that kiss. Not one bit. Amazing how they are still able to dance right now.]
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Well, I do like to be prepared. For anything. [ He knows her. ] But I... I am willing to make an exception.
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Is it possible though? To prepare for something like this? What we're doing?
1/2
Dancing? Hmm... I did ask father to teach me a little, if that counts.
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...Just kidding.
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Wasn't prepared for that. [He teases.]
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The way she stares into his eyes is all the warning he gets before she leans forward, pushing herself up onto her tippy toes and presses her lips to his once again. ]
. . . [ There's a hum. He can probably feel the vibration from it, but other than losing a little bit of height after that from coming down off her toes, she doesn't pull away. Cue another very stupid grin. ] How about that?
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I think you'd have an easier time, if I did this. [Is she ready to be lifted? Too bad, she's being lifted up and twirled around. At some point, their lips will meet again.]
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And what of it? Are you insinuating that I am short? [ Maybe she's too short to give you more kisses, then. ] How dare you.
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[ SHE'S READY THIS TIME. ]
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All right. [On the last uplifting beat, he lifts her once more into a twirl-]
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The applause that follows is most certainly not for them, but it may as well have been. The song ends and she is back on her feet, slightly dizzier than before. An excited noise escapes her. It sounds something like 'Hooray!' but is swiftly swallowed up by the cheers as the applause builds. ] ...Hehe. Thank you.
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You're welcome. Thank you for sharing this dance with me. [A warm smile, as he practically sparkles.]