songerein | 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

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. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Every season... [Hum.] That could work well.

[And he does notice how quick Phantom answered, sensing that thought behind it.]

I found a certain composer's writings in this world... he was prolific and wrote music for each season. I would like to reprise his works in their eponymous times.

[ He looks up at the night sky, where Songerein's twin moons linger. In a few hours, they would overlap to form a heart. ]

I feel that music has the power to bring people together, regardless of language or origin. It would be my honour to share my dream with all who arrive in this world.

[He can't help but smile a little.]

It's a good one. ...Seems you've managed to adjust well here.

[Especially considering how things were early on, Phantom seems a lot calmer, peaceful. He has no doubts the nightmares still linger, but it's such a clear difference compared to before.]

... I have.

[ Phantom admits this after a short pause. His tone is usually flat, but there is some gladness to it this time. ]

Before I came to this world... I thought that my only place would be within the shadows, away from others. But many of the dreamwalkers here have shown me otherwise.

[ At this point, he almost laments the fact that the Doctor would not be able to see his improvement firsthand, but surely it would also help him in the waking world in some way. ]

[A small nod.]

I've thought the same. Although I've always known that one's environment and circumstances can affect their life... I still wouldn't have imagined myself having the kind of life I have now, different world or not.

[A very light wry grin.]

Good thing we were proven wrong.

[ Not for the first time, he thinks briefly about Tifa. And Eustace. He thinks he is beginning to understand. ]

Indeed...

[ A soft smile crosses his lips, to match. ]

Glad I am that I met you. That we became friends. [ They are friends right? ]

[Yes they are friends, so Eustace doesn't see anything wrong with the statement and just nods in agreement.]

You've made more than a few, haven't you?

I have. More than I have back home.

[ Eustace, Trahearne, Venti, Aether, Tsurumaru, Zelda, Madhuri, Sana... the list goes on. ]

I kept away from others out of fear that my shadow would hurt them. But you've shown me that it can be overcome. I would not have thought it possible in my homeworld...

Even if we showed you that possibility, it was still your own will and perseverance that got you this far.

But I am also impressed by your progress. In truth... I had initial considered you as a potential threat to everyone here. I'm glad to have that assessment changed.

[ Phantom nods. He understands the danger he poses to others more than most, so he takes no offense to Eustace's assessment. ]

Perhaps I ought to chronicle my experiences, so that the data could be used to assist others who may have the same predicament. [ He'll have to take care and leave out any personal details, of course... ]

It wouldn't be a bad idea. Even though everyone has different experiences, there are similarities to draw from as well.

[A small pause.]

...I also have a question I am curious about.

[ Phantom tilts his head, not expecting the question. ]

Ask and I shall answer the best I can.

[He's silent for a moment, as if weighing his words before he finally speaks.]

...How difficult is it to control the nightmare energy?

[ Phantom frowns a little in thought, trying likewise to compose a coherent reply. They've talked about his shift before, the subtle spiritual change within him after the castle incident. However, it's different from last time - he remains in control of himself, even more so than when he came to Songerein. In this state, he did not pose any danger. ]

Truthfully, it has become easier, very much so. It no longer fights to overtake me... it responds to my will with ease, without insidious whispers. As if it has become my very nature. Where others would bring forth dreamotion, nightmare answers me in its place.

[ Strange? Perhaps so, but he thinks there is a certain logic to it. His power, his very soul was steeped in the crimson madness by the Wine God. He would not be able to deny it forever... but he could become its master instead. ]

[A small nod in understanding.]

I tend to forget that despite its association, at its core nightmare energy is the same as dreamotion. It's more dangerous...but if handled properly it seems it could be controlled in the same way. Is that how it feels to you?

[ Once again, Eustace has managed to summarize Phantom's meandering thoughts. It's something that he's always grateful for. ]

Yes. The path ahead is unknown, but with your support and others', I believe the knowledge gained would benefit everyone.

[A small nod.]

I've seen others use it as well, back on the moon. Since the beginning we've taken the route of trying to suppress and keep the nightmare energy at bay...and for good reason. Several people have turned into noctaere and we've seen how devastating its corruption can be.

But I wonder if some form of acceptance would be better. Perhaps being affected by nightmares is inevitable, and learning how to control it would be more effective.

...However that poses its own risks, and it would depend on the individual...

[His voice trails when he hears distant instruments randomly playing and calls for assistance in moving more parts of the stage. At that he shakes his head.]

...Sorry, this isn't the place nor my intent in speaking with you...

[ Phantom nods as Eustace narrates his thoughts. He had come to a similar conclusion himself; however, he would chalk up his success in retaining control to his unique situation. Being tainted with darkness since young, growing up and relying it on a weapon and a means of existence... he doubts anyone else here would have a similar experience. It is this lifelong familiarity that gives him the instinct to control nightmare energy - at least, those are his thoughts. ]

I understand. We can discuss this another day, if you like.

[ He doesn't mind. They're friends, after all. ]

If you don't mind.

Then we shall.

[ For now, they should return to their homes to rest after this fruitful day. ]

open mingle ✧ songs of summer

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