{ reverein talent show }

[dreamposts]

REVEREIN TALENT SHOW

Welcome to the Reverein Talent Show! This log serves as a mingle thread where everyone is welcome to create their own top-levels and have their characters show off their talents on a glittering stage. If you desire snarky judges commentary or if your character would like a chance at prizes, applications for the Talent Show can be found here. They will be open until September 10th to allow new players a chance to have their characters join in the fun. If you DO NOT want to be judged and your character is not looking for a gig or to join Emet's theatre company, they are welcome to participate as a walk-on performance - no application necessary! Go forth and perform to your heart's content!

Voting and voting guidelines can likewise be found over here. Each audience member is allowed one (IC!) vote. Voting will close on September 13th and the winners will be announced in a separate subthread below. Deadlines may be extended depending on the number of votes and pacing for the log.

I. COME ONE, COME ALL!

Come one, come all! To not just one, but two entire nights all but guaranteed to be worthy of remembering for years to come. Now that the winds have calmed considerably, event flyers have returned in earnest advertising the Reverein Talent Show to be held on the evenings of the 5th & 6th of the month. If anyone should happen to be passing through the Riverside District, they might be approached by performers in bright, elaborate costumes. While it would be quite easy to mistake these performers as Dream Fair organizers, a few inquiries prove them to be representative from the theatre house and part of the talent show staff. These performers will prove most eager to answer questions about the event and will urge everyone to consider entering and sharing their talents before the rest of the town.

A. Bright Lights, How We Love Bright Lights. Whether ushered along or choosing to follow the crowd, the first thing of notice are the dazzling light displays. Faerie lights gather and disperse before the Grand Theatre House, illuminating its façade and the steps leading into its main reception hall. Should one linger within the light display, the colors will shift and transform depending on the guests' moods. Perhaps they turn blue in response to excitement, red if one happens to be attending with that certain special and significant other, or green to indicate the nervous energy that comes with imminent stage fright. If attendees should feel anything truly negative, however, the lights shining upon all who enter may just so happen to flicker out entirely in response.

B. Making Memories. Inside the reception area are a number of small booths offering snacks and drinks as well as unique memorabilia to celebrate the event. Of special note are small contraptions known as "dream lights", not much larger than a writing pen. By focusing one's emotions upon them, the colors of the dream lights can also be changed. Perhaps they might prove fun within the theatre? And indeed, the audience may choose to create a sea of color from their places in the stalls or focus on an appropriate color to cheer on their friends when they take to the stage.

C. Flower Power. Highlighting the entryway is a stunning floral display created by Isabela Madrigal. Mayhap the fragrance of its blossoms will relax and fill all who gaze upon it with happy anticipation for what is sure to come. Still more flowers can be found within the theatre house, highlighting small alcoves and seating areas and framing the stage itself in their brilliance. When combined with a soft white fog and the flickering of distant "starlight", the stage is transformed into a mystifying garden landscape.

II. REVEREIN TALENT SHOW

A. Opening Ceremonies. Once the audience has settled and the lights have been appropriately dimmed, both Emet-Selch and the theatre's director take to the stage. They welcome everyone, making a point to thank the promising talent who have offered their time, and bid all gathered to enjoy the proceedings. Emet-Selch's speech in particular is rather...grandiose and whimsical coming from a middle-aged man with dark circles under his eyes. A certain someone once suspected the Garlean of "taking the scenic route" whenever he chooses to speak, and indeed the man's opening speech sounds almost like a dramatic performance in and of itself. But he will not prove unduly long-winded. Indeed, the two of them soon return to their seats at the judges' table as the lights on stage shift once again and a positively jubilant young faerie flutters out to introduce each act.

B. So You Think You've Got Talent. Performers seeking the judges' approval and either a place in Emet-Selch's theatre company or a chance at earning themselves and their act a short term run at the Grand Theatre House have been asked to arrive to the venue at least an hour before showtime. Backstage, participants can be found tuning their instruments and poring over scripts one final time before being escorted one at a time onto the stage. Curiously enough, there is a distinct deficit of stagehands, and yet the stage and its settings seem to undergo a transformation each time someone new steps out upon it - as if it is morphing to suit their talent. Perhaps the young man in long white robes might know something about how this is achieved?

C. For Whom the Spotlight Shines. After the final judged act has concluded for the evening, the theatre staff offer a reminder that walk-on performances are still being accepted! All one need do is sign up at the reception desk during intermission and make their way to a designated area outside in the gardens to be lead backstage once everyone else is yet again seated. No numbers are required. Indeed, this shall be your own personal moment to shine! Simply walk out on stage when your name is called and introduce yourself to the crowd. Staff members are available to help should you require any outside assistance. And as for volunteers? Well, you've a whole theatre full and ripe for the pickings! Everyone enjoys a little audience participation, right? ...Right?

III. INTERMISSION

A. Culinary Delights. During intermission the gardens behind the theatre are open and illuminated to guests who may wish to sit and chat while awaiting the second half of the show. Fireflies dance and crickets create their own symphony to mingle betwixt snatches of conversation and delighted merriment. A few grills have been set up and attendees are treated to a delicious display as ingredients are minced at record speed and whole fruits and vegetables transformed into intricately carved baskets and tiny sculptures of flowers and beasts. Who ever said it was poor manners to play with one's food, when the results dazzle the imagination? If anyone is truly feeling adventurous, they can even try "fusion" cuisine which manages to meld wildly different foods together into a single dish, some of which may look and smell a bit... eh, suspect... Do you dare?

For those less daring, there is also a candy artist set up in the corner gazebo, able to spin sugar into the shapes of (mostly) local wildlife. Anyone who comes to the booth is urged to try channeling dreamotion into the creation for a special surprise! And as promised, determining the corresponding emotion will cause the creatures to come to life.

Tea Mouse: reacts most strongly to feelings of curiosity and mischief.
Fairy Cow: reacts most strongly to feelings of serenity and happiness.
Coeurl (Tiger): reacts most strongly to feelings of confidence and friendly competition.
Moon Rabbit: reacts most strongly to feelings of affection and appreciation.
Spice Noodle (Dragon): reacts most strongly to feelings of bravery and loyalty.
Flower Snake: reacts most strongly to feelings of surprise and excitement.

B. Step Through The Mirror. The theatre is beautiful, is it not? There is something about it which - almost - seems too much like a dream, however. (Ironic, that!) The architecture matches none of the surrounding buildings, and the number of flourishes and embellishments within it seem needlessly ornate. Could something be hiding beneath all the glitter? If the talent show is not for you, mayhap a mystery would better suit your tastes. Is the theatre's current appearance the result of dreamotion? And if so, just who is expending so much energy for the sake of aesthetics? Could there be a more sinister plan afoot? Is this all an elaborate trap set up by a yet unannounced villain? Who knows! (But...probably not.) If anyone should happen to lean to long against a marble pillar or take an incorrect turn looking for the washrooms, they may just so happen to find themselves breaking through the illusion and into the theatre as it truly should appear. Still a lovely building, no doubt, but a far cry from the gilded metal fixtures and magical overlays that now adorn it. One might even discover some of the theatre students secretly and determinedly working away on revisions for the next installment of their beloved Sharktopusnado.

C. Stage Flight. Backstage everyone is in a flurry preparing for the next set of performances. The lighting needs to be re-checked, the flowers watered, someone's lost their left sock, and exactly ten minutes remain for an 11th hour dress rehearsal. In the midst of the disorganized chaos, a shrill voice rises above the crowd. It seems that one of the bird actors has escaped from its holding cage and has taken up refuge high in the vaulted ceiling amidst an intricate system of pulleys. No amount of coaxing or pleading will convince it to come down, and its trainer is in hysterics. The bird itself appears quite ordinary, yet according to them, the bird is an empath (of sorts) - anyone who attempts to touch it will be zapped with the bird's prevalent emotion. If the bird becomes frightened, anyone too close may scurry away in fear; if the bird is angered, one might forget their task and throw a tantrum instead (why is this bird so important anyway??). The key is to calm the bird down before approaching it. As the trainer tells it, the bird always responds to bad poetry and loves to have its neck feathers scratched. Oh, and its name is "Professor".

IV. AND THAT'S A WRAP

A. Smoke and Mirrors. Following parting words from Emet-Selch and the theatre house director, the lamplight swells and the doors are thrown wide. Pray leave with wonderful memories of all you have witnessed, or should you choose - linger a moment more. The night may be over for the audience, but it's now that the staff and crew members file out into the emptying theatre to begin tidying up and returning it to proper order. Pie filling is mopped up, the curtains are lowered, and the beautiful glittering ambience slowly fades, reverting the theatre to something still very handsome but far less fanciful than it had been a moment before. Any offers of help are gratefully accepted, as there's much yet to be done to get the venue looking as clean as a whistle. And what of the winners, you ask? They need only head over to the judges' table to claim their prizes where they will find one Emet-Selch looking both more pale and more tired than usual, yet also unmistakably pleased with himself.

Comments

Childe and Aether | OTA

[monoceroscaeli]

[Reverein talent show is definitely a kind of event that Aether can’t miss. Not interested in participating on stage, the traveler happily takes a seat among the audience and enjoys the various performances that follow. They’re in the world of dreams now, so there have to be many people with unique talents!

At some point though, Aether starts wondering if anyone he knows also attended, so he scans the area in search of familiar faces. His eyes narrow as he spots something in the distance, among the crowd. A red scarf that reminds him of a certain someone…

Impossible, he thinks to himself as he stands up and directs himself towards the mysterious figure. His eyes widen when he gets a better look.

It really is Childe!]

Hey, Aether! It’s been a while!

[Childe is about to crash this talent show and Aether is a sight for sore eyes, so the next best thing is to get his comrade involved too, right? The Harbinger walks right up to him, throwing his arm around his shoulders and ushering him towards the stage. Bright lights cover it, helping Childe find his mark in the middle of the stage, letting Aether stand next to him. He whispers quickly and quietly to the traveler, a mischievous grin on his features.]

Hey, let’s put on a good show for them, okay? What good fortune that you walked in right as I was about to take the stage.

[He doesn’t explain what they’d be doing to Aether, because he’s about to find out. Childe takes a step forward to throw his hands out to his sides, raising his voice to speak to the audience.]

Good evening! I trust you’ve all been enjoying yourselves so far? Good! Because this next act will be filled with fatal strikes, death-defying reflexes and unimaginable power like no other! A duel between two of the strongest warriors in this world!

[He turns back to his friend, that grin still on his face.]

I do hope you’re ready, comrade.

[Utterly confused, the traveler looks at the Harbinger for a longer moment, before readying himself for any upcoming attack.]

You can’t be serious… [He mutters more to himself than to anyone else.

Childe separates himself from Aether, taking his place on the other side of the stage. He enters a fighting stance, his hydro blades snapping into existence as he looks over to his friend with a smirk, ready for a fierce fight.]

Just because we’re on a stage right now doesn’t mean I’ll hold back. Come, why don’t you show me how strong you’ve become since last we met?

[With that, the Harbinger flings himself into battle, and the two of them exchange blows right on the stage in front of a full audience. Childe holds true to his word and doesn’t hold back, even unleashing a giant hydro whale that crashes onto the stage and soaks everything, water spilling and splashing everywhere as a tidal wave comes and hits the audience as well.

Whoops…]

((Childe is in blue and Aether is in brown! We did a wildcard thing, but your character can get involved with them at any time during their bout, whether it be interrupting them in the middle, trying to stop them from doing it, or getting hit with water...it's up to you!))

[fffffclass]

[ oh my god CHILD PLS??? THIS IS A TALENT SHOW, NOT A BATTLE ROYALE. Yoojin can't even with this guy. It's bad enough to be a battle maniac on your own, but bringing poor, defenceless kids into it? For shame. sorry Aether, you're short and you look delicate ]

Wh--THAT GUY AGAIN??

[ ...is about all Yoojin gets out before he's hit by a goddamn whale (tidal-whale?), thanks Childe. He and the rest of the audience are just going to cough and sputter once they aren't under five feet of water anymore. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

Ahahahahaha!!!!!

[Whoops, did he overdo it? Nah, this is a battle. His laughter rings out as he drops the whale on Aether and everyone else. But, it's not as if that's gone unnoticed, looking out into the space. Hmmm...

He does give a glance out to the crowd, and recognizes that one guy who was rude to him for seemingly no reason at all.]

Ah, it looks like I've accidentally dragged in a certain F-Class fighter as well! Are you enjoying the show?

[startraveler]

[Who are you calling a poor, defenceless kid! Aether is doing quite fine avoiding Childe's attacks, parrying it with his sword until that whale drops and soaks him wet.

And not only him.

Aether casts a glare to his companion.]

This isn't much of a show if you want to get the audience involved like this!

[But it looks like Childe already made some unfortunate acquaintances. Aether throws the guy an apologetic look. He feels like he needs to apologize to the entire audience for this madness.]

[fffffclass]

[ He calls it like he sees it!! It's not his fault you have moe protag syndrome Aether...look at that braid. You're less than 180cm tall. Your eyes sparkle. You are a precious child to be protected until he sees ur stats and decides he needs to protect u anyway

Yoojin is coughing as he pulls himself up by the back of a chair, already glaring at Childe and pointing in his direction ]

What he said! This is reckless endangerment you battle maniac! Think about the regular people forced to watch your nonsense!! Stop picking on kids!

[projections]

I can't believe they're just fighting.

[...Woops. Shirou isn't sure how to react to any of this. He's concerned but also very confused and lost. There's so much happening at once. When he takes another look at the stage he recognizes one of the faces. He's seen Childe before. ]

Oh hey, I remember you. Didn't think I'd run into you again.

[Maybe Childe doesn't remember Shirou. That would be awkward in that case.]

[startraveler]

[Aether continues to avoid hits to the best of his abilities, responding with occasional swipes of his own sword that aren't meant to hurt the other, merely make him step away and keep distance. He doesn't want to fight him - not really and definitely not here, in front of people who may get swept into the chaos that this duel is causing.

As a person from the crowd speaks up to Childe, Aether pauses to glance at him.]

Did he cause trouble for you, too, before this?

[Yes, he's just going to assume Childe is going around challenging people or causing chaos in other ways.]

[monoceroscaeli]

[One of Childe's blades comes up to parry and swing, only to block again. In the middle of trying to put all his strength into making Aether's sword break off of his own, he looks over to the voice in the crowd at the same time as Aether.]

Hey, Shirou, right? Long time no see!

[It's now that he gives a thrust and shoves Aether off of him, leveling his blade at the other as he stops for a moment.]

I wouldn't say I caused any trouble, now did I? Are you still looking for someone to train you?

[projections]

It's good to see you again. Looks like you've been busy.

[Busy with a friend at the talent show looks like. Aether's face is unfamiliar to him so he politely nods and waves shyly as a greeting.]

Childe didn't cause me any trouble. He was trying to be helpful and I was looking for someone to help me train back then. I still want to get stronger, yeah. What's your name? I'm Shirou Emiya.

[ He's talking to the right people if it's about fighting and getting stronger. Aether looks plenty strong himself. ]

[concierto]

[Venti himself actually isn't entering the talent show and is a mere audience member today. With how much he surrounds himself in teaching music lessons and performing his own shows at the tavern and helping Phantom with the studio's concerts he'd rather just watch today. Maybe even some of his students are playing, perhaps?

For a split second his eyes light up at the sight of Aether coming into view! Oh, his dear sweet Aether whatever show he might put on would be simply marvellous! Oh-!!

... Who in Celestia's name is that. Is that. The young harbinger?]

Ehe... I see.

[Venti giggles quietly behind one hand as he watches the two of them march into whatever display they're going to show off. If it's going to be a fight then Venti can simply watch as an audience member. But if Childe shows an ounce of getting the upper hand? Well- let's just say he might find himself tripping on some invisible air. Wouldn't that be a shame?]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe's maniac laughter rings out from the stage, hydro blades singing against the bright lights that shine and reflect off of them. He steps forward to take another swing, and then suddenly...

His foot flies out from underneath him, his eyes widening in surprise. It's almost as if something was swept under his feet, and he barely catches himself before Aether's blade comes at him, blocking it just in time.]

Nice try comrade, but you'll have to do better than that.

[Because clearly that was Aether's anemo powers, right?]

[startraveler]

[Aether blinks when Childe trips seemingly over his own feet. It's so much unlike the Harbinger to be this careless with his footing, when he's always acting as if battle was as natural to him as breathing.

The traveler takes a step back and pauses.]

I didn't do anything. Are you sure you're not just tired?

[In the heat of the duel, Aether didn't feel anything odd and he's unaware of Venti's presence in the audience.]

[concierto]

[Venti has to put his hands over his mouth to hold back a very pleased little giggle. Sure, no one will be able to hear him from the stage but he just can't help the joy he feels. That's what you get, Harbinger!

Well. He most certainly understands that Aether would be more than capable against someone like the eleventh harbinger of the fa-tooty- Venti just can't meddling just a bit.

If they continue their little show Venti might just smack the back of Childe's legs with another annoying wisp of anemo when he least expects it.

Go~ Aether~ go~ ❤]

[rotacalamitas]

[Bennett had been hoping to participate in the talent show himself, but he'd managed to get himself lost on the way to the venue, arriving late after everything had begun. Oh well, that's fine, he was just as content to watch everyone else too. Probably less likely to cause problems that way.

But what luck that the first act Bennett sees involves his dear friend the Traveler, Aether, in combat with... some other guy? Bennett's got a healthy respect for combat and strength, so he watches the two of them go at it with keen interest.

And then out comes the whale. Bennett, ever always in the wrong place at the right time, managed to seat himself at the exact place where he'd get the wettest. The whale comes down, and Bennett lets out a high pitched shriek as he's drenched in ice-cold water.]

Ahhhh! [He starts coughing and sputtering.]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe is having the time of his life. Sparring with Aether, participating in this dance of battle, he's loving it. When he sees the opening, his battle instinct puts him in position to launch the whale- though he's surprised to hear the cry out from the audience.

It's distracting enough to get him to look over and stop for a moment. Oh, he just involved others...that's not what he wanted to do. Ah, but that's how it goes sometimes, doesn't it.]

Sorry!

[He doesn't have time to really give Bennett a proper apology, because he's already hesitated from the surprise of the young adventurer's cry. Who knows how Aether will capitalize on it?]

[startraveler]

[Aether is focused on the combat, watching Childe closely, reacting as fast as he can. But even he never imagined that the harbinger would summon the whale and get everybody around involved. The distressed shriek along with coughing quickly catches the traveler's attention. That sounded like...]

Bennett!

[Forget fighting, Aether is jumping off the stage and rushing towards his friend.]

Are you okay?

[Poor Benny. Always in the wrong place at the wrong time...]

[rotacalamitas]

[Bennett hangs his head as the water drains off his head. He pulls his goggles off of his head and tries to dry them off with his gloves.]

I'm fine, just a little waterlogged. It's nothing I'm not used to.

[Unfortunately, since his gloves are also wet, all he's doing is smearing the water around.]

sorry to be a party pooper

[disdelusioned]

[Diluc is in the audience for the talent show. He has no interest in drawing attention to himself by performing, but he's happy to support local artistic efforts with his patronage. Overall, it's an enjoyable evening, filled with the sort of shenanigans that he's come to expect in his several months in Reverein.

Then Tartaglia takes the stage with Aether in tow, and Diluc's good mood immediately dissipates. When did he return? The last he'd seen him was in the first months of the year.

Whether the Harbinger remembers or not, the two of them had a truce before. Respecting that, Diluc remains in his seat and merely stews in frustrated anger as the two spar onstage. That is, until the giant hydro whale soaks everything in sight. Something in him snaps, and he storms the stage with claymore at the ready.]

What are you doing?

welcome to the show, Master Diluc

[startraveler]

[Aether is not exactly happy to be taking part in this spar for the show, but he hopes Childe will not forget where they are and go all out.

...And sadly, he's mistaken. Of course. The harbinger summons his constellation and splashes everyone with water, making Aether glare. But before he's able to say anything, Diluc suddenly appears on the stage. The traveller's eyes go wide and for a second he doesn't know what to do.

Here we have a Fatui harbinger, who is always starved for battles and a person who absolutely does not like Fatui. The anger on Diluc's face is hard to miss either.

Panicked, Aether runs up to stand right between the two. His sword disappears and instead he outstretches his arms in both directions, as if to keep Childe and Diluc from coming any closer to one another.]

C-Childe! You went way too far! Apologize to the audience and if you really want to continue the fight, we can do it somewhere else.

we hope you're enjoying it

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe gleefully launches that whale, happy to see that Aether yet again has managed to deal with it successfully. He knew he seemed stronger when he saw him, and it's showing with every blow dealt to one another. Really, he couldn't be happier.

But what's interesting is a certain red-head joins them on the stage. Childe's eyes widen and he stops to stare at the man.

Diluc Ragnvindr. Oh, he knows who that is. The wine mogul of Mondstadt.

He wonders, why Aether seems to want to keep them apart. Is there something he missed? Something he's not being told?]

Please accept my apology, [he says, as it is true that he didn't want to involve the audience.] I may have gotten a little carried away for a moment there, but it was quite a feat, wouldn't you say?

[Childe looks to Diluc- right, Diluc?]

thanks, he hates it

[disdelusioned]

[Diluc looks between Aether and Tartaglia, doing his best to read the situation. What he comes away with is:

Aether is immediately looking to mitigate the damage, telling that Harbinger to stand down and continue the fight elsewhere. This is a spar, not an all-out attack.

Tartaglia seems to recognize him, but only just. If he remembers his previous time here in Reverein, he isn't showing it. Given that Tartaglia doesn't much involve himself in subterfuge, it's fairly safe to conclude he doesn't remember his time here at all.

He keeps the claymore in-hand, but lowers it and drops his fighting stance. He's still not thrilled, but there's no immediately present danger here.]

Harbingers are promoted to the rank for a reason. [That's as much credit he's willing to give.] What did you think was going to happen, fighting on stage like this?

Aftermath

[startraveler]

[Childe again proves to be one big disaster, barely getting here (as far as Aether knows) and already making him fight in front of people. And then finding a different spot and still fighting. By the end of the day the traveler is absolutely beat, lying on the ground and regretting his life choices.]

...You owe me a meal for this, you know.

[His voice is flat, but at the same time... this feels kind of refreshing. The last time he's fought Childe, it was a fierce duel with high stakes. This time the other was still serious, yet there was no danger, just a thrill of a challenge.

...And Childe called him "comrade".

He knew him. He knew him not Lumine.]

Do you... remember being here before?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe sits next to Aether in the grass in the area they'd decided to finish their bout in, sweating and tired himself. But he feels alive, and feels great, and that's really all he could ask for. He turns to Aether, to nod his head. Sure, he'll get him dinner, he certainly doesn't mind.]

I remember being here for a single day, fighting sand creatures and enjoying some tea at Dreambucks. But I woke up, went about my day, having forgotten everything until I fell asleep and wound up here. This time, it seems I get to stay longer than a single day.

[Which honestly, he doesn't mind, and it's great. If this is a dream, and if he gets to spend any amount of time in it, he'll enjoy it to the fullest. It's like a vacation away from his duties back at home, without having to take an actual vacation.

At least, it sort of feels like that now.]

You're not the only person to mention that to me, by the way. Seems others knew me previously here too, though I don't remember a single moment from it.

[startraveler]

[Aether looks surprised to hear that, his eyes growing wider as he turns more to face Childe.]

You've been here before for longer... At that time you didn't know me. You knew my sister instead.

[But now it's different. Aether wonders what happened and if this may be possible for others as well. That maybe one day, the companions who were here previously will return, but not know Aether anymore.

He tries not to dwell on that thought.]

What is the last thing you remember that happened back in Teyvat?

[monoceroscaeli]

[His sister?

The Harbinger's eyes widen at that remark. For all he knew, Aether's been looking for his lost sister, and he hasn't heard a single thing about her whereabouts from anywhere within the Fatui. That's a discrepancy that boggles his mind for the moment. He doesn't think Aether would lie to him, it's not like him to- so what's going on?]

I had just recently done an expedition up on Dragonspine, you recall the star silver I sent with my letter, yes? And not terribly long before that, Teucer had traveled to Liyue to come see me, which I am still grateful for you help with that matter. Though...I don't seem to understand exactly what you meant here.

[He furrows his brow, looking down at the ground with his thumb meeting his lip.]

I've never met your sister before, how is it possible that I knew her?