Legend of Ransera

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 1:19 pm**

91st of Ash, Year 121 AS
Pyrecaeon, Academy of Kalzasi

As the sun began to set on the Academy, the magical lights came on in the amphitheater attached to the Pyrecaeon. So too did the magical heat lamps, which spun a more comfortable atmosphere for the gathering audience. It was the last evening of Ash and there was a chill in the air, but the powers that be decided they would take a chance on the outdoor venue. This might also have been due to the fact that most capstones weren't so ambitious as Finn's. He had written a symphony.

And so instead of the cozy indoor space, his guests were outside. But the general hum that he heard from offstage didn't seem upset. Between the lamps and the libations, people were warm enough. There would be more refreshments afterward, a gift from his patron in House Zatrian. After all, his successes now would reflect well upon the Great House. Quite a few of his family members were present, his secret instructor in Mesmer, as well as his lover. Invitations had been sent to the Shinsei, who had heard several early versions of the work before it had exploded in complexity and required so many instruments, and to Lyra, who didn't seem to have much of a social life. He didn't know if either of them would come, or more Zatrians.

He had invited Torin, as well, and hoped that if he came, there wouldn't be undue friction with Arry.

But he couldn't think on that. Little snatches of other people's symphonies played upon his aetheric sense, and they seemed to be in a relatively good mood. That was well. He smiled at some of the performers, most acquaintances doing him a favor, some in exchange for him lending his own voice to their works now that his lute-playing was temporarily on hiatus. He hoped it would be temporary, and he unconsciously flexed the fingers of his left hand to keep them loose and strong.

Weaving a bit of his Mesmer into his words, he emboldened the artists working for him on this. The crowd in the amphitheater grew quiet as one of Finn's instructors introduced the work with a bit of her own take on it. Finn didn't mind; she had a hand in its development and they had spent hours talking about it over the seasons.

"...Finn's Symphony No. 1 in B♭ major, Talon."

There was polite applause and then the musicians filtered out. Finn followed them after a moment, offering a small smile and a wave. He thought his hand looked deformed, but it likely didn't. He hadn't been quite Finn the Fantastic since the attack, but at least he was smiling. He didn't know who all was there other than those he had invited; there were likely a few regulars from the Crown and Lion, even. But he tried to ignore all the eyes on his back as he took up position before his colleagues, raised the baton, and began.

It began with a slow, mysterious introduction that hovered around minor modes, tip-toeing its tenuous weight through ambiguous unrelated keys and so reluctant to settle down into its final B♭ major. The sonata segued into a slow rondo in E♭ major. It gave, he hoped, the impression of an intimate conversation with a God. The third movement returned to B♭ major and its hopeful aspiration for a better world. It was a faster scherzo-trio. And finally, the last was an allegro. His instructor had suggested ma non troppo, but he had persisted with its speed despite her calling it unbuttoned. The playful style sped through a perpetuum mobile before playing the main theme at half speed, interrupted by pauses, before a final fortissimo flourish.

And then it was over.

It must have been at least half an hour even with some of the music racing. He hoped Talon liked it; he had wanted there to be a sense of the prince as a man before divinity came into the mix, and of course, it was inspired by Talon, but Talon as seen through the filter of Finn's experiences. There was applause and Finn remembered bowing, but everything sort of blurred until he was offstage again, his instructor pressing a flute of champagne into his hand.

"Well done, Finn," she said. "Notes tomorrow. Go bask in the adulation of your fans."

He smiled, nodded, and went to suffer through the most difficult part of the evening.

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 6:40 pm**

Arry felt out-of-sorts in this context he most coveted- Rubbing shoulders with elites, dressed to the nines in a gold-trimmed black robe that was intended to highlight his Hytori features. When he imagined himself in situations like these, he was always at ease- effortlessly graceful and seamlessly blending in with his betters- No, not blending in, shining like a citrine upon a crown of gold. In reality, he felt self-conscious. He was an imposter, and he felt like one, so any grace he might exude was consciously conjured and the farthest thing from effortless. In fact, the virtuosic young Mesmer was using his Rune to exude a faint aura of trust and positivity toward him amongst the symphonies in his immediate vicinity.

The subtle manipulation, he hoped, would prime his neighbours for Finn's piece as well as effecting their impression of Arvalyn. Today, after all, was not about Arvalyn. A point about which he reminded himself as he claimed his seat. In the lull before the presentation, he glanced about the room for familiar faces. The first he caught sight of was Torin. His nose wrinkled slightly and he turned to look in the other direction ere their eyes met. Mercifully, the stage became awash with activity within moments and Arry was able to turn his focus toward the man of the hour.

The performance itself was unlike anything Arry had heard of Finn's. He recognised some of the melodies from noodling Finn had done on his lute when his hand was in better shape, but he hadn't heard anything Finn had fully orchestrated before this. It was awe-inspiring. He could feel Finn's Symphony in his symphony and it influenced the energy projecting from the Rune at his wrist. When the time came he grinned broadly and stood forgetting to maintain his air of aloofness. Arry applauded the most enthusiastically of anyone around him, though he wasn't bold enough to be the one to initiate it lest he seem too common in the midst of the elites.

He wasn't sure whether he should rush to the front of Finn's receiving line. Though he wanted to, he hung back until he caught Finn's eye and was beckoned to approach, at which point he darted forward and embraced him, leaning close to whisper.

"It was amazing. Am I aloud to kiss you here, or is that gauche? I'd like to kiss you, but I can wait if I must..."

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 6:55 pm**

Torin arrived early, with an excited Timon rarely willing to stay behind him. The lad had, once against, starched all his clothing so it hung stiffly on his slim figure, all angles and peaks. It didn't look bad, exactly, only unique. Torin wondered if such things were how fashion trends started, if, had Timon been a noble young lord, it might not have become something other people did.

The smith showed their invitation at the entrance to the even and then had to ardently resist the constant tug on his arm to move them towards the front. Shaking his head, unable to keep the boy's enthusiasm from touching him as well, he smiled gently and led the protecting apprentice to the back rows of seating. They were neither important enough, nor personally connected enough to the composer to warrant places near the front, but there was more to it than that.

Torin was in an odd, one-sided feud with Finn's lover, and while he was happy to both see the musician's triumph and indulge Timon's love of such events, the last thing he wanted was to cause a problem. So, he endured the adolescent pouting as they settled into the seats he'd chosen. The music started and his young companion forgot his displeasure in the rapture of what they were listening to. Torin was sure Timon could not have held his breath for the entire long performance, but the state of rapt and silent attention the kid gave to the symphony felt quite like that.

After the first few moments, the smith was also able to relax and let himself be engulfed in the sound. There was beauty to it, of course, but there was something deeper too. It told a story. It wasn't one Torin could follow in thought, but his heart flowed along the strains of the narrative until it came to its perfect conclusion.

His first breath as the gathered audience burst into enthusiastic applause shook a little. No tears were coming from him, and he didn't even want to cry, but it felt sort of like he had cried. The long, cathartic sort of weeping that leaves on exhausted but relieved.

It was a near thing, but his hand managed to shoot out and grab Timon's collar as, once the applause had died down, people began to mill about toward Finn. The boy's objections were loud, and Torin had to shush him, remind him of the company they were in, before he would settle down and more calmly state his complaints. Timon only wanted to go congratulate Finn. Torin knew he could not do so, but, after a moment of consideration he leaned down till their faces were even and said,

"You may go, if you stand in line politely and then come back to the entrance where I will be waiting as soon as you're done." Timon's little face lit up like the sun and he nodded enthusiastically, promising.

Torin released him, and he skipped down to the front, taking his place in line with all the dignity of a pre-pubescent diplomat. Shaking his head, but still smiling the smith made his way to the entrance. From there he could watch and wait for his apprentice while also keeping an eye on the elf who had decided Torin was his enemy.

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 9:09 pm**

T A L O N

In the seasons leading up to the event, Talon had heard multiple iterations of the symphony being produced in his honor. He had never expected to receive such a gift but he was happy for the receiving of it. He arrived to the Pyrecaeon quietly or at least as quietly as his presence would allow. Within the seating gallery there were spaces reserved for members of the common folk, there were those sections reserved for the nobility and then there were those places reserved for the Great Houses. It was not often that the seating space provided for House Novalys had occupants. Though his family supported the efforts of House Zatrian, they were not known for their affinity for the arts so much as they were aligned with industrious and political pursuits. Talon wore a fitted blue and silver high neck coat that came down to his thighs with a pair of black pants tucked into cuffed black boots. His hair was done into a braid that hung over his shoulder.

Talon took up his seat, offering a nod of acknowledgement to the other high nobles that took note of his presence. More than that, he did not provide for. He let his focus hone in on the musicians who were in place. His listened to the announcer proclaim the symphony. Then he watched as Finn stepped onto the stage. If he had not personally known Finn, he would not have noticed the slightly nervous air that permeated the bard. Talon could only smile. He had full confidence that the man’s piece would be a delight for all who heard it. As the audience quieted and the initial tones of the symphony began, Talon found himself drawn into the music. He listened intently to its ebb and flow recalling memories that seemed to stand out to him in relation to the melody.

His attention did not drift for the whole of the event until finally the music drew to a close and Finn was bowing, making his way off stage.

“Would you like to join them, Shinsei?” The voice of one of his guards drew him from his musings on the music. He shook his head. This was to be Finn’s night. He did not want to detract from the pride of the musician’s achievements by pulling any attention away from him. Instead he raised a hand and signaling for one of the event attendants to approach. The young woman quickly moved forward, bowing before looking at him expectantly.

“Please inform the Maestro that it was a delightful symphony. I am humbled by his work. I look forward to continuing to hear his pieces played across the nation’s stages.” The woman bowed and backed away going to relay the message expeditiously. With that, Talon rose from his seat. He nodded to those who acknowledged him once more and he departed. He looked forward to being able to discuss the event with Finn in a quieter setting.

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 9:27 pm**

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Posted: **Wed Jan 05, 2022 6:20 pm**

At Arry's question, Finn's good hand came up around the nape of his neck and pulled him in for an ardent, if edited, kiss. He saw no reason to hide their relationship from anyone, but he understood the bounds of propriety. There was a grateful edge to his smile, happy to have his lover there present. It was one thing to perform for a crowd, yet another to be inundated with people wanting to congratulate him, speaking with him, or just meet him. He could be gracious, but Arry made a good anchor. He was trusted and he positively shone in these situations.

"You can kiss me again later," he flirted bashfully, even after all those months together, "and you can make it as gauche as you'd like." If he blushed after that, it was only because his parents had come upon them. Thankfully, he had made introductions well beforehand, and they had absconded with Arry for a light supper before the show. They were making noises about another snack and a tipple or two since they were in town.

He craned his head to look for Zef Mirlind, eyes seeking out a flash of red robes. The man was his tutor in Mesmer, and he hoped the man might impart some training on Arry, lest his power overwhelm his abilities. But instead of the old man, he found himself turning to face a young man. In the wash of faces, it took him a beat to match the face with a name, but when he did, he bowed.

"Master Timon, thank you for coming. I hope you found the program to your liking?"

Finn excused himself so he could accompany Timon to where Torin was waiting. He may or may not have given the lad a sip of champagne en route.

"Thank you for coming, Master Torin," he said with a jaunty sort of smile. There was an energy in the outdoor amphitheater, and he rode its exhilarating waves. "I'm not quite sure how to handle a crowd of people come to see me. Or perhaps they came to see the prince, actually. In any case, I was hoping I could bring my parents around tomorrow morning. My mother would love to see your forge.

Posted: **Thu Apr 07, 2022 2:18 pm**

Review

Experience: 10 xp, not available for magic.

Lore:

Arvalyn

8

Talon

8

Torin

8

Finn

8

Injuries: N/A

Loot: +1 song in his honor to Talon Novalys

Note: 'Twas fun!

Legend of Ransera

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