[Open] I don't think you're ready for this jelly

[justice_is_blond]

WHO: Alistair and Anders and YOU
WHAT: Alistair tightropes. In a dress. While singing.
WHEN: Kingsway 21st
WHERE: Camp Shady Fucker
NOTES: There will probably be some awful sap because this is Nate's birthday, you've been warned. Otherwise, no warnings anticipated.

It's not publicized, but word has a habit of getting out.

Zevran has publicized matters, and now it's time for some morale boosting. There's a low tightrope stretched between two trees with a great many chairs, stumps, and logs set up as seating options. Today is the day for someone to earn himself new boots, shirts, and a shield, and it promises to be a show.

Come on up, pull up a seat, and enjoy the entertainment.

Comments

open!!!

[byblow]

BEFORE

The dress isn't a problem. It's not all that different from Chantry robes, or Templar robes, and blue! He likes blue.

The attempts to put him in make-up are slightly more of one: it wasn't part of the deal, and he does his best to dodge it with a scrunched-up nose and complaints about being pretty enough already.

The roped entrance, the number of chairs, the food trays and beverages? His face goes a little cloudy, when he isn't distracted by talking to someone or another, and he might start to fidget, and the arrival of one or two people in particular might might earn an under-the-breath Maker.

DURING

What sort of jerk interrupts a man who's trying to walk a tightrope and sing? Sit down and eat your pie.

(He does, for the record, fall several times. He lands without injury and drags himself back up, occasionally with a bow, occasionally with a cheerfully rude gesture to hecklers. He's still not thrilled about the size and circusy quality of the audience, but he grins anyway, and identifying that grin's sharp edges--echoes from a youth spent defiantly cracking jokes for rooms full of people who hated him and mocking himself before anyone else could beat him to it--would take talent. It isn't fake.

At the end, his curtsy is unpracticed but flourished.)

AFTER

First: where are his new boots?

Second, third, ad infinitum: he keeps the dress on until he scavenges food and winds up dripping honey on the bust, sorry Kaisa. After that he shucks it off--trousers underneath, don't get excited--and finds a blanket, somewhere. And a drink.

He might autograph Zevran's sketches, if you're nice, but he's equally likely to scribble beards onto the figures.

After

[justice_is_blond]

Anders has the boots on hand. He hadn't figured Alistair would cancel, though he'd had a moment of worry when Zevran's message had gone out. Things go as planned, though, and he finds Alistair to deliver boots and shirts in a pile.

"That was impressive." He means it. "Even with the falls. I don't know that I could have done that well. Are you hurt at all?"

before

[ichaer]

"Bloody hell, you need to stop squirming so I can fix your eyes. You look like they stuffed a raccoon into a frilly dress."

She's just holding his face like a three-year-old which is honestly offensive to three-year-olds like the certain one (who is definitely not a Prince) that came here with her to cheer a certain raccoon on. At least he's occupied with a stuffed wyvern toy while she tries to fix this disaster because how could let anyone go out in front of a group with such terrible eyeliner?

After

[circleprodigy]

The ale fairy is paying a visit, with her canine companion in tow. Said companion isn't quite as energetic as usual, having overstuffed himself somewhat. (And yet, he'll be starving minutes later, just watch.) Inessa approaches with a cup in each hand, one for herself, and tsks as she notes the state of the bust.

"That poor dress, sacrificed for an admittedly impressive performance. I hope all this was worth it?"

After

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany was surprisingly absent for the entire affair - but this wasn't something she normally enjoyed truth be told. Parties, yes. Celebrations for her brothers? Absolutely.
Poor Alistair being smeared with make-up for a crowd ... no. No, she was fine without that.

However she did appear afterwards, offering up a sweater and a little smile, "Don't catch your death, please."

After

[ombranera]

When the dress is gone and he's covered up, prize in hand? Zev pops Lucci into his lap and dabs at his eyes and lips with a cloth to clean off the powder and paint. Vitta (helpfully) offers him a full serving of just about everything the'd been selling (free of charge), along with a nice tankard of Fereldan ale. "That wasn't so bad, yes?"

before

[arlathvhen]

Beleth stands out in the crowd like a sour thumb, with her pensive, worried expression. She winds her way over to Alistair, and for a moment manages to look rather amused as she glances over him in his outfit, before she remembers what exactly brought him here wearing that dress, and resumes her fretful air. As she gets close enough that she can talk with some manner of discretion, she glances around at the crowd, then finally to Alistair, lips presses into a thin line.

"You don't have to do this if you don't want to, you know." She makes sure to keep her voice low, in case anyone takes offense at her trying to talk the main attraction out of...doing the main attraction. "I'm sure you can get the clothes and boots another way. Without having to...pander." She gives another sidelong glance at the crowd. "I can talk to Anders for you, if you want."

During

[slipshot]

The third time that Alistair falls, there is someone else to meet him before he starts - a grinning Gavin, in an ill-fitting servant's dress, which he had managed to borrow from a chuckling woman who was about twice his size.

"It looked like you could use some company."

before;

[arcaneadvisor]

Remember that time - because Morrigan tries not to but she does, and that's probably the same for you - that you were both naked together? Somehow this is weirdly more naked. Or that's how it feels to Morrigan when she shows up, Kieran not hovering right at this specific moment.

Because Morrigan isn't herself at the moment, but Zevran is there, so she's left Kieran strict instructions not to stray out of his sight before going in search of Alistair. Likely he knows what it's like when she shapeshifts, or some lingering Templar-yness can feel the mana, the way the air about her swirls with purple light as she becomes herself again.

"Well, well, well, whatever would Leliana say." Hello Alistair, here she is to ruin your day. "Do you require assistance." Because look at her face, it's a work of art so she will actually help. Because despite many accusations she has always helped.

during/after

[pinprick]

Alistair's (accurate) assessment of Nathaniel as humorless is possibly put into question because this is the hardest Nathaniel has laughed in pretty much his entire life. It's not the humiliation--it takes a lot more than this to humiliate Alistair. It's mostly that a big beefy man is walking a tightrope in a dress for his birthday--a man he doesn't even like or get along with. Which goes to show that they are still on the same side after all.

Afterward, he approaches Alistair to toss a clean shirt his way. No conversation, just an acknowledgement of the service he has provided.

Anders | Open

[justice_is_blond]

1. Setup

Moving a whole lot of chairs isn't the fastest process, which means he's doing this for some time. At least he's smiling, that has to be a good sign, right? Or perhaps it's a little worrisome.

Of course, anyone he sees watching he'll raise an eyebrow at and tilt his head toward a log or uprooted stump he could use a hand moving.

"Would you like to participate in a very important venture?"


2. Show

He's in the front row. Why wouldn't he be? This is his fault, in a large part, this is his gift to Nate, he's going to be up here, watching, enjoying... and ready to dart forward if Alistair falls off and sprains or twists something.

That doesn't mean he's not chatting with anyone who takes a seat near him, twisting to offer comments and the like.

3. Sap [closed to Nate]

There's no way he could have kept what's about to happen quiet. That doesn't mean he's not going to present Nate with a small box, a smile, and a tilt of his head toward the seating as if it's still a surprise.

"Happy birthday." He's never planned something for someone's birthday before. At least he's fairly confident this is a pretty good setup.

Setup

[conqueredhearts]

Iskandar had been on his way to give a treat to his horse when he heard the call of what was sure to be a handsome man. Sure enough it did indeed belong to one and he smiled as he came closer to him, looking around at what was being done. Considering what the setup was like he imagined that he'd been called upon for the magnificence of his muscles.

Basically he was needed to move heavy things.

"Well I could hardly refuse to help in a venture so very important. What shall I lift for you this day, my friend?"

Sap

[pinprick]

He takes the box reflexively, and there is actual surprise on his face.

"This was for me?" Maker, he'd thought this was just a funny event happening to take place on his birthday. He certainly hadn't expected Anders to remember what today is.

Setup

[kallian_endris]

Kalli is right there to help. She knows how important it is to her Vati that all of this goes well for Nate--and she hopes, in a small way, that her efforts can go toward expressing her gratitude to Nate for what he's done for her.

"What do you need me to do?" she asks.

Show

[universal_charm]

When he heard about this particular spectacle, of course he had to come and see for himself. It had been pretty damn boring, which was actually a good thing when he thought about it, and this kind of excitement was, for once, a good kind. So he is definitely right up in there to watch, grinning at the outfit and the silliness of it all. It felt like a breath of fresh air, sweet and crisp and making his sides hurt from holding in laughs.

"If there was ever a time I wish this world had cameras - this is it," he chuckled, clapping in encouragement during one of the attempts to get back up on the wire.

ZEVRAN & KESTRELS - OPEN

[ombranera]

Entry

The area just before the stage and seats is roped off to funnel newcomers to a single point of entry where the Kestrels take the entry fee and escort them to a seat. Zevran pops over now and again to encourage some friendly applause and heckling when the main event rolls through. Mention is made to individual tips to be given should they so desire at the pot set up in front of the stage, both for the brave performer and those that arranged such a fine bit of entertainment.


Pre-Show

Alistair is not to be performing alone, oh no. The Kestrels take turns tagging in and out of playing music off to one side of the stage and going across the rope on foot, hand, or running leaps. Feats of contortion, balance, and control meant to warm up the crowd, draw in a greater headcount- and to earn applause and tips. Zevran himself does a few tricks between turns at the guitar and glad-handing those that have arrived.


Snacks

The kestrels walk about with little trays offering the following for a fair price (Hover for descriptions):

15c - Candied chestnuts
15c - Dried fruit
20c - Ham & butter sandwich
20c - Alfajor
25c - Pie & Mash
25c - Polpette
25c - Skewers
15c - Drinks

A keg of ale is likewise rolled out, mulled cider, and a strong Antivan spiced punch made with brandy and wine.


Sketches

For a mere 2 silvers Zevran will sit and sketch both the man on the tightrope and the customer either walking it together, sitting, or falling. Sketches are roughly journal sized and done without color.


Mingling

When not preoccupied with any of the above? Zevran takes a seat for himself and his son, watching the show or accepting conversation as it comes. Bundled up against the cold Lucci is a sight in a tiny bear suit made of real bear fur- a gift from the dearly departed Asher. His little pointed ears stick out faintly when the hood is down but otherwise? He is a tiny, golden bear snugged tightly against Zevran's chest as he walks about, sipping punch and making mention of the performer's grace and dignity.

Snacks/Pre-Show

[circleprodigy]

[The moment those trays are in sight, Garahel is drawn to them. The mabari plops down and glances back to Inessa hopefully until she catches up, sighing.]

Yes, I know, you're starving. Just a moment.

[She ignores the subsequent whine, taking her time.]

Let's see...a skewer for the bottomless pit down there, and some mulled cider for myself.

[She could probably be talked into getting more, though, as her eyes linger on the candied chestnuts and alfajors, trying to decide.]

sketches

[arlathvhen]

Beleth is, visibly, a little nervous about approaching Zevran. Maybe more than a little. But the potential of what he's offering is enough to make her decide that it's worth it, and suffer through the nerves. There is, at least, an attempt at playing it cool as she walks over to Zevran, fingers fidgeting with some loose threads in her scarf.

"Hey. Can I get one of the sketches? Of, um." She pretends that she hasn't already spent five minutes pondering it. "Sitting, I guess. Falling seems like a bad omen."

Mingling

[justice_is_blond]

"Hello, Lucci, are you keeping your father out of trouble?" The baby gets a warm smile before Anders directs it up at Zevran too.

"Alistair may have words with you about charging, I should note. But I've a feeling you could get away with anything you'd try when it comes to him." Zevran should at least have the warning, though again, Anders doesn't think it will go poorly at all.

mingling

[faithshield]

[...When North hears about this it's something he has to see. So he goes, and he shells out the entrance fee, and then he...mills about as inconspicuously as a 6'4" man with the same complexion as the snow that caps the highest points of Skyhold can.

He's seen the elf swaggering about, making sketches and greeting people.

Oh, and doing a few tricks to warm up the crowd. That. That, especially, North had noticed.

Maker, he's too attracted to men for this. He's so enraptured, in fact, in just watching the smooth confidence with which the elf makes his way through the crowd (Andraste's skirts is that a baby dressed as a bear he's carrying that's so cute oh no) that he doesn't notice that the elf has passed close by to him.]

--Huh?

Mingling

[universal_charm]

Was it really fair for a child to be so cute? No, no it was not, but he was particularly adorable and Kirk waggled his fingers at the little "cub" on his approach. He thankfully resisted cooing, but it was a very, very hard thing to do. Kirk has his own punch and a packet of the candied nuts, the flow of the people naturally bringing him along side Zevran and his off spring.

"You looked like you were particularly enjoying the performance," he grinned at him in an almost conspiratorial way, having noticed Zevran's contributions to the set up of this spectacle.

Pre-Show and/or Mingling

[onlyhymns]

This seems wrong, and Cade is very discomforted by it, but... other people are different, and he shouldn't assume Alistair is being forced. But he's not going to be able to settle down if he doesn't at least come and offer moral support in his friend's... is it an hour of need? Something like that. He'll help him escape, if it comes down to it.

He sits off to one side, awkward and gloomy as always. Though he nods and possibly waves a greeting to Zevran if their eyes meet, he doesn't approach, since being a bother and a fun-ruiner is the last thing he wants. Still, he's anxious, on Alistair's behalf.

Mingling

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany doesn't come out until after the show is all over, wrapped in a knitted shawl. She quirks a smile at Zevran and his son, and disappears momentarily into her tent. A moment later she returns, with small, elf-shaped ear warmers in many different colors.

She offers them solemnly up for Zevran for approval, asking for silent permission before putting them on.

mingling;

[arcaneadvisor]

Since Morrigan came along, she really couldn't not bring Kieran who's been pestering her to see Lucci for some time now - and of course his second favourite uncle (sorry Zevran, Alistair slides in first because he can't be dad but he can be favourite uncle okay) - and he bounces up ahead of Morrigan.

She has at least reminded him not to make sudden loud noises. She well remembers precious golden moments of peace.

"Uncle Zevran," he greets when he slides to a halt, his feather-trimmed hood flapping around his face as Morrigan joins them both. "I've missed you, mother said you were busy."

Sketches!

[unharrowed]

Vasran takes her time deciding what she wants before approaching, ready to press two silvers into Zevran's palm.

"I want to be riding on his shoulders," she declares. "Urging him forward like a mighty steed."