[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

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.]

[ombranera]

The Alfajors go quite well with the cider- and they are fresh.

[ Zevran himself swings by for the moment, pleased to coax out another sale. ]

If you dip them in your drink and then bite? Ah, autumnal bliss. The cinnamon, almond, and apple warm you right through.

mingling, not pre-show because BABY BEAR.

[circleprodigy]

[Looking over, Inessa perks up as Zevran makes an appearance.]

Oh, that does sound good. It's Antivan, isn't it? I think I'll have to give in, and try it for myself.

[She nods for that to be added as well, noting that Garahel's getting antsy. Of course, the elven infant in the bear suit is noted as well and she smiles warmly.]

That's quite a handsome bear you have.

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."

[ombranera]

"That will be two silvers." He taps the box with a slot for coins he's using as a means of accepting payment. All the same he flicks to a fresh page and motions for Beleth to sit. Her nerves are noted, but go unremarked upon. There is more to this than he can see but he will not poke at it. Not yet. "Leaning against one another, his arm about your shoulders...?"

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.

[ombranera]

Lucci squeals in response, waving his little paw hands at Anders. Zevran shifts his grip on the boy to hold him steady as he shrugs. "He is welcome to have them. Keeping the larder full for your midnight snacks is a difficult task and he knows this quite well."

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?

[ombranera]

I said- [ With a friendly laugh, the twist of his lips amused but not unkind for all that the scars on his cheek do pull at the corner of his mouth. ] That if you wish to enjoy the refreshments we are selling it may be a short while- my Kestrels have gone to restock their trays, but they shall return soon enough.

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.

[ombranera]

"It is always great fun to watch Alistair play the fool- especially if he is going to gain something from it." Such as boots and a shirt and a shield. Well worth a little buffoonery and well worth earning a little coin on the side. Especially if it gives him an excuse to show off his rather cheerful son in his new bear suit.

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.

[ombranera]

Zevran weighs his options for a short while before gathering a bag of the candied chestnuts from one of his Kestrels and making his way over. Treats in one hand, child in the other. Perhaps Lucci being a little bear would make him less threatening to Cade.

Perhaps not. Who knows?

"Cade. You are looking well." Ish. Sort of? Alive and not completely miserable, which is a step in the right direction.

[arlathvhen]

Cade attracts her attention, if just because he appears to have similar feelings about this entire thing as she does. Of course, he always kind of looks a little nervous and unhappy, maybe that's just how his face is? But it's good enough to encourage Beleth to make her way over to another anxious person to connect and commiserate with. And anyways, even if Cade doesn't share her point of view, it's not like he's going to argue with her, or go and tell someone that she's the No Fun captain of the Brooding Brigade.

"I don't like it," Beleth greets him, without nary a 'hello' or 'how do you do'. She stops close enough that she can whisper to him, arms crossed as she surveys the crowd around them. "People just here to laugh at him. Make fun of him. It's...unseemly. Gauche. I know he's playing along, but...I don't like it."

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.

[ombranera]

"Yes Bethany?" Now these are... Huh. Adorable. Brightly colored. He tugs back Lucci's hood to the sound of yet another mock growl, little swiping paws batting at his hands as he examines the stitching, rubbing the warm fabric between his fingers. "You knit these for him?"

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."

[ombranera]

"Kiki!" Lucci squeals, little bear paws waving at Keiran. The crowd hasn't tired out the boy just yet- and he has found words. Or. Some of them. Nothing quite compares to what he calls Alistair, but this? This is easy enough to bear. "It is good to see you and your mother as well, Keiran."

Morrigan likewise gets a smile from Zevran and a pleased squeal from Lucci. "Ganan!"

At least he has not quite put together 'no' just yet. "Minding Lucci has been keeping my hands full, but I think I will have more than enough time to enjoy your visits here on out."

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."

[ombranera]

"That- is the first such request I have had." And thus all the more amusing. "Sit, this may take a moment."

Sketching the usual shapes has become something quickly done? This will take more focus, more effort- and be all the more worthwhile for it. The coins go into the box an Zevran? Begins roughing out the shapes.

mingling;

[elegiaque]

This is -

All a bit absurd, isn't it? She doesn't particularly want a sketch of the proceedings; had come down out of curiosity because everyone seemed to be going, and it might have been interesting, and there is Alistair. In a dress, doing something ridiculous. Not that she objects to any of these things, particularly, or even would be above putting him up to it for her own amusement, it's just this all seems to be rather ambitiously stretching the joke awfully thin.

But one thing does give her pause enough -

"Asher Hardie's work, isn't that?"

[ombranera]

"A gift." Given to him by Korrin, but- "Yes. I do not know quite how he managed to find claws small enough and dull enough- but yes."

A man felled and known for his craftsmanship- but here is a small elven bear, ears covered by a hood with bear ears, bright blue eyes and wisps of curls peeking out here and there nestled in Zevran's arms. His hands are in gloves that act as paws, with dull little claws to wave about as he mimes a bear's growl.

As he does for the approaching lady. Many find it adorable. Zevran? Finds himself charmed.

Mingling

[failedfirst]

Velanna is in attendance, though she's not entirely sure why. The whole spectacle is largely lost on her, she understands why it's amusing, but to her it's just more ridiculousness. There are people milling around that she can tolerate however, and decent food is always nice.

When she spots Zevran she makes her way over to him, a little cautious. She doesn't have much experience with children, beyond when she'd actually been a child and her sister had been a smaller child. So it's a little awkward, and she addresses Zevran rather than acknowledging the baby, because she doesn't really know how to.

"You look pleased."

[ombranera]

"Because I am, in fact, pleased." Lucci is exhausted at the moment, tucked up and dozing against his father's shoulder. Not addressing the child is not only appreciated- but encouraged. "Coin for the kestrels, the wardens, a little harmless fun, and good times had by all."

Perhaps not Alistair. He will...have to do something about that.