[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.

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?"

[justice_is_blond]

The man had looked large at first glance. Now he's close, and Anders suddenly wonders if this is how Dwarves and elves feel. ...and if the next spectator event could be this guy wrestling Iron Bull.

He also wonders if maybe he should have used slightly more realistic language when speaking with a stranger, but it's too late now. Anders gives him a smile.

"I need help moving what we use to sit on from the campfires to the area around the tightrope, if you didn't mind. I can't manage some of these on my own." A beat, and the smile gets a little tight. Even though this is harmless, someone giving him a hand should probably know who they're helping. "I'm Anders."

[conqueredhearts]

"I see! I will gladly help you then!" He laughed and was already moving to help, looking over when he was given the name. A wide grin spread across his face as he lifted up a log onto his shoulder then clapped a hand to the man's shoulder.

"Good day to you, Anders! I am Iskandar. Now I'll have to have you move to the side so I can grab that log there as well, my friend."

It was nicer than just moving the man anyway.

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.

[justice_is_blond]

He staggered slightly at the clap to his shoulder, looking surprised for just a moment. A rifter, then, probably, but Anders wasn't about to complain.

"Iskandar," he said with a nod. "Thank you. But..." He halted his objection to stepping out of the way when it sank in that Iskandar was already holding a whole log. Blinking, he moved. "That's certainly... If you don't charge too much we may be interested in getting you to help with improvements to the Kestral house."

[conqueredhearts]

Reaching down, he went to lift the other up onto his other shoulder and made sure both were balanced before he looked down at the young man. Hm? He was being offered money to help with improvements somewhere?

"Mmm. I don't really want money actually. Though I suppose if you wanted to charge me something then I'll take food and drink." He gave him a grin, not at all bothered to be offering services basically for free and went to carry the logs over to where the stage seemed to be.

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.

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...?"

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.

[arlathvhen]

She fishes the two coins out of her pocket and drops them into the box without a fuss, sitting where indicated. There's nothing going on here, Zevran!! Just friends being friendly. Because. Friendship. She does, however, pause at Zevran's question, and it takes all her skill to not look like a total idiot when she quickly nods. "Yes, that sounds fine."

Then, because she has to say something else, has to make this a perfectly normal conversation, she glances at him again. "The Wardens should throw more...festivals, I guess? Whatever this is, with rotating main entertainment. We could get more real buildings." Maybe even one she's allowed to live in! But she bring it up. Living in a tent in the Warden Camp is still better than sleeping in the nooks and crannies of Skyhold, and still being afraid someone might drag you out of bed.

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.

[justice_is_blond]

A friendly giant who didn't want pay for possible future construction work. There was a catch somehow. Anders knew it. But there were a bunch of seats to move still and he didn't have the energy to poke around and find it right now. Later.

He grabbed one of the chairs himself, feeling ever-so-slightly inadequate, before following Iskandar.

"Is it a specific food or drink you're after?"

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.

[conqueredhearts]

"Anything will do. I've found I seem to require food and drink again so this seems as good an opportunity as any to get some for this future task, wouldn't you agree?"

He grinned back at him then stopped at the setup to look around. The front seemed the best place for these but he decided the blond would know best.

"Where would you like these?"

[justice_is_blond]

"Of course it was." Yes, Alistair needed boots, and it had been funny to joke about, but he'd only decided to do the legwork when he realized what else this could be.

"I picked the date with you in mind, and figured it would be something you'd like, considering how you and Alistair... relate." He smiles, warm, happy, as he nods to the box. "I think that's something you might like as well."

[justice_is_blond]

He gives her a smile before reaching out to rest his hand on her shoulder for a moment. Then he's jerking his head in the direction of several stumps.

"Let's move these together, and perhaps talk a little too? There's something I've been meaning to ask you about." A few things, really, but one at a time.

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.

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?"

[justice_is_blond]

Require them again. Found to seem to, even, so he... hadn't for a time? Anders blinked yet again, wondering if this was the catch. First, though, he gestured at where the logs could go.

"They'll make decent rows of seating there. And... Again? You require food and drink again? So you didn't for a time?"

[kallian_endris]

"All right."

Force magic still doesn't come as easily to her as other types, but she tries her best and helps move the stumps, using as much physical effort as magical.

"Um, if one of the things you're asking is what I want for my birthday, I promise, I don't need anything this fancy."

[conqueredhearts]

Dropping the logs down, he moved them around to arrange them in a proper line. It wasn't until he was done with that that he proceeded with answering the question.

"I am a Spirit. In my world I do not require food nor rest. As long as I have a mage willing to provide me with mana to restore what I cannot create myself, I can exist. This world seems to have changed it so I require food and rest once more. Fascinating, isn't it?"

He laughed then brushed his hands off before marching over to grab some more seating for Anders.