The Troubadour Showcase

[Akantha SolEilran]

The Troubadour Showcase

Ash 60, 124th Year, A.o.S.

It was a cool evening in the last half of fall. Rain had been misting off and on, as it was wont to do at this time of year in Silfanore, and it was just the kind of weather that made people want to stay indoors. Akantha might have, but as usual, there was something on her agenda for tonight. The Princess of Thorns maintained a busy social calendar, but she had heard about an up-and-coming songstress from another performer, and she wanted to hear her play in person before extending an invitation. She was always a supporter of the Arts, just as she was of the Makers, and her list of entertainers was only second to her list of fashion designers.

One of the more demure, simpler carriages brought the Princess from Eilranoikos to the club. It was an open night for music at the Bitter Canary. Located in the Hinya district, it was one of the smaller clubs in the city; but it had its charms and a reputation for variety. For amateurs that wanted the experience, there were options and opportunities to sign up and wait for their turn to take to the stage. Some sang, some only played instruments. Some were solo, some did duets and trios and groups. The stage was well lit, with space for instruments and those that would play them. The lights around the rest of the room were lower, because the spotlight, rightly, was on those who would perform.

Akantha had dressed down, as she did not need to take attention away from those that were performing. The cloak she wore was a dress unto itself, dyed different shades of dark blue and cerulean with gold stitching along the hems. The hood was down, and the enchantment that would normally make the gold shimmer and glow like sparks in the night sky was muted. Honey-blonde hair was pulled back in a thick, fluffy plait, and she wore simple sapphire drops that matched her cloak in her ears. She was shown to a table that was off of the side where she still had a nice view of the stage without needing to be front and centre. Just as her father routinely went among the populace, so did she, and the royal family did not expect the sort of kowtowing that went on across the sea. She thanked the server for a drink, a spicy cider, and settled back in her chair. There was a basket of grapes and figs on the table for snacks, though Akantha was hardly one for eating beyond what was necessary. While the other two seats at the table were empty for the moment, she was expecting company.

The tables up front were largely reserved for those who were going to take their turn on the stage. After writing one's name on the parchment sheet when one came in, they would be able to sit and wait until they were announced, signalling their turn on the stage. The Canary was popular for this event, and it wouldn't take long for there to be a full sheet, promising a full evening for those who had come to enjoy it.

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Thimryl]

60th of Ash, Year 124, A.o.S

➸ Nerves sat along his mind as he awaited for things to kick off this night. It was a new experience for him, performing in front of a crowd this large. He looked over at the other participants who were performing tonight, all much more polished in their chosen art form than he was. He was confident, however, that no matter how large the audience was, he would do as he always did and sing from his heart.

He happened to look around and noticed there were many unknown faces there, but that made it much better. It was odd, but he found it less nerve-wracking knowing that there was no one there who knew him, and he didn't have to worry about embarrassing himself in front of what little friends he had, especially after the festival shenanigans. When things began, he found himself to be the last one performing on the docket. That was good. He could take in the beautiful performances before he had to go himself. He was overjoyed with what he experienced, and he was overjoyed.

To be able to experience budding Sol'Valen talent, was a joy, it was always a joy to experience such fresh and raw practitioners of the various arts showcase themselves. It was finally time for him to perform as his name was introduced and he made his way to the stage, and with a deep breath, he let out a sigh releasing all the doubts and nervousness with it. Once up on the stage he bowed to the audience and sat on the stool provided. "This song is one I came up with. It reminds us that no matter how much you may love someone, when it's time to allow life to take another course, you have to be willing to let them go and fly, even if it's on broken wings."

With that, the musicians began to play, and closing his eyes Thimryl would begin singing.


"I know our love is not immortal,
And yet its marvelous
I love your laugh, your touch and the way you love
They're my keepsakes
It's hard to to let you go
I wish there was some other way
Don't waste your time mourning me
As I turn away and spread"

He could feel his heart well up with emotion and channeled it the best he could to convey it to the audience.


"My broken wings
Still strong enough to cross the ocean with
My broken wings
How far should I go drifting in the wind
Higher and higher in the light, on broken wings
Still strong enough to cross the ocean with
My broken wings
How far should I go drifting in the wind"

he found that by the time he finished singing, he had tears running down his face, his voice may have cracked as the emotions swelled and overflowed but he did his best to maintain some form of ease in his pitch and tone so that it wasn't too unbearable. Standing he bowed and thanked the audience before finding his seat once again. ➸

"Common Speech"
"Mythrasi Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

[Akantha SolEilran]

Akantha was settled back into her chair, her elegant cloak settled around her, and her hands on her sleeves in her lap. One of her friends did join her just as the evening was getting started, and they shared a smile and a nod. A drink was brought for her as well, and they did not feel the need to converse much while they were here to listen and enjoy the show. Anyone could put their best foot forward if they thought someone of a higher status might take interest, but it was how they played the stage when they were not expecting any such thing that counted. What sort of energy they brought here was just as important as they might at a party thrown by nobility.

The styles of music were as varied as the performers; from soft ballads to more rousing, heavy instrumentals that encouraged one to move to the beat. It pleased her to watch and listen - some were undeniably better than others, but many held promise, and no matter what their training or experience, they all shared a passion for their art. That was what she enjoyed here - the passion. Every master once started as a novice. When a young Hytori with coppery-blonde hair took the stage with a trigonon, Akantha's table companion nodded and indicated with a finger. The Princess of Thorns nodded, taking a sip of her cider and watched and listened. She had a good presence, energetic without being erratic, confident without coming across as arrogant. With the well-loved triangular lyre in hand, she strummed it, her fingers picking out notes, and playing an introduction before she sang her song. When she was finished, as with each musician that took the stage, she would bow and depart to applause, and Akantha was nodding thoughtfully as she clapped. When her friend looked to her, Akantha smiled at her with a little nod of approval. There would be another audition at another date for the trigononist, though she did not know it then, and she returned to her seat at one of the front tables.

The night continued until it was Thimryl's turn, and Akantha recognized him the moment he went on the stage. Ah, yes. The soldier who had come into the pavilion during Suion's festival. She was not so small a person that she would ignore his time on stage for his faux pas, but she sipped her drink and sat back in her chair to watch the soldier begin to sing. The song was clearly quite personal for him, with a deep meaning that he was doing his utmost to convey - she noted the cracks in his voice and the tears, and shared a look with the noblewoman at the table with her. It was one thing to push the audience to that level of emotion, it was quite another to effectively crack on the stage when they were singing, not acting. Perhaps it was all of her own lessons that she had had since she was a child, but she rather felt that it was important to keep one's composure, especially around others. Still, Akantha joined the rest of the audience when they clapped at the end of Thimryl's song.

She looked over her shoulder to where she knew the manager was watching, and the at her look, he came over to her with a bow of his head and shoulders. "I would like to see an encore from Len'Syldan," She was just loud enough to be audible over the applause that was not only for the soldier, but for everyone that had put themselves out there on the stage. The manager nodded, and made his way to the stage.

"I want to take a moment to thank all of our participants for performing for our audience tonight," he had to pause there as there was more clapping. "I have had a request from one of our patrons for an encore for Alys Len'Syldan. Alys, if you will?" he gestured to the stage, and the copper-haired elf stood up, returning to the stage with a look of surprise, but a smile and a bow of thanks. She would bring her instrument, her fingers almost testing the strings, before she began her second song of the night.

"What if I read to you a story,
Starting: "Once Upon A Time",
And you realized that it was your life,
Spelt out on every line.

Would you hear my voice with wonder,
As it brushed across each word,
And pray my arms had strength to hold,
The truth about your world?

Would your view on life be different,
And would it shock you most to find,
That the things you thought defined you,
Could be summed up in just two lines?

And all the ones you took for granted,
The ins and outs of every day,
Play a bigger part in who you are,
Than you'd ever dared to say.

Would you wonder at the pages left,
And all the places that they'll lead,
Then vow to make each moment,
One that you'd be proud to read?

Because there is a story of your life,
But it's you that holds the pen,
And I hope you fill the pages right,
Before you reach the end."

There was another round of applause, and Akantha was smiling and nodding when Alys took another bow, and departed the stage once more. The manager touched her shoulder as he passed her, and went back up the steps. "What a way to end it. Thank you, everyone! That concludes our program for tonight. As always, our next troubadour showcase will be in two weeks." The manager announced. "The sign-up sheet will be available next week." Those who signed up early and did not show got themselves temporarily blocked for a month, but there were always enough who wanted to come on stage to make up for those who had backed out or were otherwise occupied despite putting themselves on the list.

The parlour wouldn't close, as all could enjoy refreshment and talk and socialize, the club's usual band would take over, music in the background with comfortable, quiet conversation. The noblewoman would eventually leave, thanking Akantha for her time, and the Princess remained at the table with her cider, watching and listening to those around her.

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Thimryl]

60th of Ash, Year 124, A.o.S

➸ Thimryl was glad to have participated in this event, and he would certainly be signing up for the next one. He would spend the days he wasnt on duty practicing and getting better at holding in those emotions and trying to convey them through the song. The woman who sang before him, Alys Len'Syldan, and as she made her way to the stage for an encore, he noticed the woman in blue. He had seen her when he was on stage and thought her familiar. He didnt really pay it any mind then as he was focusing on singing, but now as he glanced at her, he couldnt help but try and place her face.

When the encore song was done, he found himself ordering something light in terms of alcohol but still refreshing. The parlor was still open for the night and he decided to try and be social. He knew himself to be socially awkward, and his quirks and eccentricities normally made others see him as weird. He figured he would find someone and make small talk. He saw that the lady in blue was still there, and because he found her to be familiar he would try conversation on her. Walking up to her he gave her a quaint bow and a pleasant smile.

"I hope you enjoyed tonight's showcase, I apologize if my song was unpleasant, it was one my mother used to sing to my siblings and me, to remind us not to wallow in heartbreak and move on." he noted, chuckling and taking a sip of his wine. "I almost didn't want to participate in this, I embarrassed myself during the Suion festival at the royal pavilion and I didn't think I could handle another level of embarrassment. But I love to sing, and the wildlife seem to enjoy it when I sing for them out in the forest." he chuckled ➸

"Common Speech"
"Mythrasi Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

[Akantha SolEilran]

She was content to enjoy the atmosphere and observe for a while longer, greeting those who greeted her, and despite the elegance and stitching of her cloak, few had yet to pick her out for who she was. The snacks on the table had gone largely untouched, aside from a grape here and a grape there, and she had enjoyed a fig. Unless she was utilizing her Animus Rune, Akantha was not as interested in food, aside from the times it might have been part of a ritual or tradition, like the Moon Cakes that they had in Glade. The cider was magical enough on its own for her to sip from, deep and spiced and nuanced. One had to be proud of the local industries, and the Princess was a firm believer in supporting them.

She was a bit surprised that the soldier who moonlighted as a singer made his way towards her, though nothing showed on her face beyond the pleasant smile she had while talking with others. Once he addressed her, she realized that Thimryl didn't recognize her, and the more he spoke, the more she scrutinized and watched him. She found an inconsistency in that he had said on the stage that it was a song that he had come up with, but here, he told her it was one his mother sang to him as a child. Fair enough, perhaps he had adjusted the lyrics somewhat from his mother's song to make it more of one of his.

"Good evening to you. Thimryl, wasn't it?" They had been introduced as they went on stage, and she had clearly been paying attention. The Princess indicated one of the chairs at her otherwise empty table with an upturned hand; a silent invitation to take a seat if he was of a mind to do so. "Your song was not unpleasant: art never is. It may make one think and consider and evaluate... but at the end of the day, it is subjective and open to interpretation. That is part of its beauty." She swirled the cider in the glass. "However... if you will take a piece of advice while you are performing, it is to hold it together and try to convey the feelings that you wish to inspire in your audience without breaking down yourself. It is a fine balance to be struck that comes with experience, but how you carry yourself is everything."

She sipped the cider, and set it down on the table before her, studying him. "Life is full of embarrassing moments. How you recover from them and what you learn from the experience is what counts. It may take time to recover and you may pay for the mistakes, but that is the way the way of things. What happened at the festival?"

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Thimryl]

60th of Ash, Year 124, A.o.S

➸ She was rather insightful, the woman beneath the shroud. her advice however was sound and he nodded in acceptance of it. "No truer words have been spoken. I couldnt help myself it seems. Expression through song always gets me." he chuckled nervously. As he looked her over he too a moment to remember her voice, the way it sounded, the song it sang to him. It was light like a budding rain, fresh too, it filled him with a sense of whimsy but calm as well. He liked her song, and not many fell into that category.

When she asked about his embarrassment at the festival, he sighed, scratching the back of his neck as he found the words. "I was goaded by my fellow soldiers to approach his Highness Rhydian and ask him for a sparing match. Little did I know however they were simply setting me up for failure." he shook his head though as he didn't think those were the right words to use. "However I should have seen through their ruse and not have been so gullible. I was pressured into that position and took the blame from my superior so that they didn't have to get reprimanded."

He smiled through the memory of his shame but remembered the good parts of it. "I did however tie for second place in the first heat of the race against his highness Rhydian, which even surprised me." he added, his opalescent emeralds looking at her with a childlike curiosity. He wondered who she was really, as if you needed to be shrouded in a veil to conceal your face, it meant you didn't want to have unwanted attention drawn to you. She may have been a celebrity, but even he couldn't place her voice.

"Do you come to these types of events often Lady.....? I realize I never asked your name, how rude of me." he bowed apologetically. ➸

"Common Speech"
"Mythrasi Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

[Akantha SolEilran]

With the hood of her cloak down as it had been since she had made herself comfortable in her seat before the Showcase had begun, Akantha watched him as he spoke, listening to his point of view. She knew what she had witnessed in the previous season, and the other part of it was his own lived experience. If anything, there was nothing negative on her elegant features, just mild inquisitiveness. All the same, she wasn't sure she would have used those words, but he did at least own the utter abandonment of decorum and disregard for the social rules of engagement. "Success usually follows experience. We live and we learn, such is a benefit of our race." Some never did learn, of course, but they tended to be the exception to the rule. But the wisdom certainly applied to both his experience on the stage and at the festival.

It didn't seem like he was going to take the offered seat, and she would not make the gesture again. She did note his mix-up with the terms of address for her friend and her father's betrothed, and considering his apparent repentance and regret for his folly, she did not think it likely that he was making mistakes deliberately. That seemed clear enough without needing to Semble his aura. But those blue eyes of hers studied him all the same. "I think you mean His Serene Highness Prince Rhydian," Akantha offered the correction all the same. "But that is good, that you placed well in the races. It is important to maintain physical fitness, especially as a soldier."

When he offered her a slight bow, she smiled. She had not worn anything too ostentatious to give away her station, and this was mildly dressed down for her despite the elegance and mastery of the stitching and design of the cloak-dress that she wore. "I do attend these affairs regularly. I enjoy supporting the Makers, Artisans, and Artists of Sol'Valen, especially those here in Silfanore. My name is Akantha Sol'Eilran." In front of him was Her Royal Highness, Princess Akantha Sol'Eilran. The eldest child of the Phoenix King, and quite known for her love of all things fashion and art. The darling of Silfanore and the Princess of Thorns, and one of those who had witnessed his faux pas in the Royal Pavilion at Suion's festival. "And you are Thimryl Len'Lavian of the Harbinger Company."

Well, kopros... Maybe the Gods would take him right there.

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Thimryl]

60th of Ash, Year 124, A.o.S

➸ If his heart could have jumped out of his chest, it would have in that singular moment. He was conflicted when Akantha introduced herself. He was mortified, embarrassed, excited, and nervous of all things. At that moment, his military instincts kicked in. He stood at attention and averted direct eye contact with the eldest daughter of the Phoenix King. He was cursing himself as this could end badly if he didn't play his cards right. "My apologies, your Royal Highness. Please forgive my casual candor and disrespect of your station. Had I known, I would have conducted myself better." he stated.

He wondered if this was a test from his serene highness, but he wouldn't know. He would however, treat this encounter as such, a test. Recalling Rhydian's words, this would be a learning experience for him. He knew that he would have to tread carefully from this point on. His eyes still averted to the ground, he bowed and knelt down in front of her. "Forgive me for my misaddress of His Serene Highness earlier. When I had met him earlier this season, he informed me of the many ways to address the elite and said that "Your Highness" would be fine for a prince. I however will take your words to heart as well and be more cautious in my address."

He apologized for still learning as he wasn't raised around such nobility in Dame Limánia. He hoped she would forgive him. Standing he still kept a polite bow to her, as he tried to change the subject to help ease his mounting nervousness. "Did anyone catch your interest tonight, your Royal Highness? I often come here to observe the many performers myself, but felt the urge to participate this evening instead of spectating." he asked. ➸

"Common Speech"
"Mythrasi Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

[Akantha SolEilran]

Akantha was not bothered by the fact he hadn't recognized her, or the casual way with which he spoke. Whether it was because they had never spoken to one another previously, or whether it was because he had blocked some of his humiliation in the pavilion from his mind, she did not know and she didn't worry about it. In public, they were all Hytori. They were citizens of Sol'Valen, with a common cause: the advancement of their motherland. That was what mattered. She inclined her head with a faint smile.

"'Your Highness' is an acceptable address. Where you went wrong was to say 'His Highness Rhydian'. That is the mistake that you made. You must either use the title of Prince in there as well, or omit his name." The Princess of Thorns explained. "Otherwise it is just odd and verging upon inappropriate." These were the lessons she had had from the time she could talk, though she knew that not everyone had received such an education and there was some leniency to be had. Some. Her tone was mild enough, though that could change.

When he changed the subject, she nodded, shimmering nails faintly reflecting the lights of the parlour around them. "I enjoy attending these events. Not just here, but there are others in different areas of the city. Sometimes they are recommended to me, and I will follow up on it. Alys Len'Syldan was one of them." Perhaps the Princess had been the one who had asked for the encore - that would make sense, at least, though she had not been named when the manager of the parlour had called Alys back to the stage for a second performance. "I enjoy meeting those who are passionate about their craft, and have the skill, drive, and determination to work at it, to learn and grow. Some may wish to make a career of it, some only enjoy performing when the opportunity permits... but there is something about watching those who put a part of themselves on display for people to appreciate through their art."

She picked up her glass of cider and took a sip before setting it down. "I do hope that you will return and sign up to participate at another showcase. I am glad that you shared yourself and your song with the audience tonight."

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Thimryl]

➸ He nodded at her correction, taking out a small book he used to note things, and taking a brief moment to pen that to paper for future reference. He was glad for the correction, lest he offend the prince the next time they ever met. He wanted to make sure he was as pristine when dealing with nobility and royalty as the clothing that adorned them. Her royal highness confirmed she had come at a recommendation.

Looking back the the elven woman, he nodded in agreement with her as well. "Ahh yes, she is rather good, far better than me. I'm embarrassed to say that I am a fan of hers as well. It was attributed to some of the nerves I had before performing myself, having to go after such a brilliant performer." If Akantha noticed it, she would see the glint in his eyes when talking about the singer. Thimryl loved the arts, singing and song more so than the others. Alys Len'Syldan had a pleasant song about her, the way she interacted with others.

He turned to look at the seat that the princess had offered him earlier, and with a bit of hesitation, he sat down. His hands were clasped politely in front of him, and he tried not to make as much eye contact with the royal if he could help it. When she divulged her enjoyment of watching those who are diligent and dedicated to their craft, he smiled. "I try to be as determined as I can, given my enlistment. To be honest I sing for the enjoyment of singing, and the expression."

He fumbled with his fingers for a moment, remembering the reason he found his love of singing in the first place. Perking up, he finally found the courage to look Akantha in her eyes. "You may not find it hard to believe, your royal highness, but I have always been an awkward one, from my childhood days and even now. I was the black sheep of my family, wanting to be a soldier, wanting to become a knight who served the realm and his majesty. Singing was my outlet, a bridge between others and my awkwardness."

A waiter came by with another round of drinks for them both, which Thimryl took a sip of before he continued. He nodded in acknowledgment of her praise for his participation tonight as well as her encouragement to participate again. "I will you royal highness, on that you can count on. I plan to practice whenever off duty, hopefully the birds I sing to will appreciate it when I practice." he chuckled, believing he had been talking her ear off.

"Forgive me if I have been talking your ear off, your royal highness, I'm still learning how to engage with the elite of Sol'valen." he apologized, raising his glass to her, trying to slowly drink away his nerves. ➸

"Common Speech"
"Mythrasi Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"