"Why would you be embarrassed? There is no shame in admiring another’s craft,” the Princess pointed out. “Should someone be embarrassed if they enjoy your song? Her style is different from yours. There are some masters that pursue every style, but when you are just beginning… the one that calls to you is plenty.”
When he finally took the offered seat, that was better; she didn’t appreciate being stood over or craning her neck to look at him. Further, it was an awkward way to carry out a conversation. She nodded when he mentioned that he did the best he could with his enlistment. It was fortunate, at least, that music, particularly singing, could often be practiced anywhere. He wasn't carrying around a larger instrument - in his downtime he could practice his voice to his heart's content. "I noticed that your song had more of an operatic style than most. Is that your preference? Why are you interested in that particular style?"
When he said she might not find it hard to believe, one eyebrow went up and it suggested she did not find it hard to believe at all. "If you were the black sheep that wanted to be a soldier, what does the rest of your family do?" She smiled and nodded at another who curtsied a greeting to her, having recognized her, as they were passing by on their way out, though her attention returned to the elf sitting at the table with her.
She thanked the server that brought another cider, though she was still sipping her first one, and looked him over when he said he was still learning to interact with others of a different class. "It shows," Akantha remarked. "Etiquette and manners will go a long way. When in doubt, there are always books available in the libraries. A soldier should not forget to train their mind as well as their body." Balance in all things, lest the neglect of one lead to problems for the whole down the line.
"There is no rose without a thorn."
Re: The Troubadour Showcase
Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 4:13 am
by Thimryl
➸He smiled, nodding his head in agreement as she did make a valid point. "You do have a point there. It is just back where I grew up, I never thought I would be able to participate in something like this, even more so with such skilled practitioners of the arts and such an esteemed guest." he said, giving the princess a head bow. He could be certain that she would probably grow tired of his praises of her presence, but it was all Thimryl could think of doing as to not embarrass himself once again.
When she pointed out his style of song, his smiled beamed a little bit more than before. Singing was a subject he could go on and on about if given the time. "It is indeed a favorite style of mine, more so what I love to hear than sing myself, but whenever given the chance, I try to perfect that style of song. All songs carry weight and emotion to them, but to me, something about the style of opera is just.....well it can be transcending." he explained, trying his best to keep from bursting at the seams and going on a tangent about the specific style.
"It was the first style I heard in Auris when I was very young, travelling with my father while he was on business." he added, which led into her next question. "My father is head of his own shipping company, and my mother was born and raised in Aerion. Most of my siblings were loud and rambunctious, but I was not. Not only that, I am the only one of my siblings who wishes to make a career out of being a soldier.
After they served in the military for three years, they all retired, like my mother did after 20 years of service, to help run and grow the family business. They are currently out of the safety of the realm, making sure the family can still make a living trading in textiles and furs. I am the only one who wants to make something out of being a soldier."
He didn't realize how much he missed his family until he saw the ripple in his spirit from the tear that fell from his cheek. Wiping his face, he took a sip and tried to focus on her next words. "I have been reading up on the proper etiquette when I have my off days. Between studying courtly etiquette and practicing my magical talents, I sometimes don't find time to sing to wildlife." he added with a chuckle, hoping she didn't see his tearful moment. ➸
"Common Speech" "Mythrasi Speech" "Self-Thoughts"
Re: The Troubadour Showcase
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 11:12 pm
by Akantha SolEilran
She listened as he spoke, one fingertip tracing the handle of her cup. It really was tough to know if he was just flustered or if he was more in the habit of not thinking before he spoke and not expecting to be questioned about what he said. Akantha's training in Courts certainly led to different expectations. "If you haven't yet, I'd recommend finding yourself a tutor. The style of opera takes a great deal of training to truly master, and attempting to do it by one's self, no matter what level of raw talent they possess, is a decidedly tall order," Akantha took a sip of her drink, and set the cup down.
Textiles were interesting, though she did not participate much in that part of the process. There were procurers and purchasing agents who managed that; she worked with the tailors who gathered the materials, or she may have made requests to the magecrafters who worked with such things; the runeforgers and alchemists. But usually it was a matter of her making her requests to the designers, who worked with the Makers to make the magic happen. "Twenty years is a long time. I'd say that counts towards making a career of it," the Princess pointed out. He may have thought that he wanted to spend his life in the military, but Hytori lived a long time, and they were in a time of peace. No one could be blamed for serving a few decades and deciding to try something new. So perhaps he wasn't the black sheep that he had claimed to be.
Just another inconsistency.
He may not have expected her to see the tears, but her osprey totem had gifted her with incredibly sharp eyesight. Such details did not go unnoticed by the Princess. She wasn't sure what he was crying about this time, and had no problems scrutinizing him with Semblance. He was clearly having issues with regulating his emotions as she half-listened while she inspected his aura. Hm. Sadness. Sorrow. Longing. His family. "I take it you are not used to being away from your family for any length of time?" Akantha relaxed the flow of aether to her first Rune and set her cider down. Her right hand came up to touch the delicate teardop-shaped sapphire earring that she wore before returning it to the table. "I'd be surprised if much wildlife would enjoy opera. Maybe the seals in the harbours," she smiled faintly.
A tall Hytori woman with rather short platinum-blonde hair approached the table, offering a small bow to the Princess. She also wore a cloak against the elements, though her silvery-grey garment was simpler than Akantha's blue one. "Forgive my intrusion, Your Royal Highness, but it is about time."
Akantha turned her attention to the new arrival, and nodded. "It is, isn't it? Have a good evening, Thimryl. Do keep practicing... on the stage and with the creatures of the forest." Her enigmatic smile did not make it clear if she was serious or in jest; that was up for him to decide as she got up, leaving some coins on the table for her drink and the snacks. "Be well. May Suion and Skar see fit to bless your endeavours." With a final nod, and farewells to those that offered them to her, the Princess would follow the Hytori in the silver cloak out to the carriage that was waiting for them.
"There is no rose without a thorn."
Re: The Troubadour Showcase
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 7:08 pm
by Hekatos
Review
You both receive 10 xp for use at your discretion.
