The Summer Festival of Charon was a musician’s prime time, where every single bard of every walk of life would all come to one place, Sol City. This was their big opportunity where their music and style could be heard by anyone freely. And that was the reason why Sir Torrin Norixus the Passionate was here today standing in the middle of the city’s square. Many jealous musicians glared at the draconynh as he got his performance ready. He had stayed the entire month in Sol City, eyeing the town square and even sleeping there the day and night before just to make sure he was going to have it. Many might call such a thing crazy and unnecessary but in the world of bards, people’s time and space were very valuable and competitive. Last year when he came a whole bunch of bards were hoarding the space with a brutal fight where guitars and mandolins flew even breaking out.

This is why he managed to stand there holding the spot as his territory was so special. All eyes were going to be on him and he wasn’t going to let anyone down. He began to tune his guitar axe sitting down on a crate he had brought to sleep on idly humming to himself in an excited tune.

"I'm gonna rock your world, I'm gonna rock your sun"

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SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Enjoy the Festival!
Participants: Two or more
Location: Sol City
Post Requirements: 4 posts per person, 150 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown, +1 Mystical Archive Ticket
Description: The festival is booming, and all that is required of you is to have fun! Stroll through Sol City partaking in any kind of festival-like activity. You can attend the joust, or participate in a sword duel. Maybe watch some jugglers or Bardic Virtuoso's perform in the city square. Enjoy some of the rare cuisines found across Charon at local vendors and markets. The choice is up to you, as long as you enjoy the festival!
(This quest can be completed once per character, however you can only earn the Mystical Archive reward once per member, regardless of how many times it is completed)

The Summer Festival of Charon, a yearly event that attracts seas of people from all walks of life, which was what brought Ambika to Sol City in the first place. Though unfortunately for her, it seemed that the probabilities were not in her favour as she was ultimately no closer to finding her son than before.

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Ambika decided to make her way to the town square to observe her fellow bards in action - not that she was concerned about the competition, her hairs were white enough that glory would be largely wasted on her. Despite taking the role of a travelling bard these days, music was not her forte during her heyday - rather, it was a tool of convenience that gradually morphed into a properly polished skill thanks to the interest by others.

And that perhaps could be why she was so intent on listening to any form of music that passed her ears, even if there was no longer anybody she personally wanted to perform for. Arriving at the town square, there was a significant crowd circling around what seemed to be the centrepoint, and a murmur of venomous chatter by disgruntled artists who wished they could be at the focal point of the town square.

Ambika maneuvered her way to the front of the crowd, just in time to see the lone draconynh perform his tune and tuned in respectfully.

After a few moments of getting warmed up and humming a small tune to himself, Torrin would spring up from the crate he was sitting on. He quickly tuned his guitar axe switching the pegs to the perfect tune only taking a few minutes to prepare. The draconynh put on his widest smile and looked to the crowds giving a yell, “HEY EVERYONE ALL EYES ON ME ALRIGHT, GONNA GIVE YALL FLASHY SHOW SO BE READY TO ROCK”.

He clears his voice giving a slight cough before giving out a tremendous roar following his singing with his guitar, "Z AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!”

“ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!”

“ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!”

“I got my horns charged”

“By a lightning spark”

“It wasn't easy”

“But nothing is”

“No”

“When I breathe out the lightning”

“And the sky starts to rumble”

“Well, I roar, and it’s thrilling”

“All the time, striking with thunder”

“Pleased to meet you”

“Yeah, yeah”

“Yeah, yeah”

“Zap, zap”

“Zap, zap!”

The draconynh finishes hitting a sick and wicked guitar solo before standing back and bowing letting the audience applaud his performance. A wide grin appears on his face as he tries to get his breath and looks at the crowd with a hunger for approval.

The unique song having reached its end, Ambika parsed the reactions of the draconynh's audience, which were largely a split between dumbfounded gawping, as though their souls had momentarily left their bodies to escape the audible torture thrust upon them, and wide-eyed awe for the minority with the sensibilities to enjoy the performance that unfolded in front of them.

This genre of music, "rock", was by no means Ambika's cup of tea, but she could very much appreciate the sheer amount of effort and endurance it took to keep himself roaring to the end without breaking pitch, and the passion in it all. Besides, she's heard worse. Infinitely worse. Nothing like a band of adventurers who hadn't the slightest idea they were discordant messes who had no idea how to even seem entertaining with it at the very least.

So Ambika started clapping, and some people in the crowd followed. Their fellow musicians, however, were largely less-than-pleased. A particular group of musicians began preparing their classical instruments and hurled an insult at Ambika.
"Are you daft, grandma!? That crass excuse of a song has no place in our esteemed Sol City! We'll show you what true music is!"

Okay, now Ambika was annoyed. She instinctively shot a death glare at the insolent musician who dared prattle on her like that, causing them to flinch and take a step backwards, as she walked towards the lone draconynh while removing the instrument case from her back.

"Do you fancy a duet?" 

Ambika asked the fellow draconynh bard as she removed her lute from the case, preparing for war.

“Alright folks”, the draconynh would roar out with passion as he raised his head and looked onto his crowd’s response. Torrin decided on an original song about his lightning connection and how it felt to control its magic. Thinking it would get the crowd pumped and raring for some more he was a little taken aback by the mixed feedback. People faced him with confused looks even some grimaces but what latched on to the most was the applause and cheer people started to show.

Torrin couldn’t help but let out a wide grin in response, excited that at least some people liked the vibes he was throwing down. But some faces he recognized began to sour the mood. A few hotshot snobs in the classical scene with their uptight clothes and fancy stuff rebuked him and even worse than that, they rebuked one of his few fans at the performance. An insult to the draconynh was fine, he grew up with bandits constantly making fun of him but to make fun of someone for listening to him, he couldn’t stand. Before Torrin could walk over and verbally joust the fellow, the same person insulted walked forward towards him.

He smirked as the woman asked him, “Why of course I would my friend, The more melodies the merrier. I say since some people liked the last song we try that again but this time a little slower tempo just so the people complaining can get to hear it fully”,

He then raised his guitar glancing over his Ambika counting off, “A 1, A 2, A 1234”, before singing once more the tune of 'Zap'.

Listening to the draconynh's beat, Ambika let her body move on instinct, weaving an elaborate jingle to underscore the draconynh's song, adding a layer of complexity to the sound whilst tap-dancing, deliberately making loud steps to emphasize the beat of the melody. All the while she focuses on complimenting the draconynh's song, allowing the up-and-coming musician to shine, as well looking for possible opportunities to disrupt the pristine tunes those stuck-up gatekeepers would no doubt attempt to produce.

The harmonious drawing of well-crafted instruments of the violin family, the precise strikes of mallets on the xylophone, and the low yet important trombone basses combined with a beautiful soprano made for a truly elegant performance that tantalized the ears.

However, it seems the musicians are forgetting that they are on a city square, not a philharmonic theater. This was not a competition. This was war, and there was no obligation for the audience to listen to their trade if they had better things to do.
"A sing-along might be in good fashion here," Ambika leaned in on the draconynh's ear and whispered.

Torrin couldn’t himself but grin wide as he and Ambika played their song, truly both of them were in sync. With his energetic and vibrant guitar riffs and melodies and her powerful lute skills they were wooing the crowd. It was fun playing with someone else for a change, sure solos were his preference, preferring to shine by himself but doing a duet excited him. Playing off her and hearing both instruments ring out with combined precision was exhilarating. The draconynh could see the joy and cheer in people’s eyes around them, it was seeing those happy, interested faces that reminded him why he wanted to be a musician in the first place. To do this, to show people the power of song to make people happy and making those rich snobbish jerks pissed was a pleasant plus. Though something was apparent people would only just stand for a few seconds before walking away. This was the summer festival, after all, people had places to go and things to see. They had to do more than just sing a cool song to catch their attention, Ambika was right. They need something that the crowd could sing along with them to get them involved in the performance.

“Hmmm, Alright let’s give that a go, my friend. Time to play an old classic for them”, he remarks to his performance partner.

He strums his guitar slowly playing a very familiar rhythm to everyone around.

“Twinkle, twinkle star born star

Rider of the Skies so far

Wreathed in lightning, fierce and bold

Ancient powers you behold

Twinkle twinkle wild so free

Casting spells over land and sea”.

It was a familiar song that almost everyone knew a classical melody played in most taverns. He picked it considering it was one of the few songs his mountain bandit group sang when they were all around the campfire chugging ale.

It has been a real long while since Ambika truly sang her lungs out, but the ire those pompous musicians had awoken in her could not be abated so easily. She concentrated on her breathing, making sure she had the basics right before unleashing her notes now that they had a crowd invested in their collective music.

♪ Oh let the Ode to Joy in thy ears,
Rejoice in the Sounds of Our World!
Countless as the twinkling stars,
The varieties shall never end!
May your days be blessed on the 'morrow,
Unceasing and unwavering!
Oh let the Ode to Joy in thy ears,
Forget not this Summer Festival~♪

A tune so recognizable that even people who know not what the words truly were knew its tune, regularly used in rallying cries and to bolster morale. By the time Ambika was done, the surroundings were resounding in song too, drowning out whatever pittance those classist pricks had eked out.

Ambika bowed at their now massive audience, who started clapping before someone shouted "Encore!" and like a fast-spreading virus, soon turned into a synchronized choir of encores. It seemed like their impromptu duet wasn't coming to an end anytime soon.

"You make a good partner," Ambika slipped the words into the draconynh's ear. "What do you say to a celebratory drink after all this is over?"

Singing his heart out once more the draconynh followed Ambika’s lead singing along to her joyous song. It was a familiar one almost everyone had heard at least a few times in their lifetime, so it was no surprise that it was perfect for a live sing-along. Torrin tapped his feet on the ground and strummed his guitar with a gentle but clear tone. His smile couldn’t be any wider than it was now, he was happy everyone was singing along with them. People were even beginning to clap along as well; truly their rhythm had enraptured people’s hearts. Those people who heckled them earlier were pushed to the back and only support and cheer were the only things Torrin saw in front of him. He gave a final intense riff at the end and bowed his head, having to take a few breaths as he did so. Pride filled his chest as he saw just how many people liked their performance so much that they were cheering for an encore.

Torrin nodded in approval whispering back, “You’ve been awesome to work with. I would be more than happy to get a couple of drinks with you after this. Celebrating after a big gig like this is a must after all”.

He then faced his crowd once again yelling at the top of his lungs, “Alright then my friend, you heard the crowd let’s give them what they want shall we?”.

The two would then sing their hearts out after playing Twinkle Born Star and Ode to Joy once more. The crowd went wild for them and even started throwing colorful flowers at their feet.

“Thank you, Thank you you've all been so great”, Torrin would exclaim in gratitude, taking off his hat and bowing until the crowd began to dissipate leaving to enjoy the rest of the festival.

Ambika bowed alongside the draconynh, giving her thanks to the listeners and keeping an eye for the dissenters, who seemed to have moved on to attempt grander pursuits in more controlled scenes.

By the time the crowd fully dissipated, it was well into the afternoon and there were more intricate events at play drawing away the festival-goers' attention. Which was perfectly fine by Ambika since performing was very much a tiring affair, and the best performers know when they should exit the stage. Being a travelling bard, she had little to no interest in the flowers, but she was quite certain there were some coin interspersed amidst the sea of flowers so she meticulously picked up whatever fruits of their labour she could that wasn't already trampled and destined to be detritus, garnering a decent amount that could very well pay for the duo's upcoming celebration.

"Shall we?" Ambika inquired as she gestured at one of the side alleys. "I say we should move away from the crowd. There's a tavern by the name 'The Root of All Evils' down that alley," and headed off to that tavern located along said road.

The Root of All Evils is an unassuming little establishment that would easily be ignored if one was simply making their way along the alley, being a few steps out of the way from the usual borders. Inside, however, was a veritable assortment of bottles, barrels and containers to serve your alcohol the way you like it.

Ambika carried herself to a table at the far end of the tavern and ordered a summer fruit assortment sangria on a tall wineglass, with a lemon slice on the side.

Torrin followed Ambika’s lead, snatching a few solars off the ground that she didn’t get, making sure he had at least enough for a couple of rounds of drinks.

“Of course, I agree, let’s partake in the fruits of our victorious performance. Root of All Evils seems like the perfect place to unwind and chill out. Plus I’d love to get to know the person who I played with”, he would exclaim excitedly, almost skipping along the alley.

Even after an exhausting performance, the draconynh was as cheerful and energetic as always. He was beginning to calm down after such an exciting performance but even a calm, relaxed Torrin was still a very energetic person compared to most people. The two stepped inside and as mundane and normal as the bar looked it was the perfect spot to just sit back and chill. The tall draconynh made his way towards the same table as Ambika sitting and leaning against the wall behind him taking a moment to order, “Yo Barkeep, I’ll take a Frostmead on the Rocks”.

Torrin then looked at his new friend and wanted to get to know her better, “So we were pretty great out there huh? I mean did you see the crowd in front of us, man that’s the stuff that keeps me going as an artist. Thanks again for joining me up there, I know considering how tense those jerks were, it must’ve been tough. Oh, I forgot to ask, what’s your name stranger?”.

"I agree wholeheartedly. I hope you find success in the harsh landscape that is performance music," Ambika gave her response in as pleasant a voice she could squeeze out. The singing was getting to her throat, and the corners of her lips were all but never going to arch any higher beyond neutral.

"Worry not. I have my own reasons." The memories of her long-time partner crying his eyes out surfaced from the abyss. They said he was no true noble, a fool who would amount to nothing. Even so, he remained steadfast as his family declared he was disowned, managing to keep a straight face until the latter was well out of earshot before breaking down. This rhythmic victory might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but Ambika would say it was all worth it.

My name is Ambika Shanti Phairot. You?" Their drinks arrived just then, and Ambika shook her wineglass for a moment before helping herself to her tantalising delicacy. Nothing like a victory drink to wash away the highs and ground herself back to reality.

“My name’s Torrin, Torrin Norixus of the sparking sound, that's my full stage name. You can just call me Torrin if you’d like. It’s a pleasure to meet ya Ambika and whatever the reasons for you helping me I just can’t thank you enough. It’s a tough place out here especially with the music scene. Why those fellas who were heckling us are pretty common nowadays”.

He would happily take his drink and begin sipping it, letting the fresh chilled mead enter his throat. Man, this was a great day, a performance in the day and a nice cool drink in the evening. Nothing could beat the calm invigorating effect of a good mead.

“Everyone figures there is a critic and beats down anything that’s rigid and goes across the same old lines. And don’t get me wrong I love the classics, Beethooves, Mozark, and Jeff but I mean not everything has to be that way you know. I think music’s the greatest thing in the world”, there was a certain spark in the draconynh’s eye, his voice oozing with passion and conviction, “A good song can fix anything, whether you're hurt, need company, bored, whatever really. Music is something anyone can rely on and to just think one rigid fancy style is the best is just pig-headed. But hey that’s my goal I want to show the World of Charon this new style, this new spirit of dragon's rock and roll”, he chuckled.

"I am not surprised. Those who benefit under the old ways are largely resistant to change, seeing the new as a threat to their privilege and loathing the idea of adapting with the times. They view it as weakness, a loss of power to undeserving upstarts." Ambika empathised with Torrin's words, and elaborated on how, sadly, it was ultimately nothing new. She then moved the lemon slice around, allowing its juice to drip and tinge the cup with its sour contents before taking yet another sip.

"Music is a beautiful craft, indeed, with as many creators and as many listeners. It may not touch everyone the same way, it may be a horrid tune that would deafen one's ears, but nobody can say it is not a product of passion. For without passion, there would be no music in the first place. The arts are birthed by those willing to expend the effort despite the uncertainties, or perhaps even because of it. May your passion burn forevermore, Torrin." Ambika was feeling like an old, wizened lecturer at this point. Torrin's passionate speech made her want to encourage the draconynh's dreams, which hopefully bode well for the young fellow.
"Your music will find a place in Charon, I am certain of it. And if it does not, then you just have to make one. Easier said than done, of course, but I have faith in you." Finishing her speech, she downed the remainder of her sangria and set aside Torrin's portion of today's bounty on the table she had been discreetly splitting under the table in a pouch.

Finally, Ambika stood up and offered a parting handshake. "I shall hope to see you again, burning as bright as you do now. And if not, feel free to approach me still. A day still alive is another day to pursue your dreams, and there is no shame in doing what needs to be done to survive."

“Exactly”, Torrin would exclaim, “Everyone just wants to stay the same style and profit from repeating the same songs and sounds. Those snobs sell that same music to the fancy folks who commission them and push away the musician's who do new stuff. It sucks because I think that music should evolve and grow. After all, what makes it more beautiful is the change and diversity of sound”, he places his cup down empty of its delicious contents.

“Thank you Ambika for saying that, I promise to not let your expectations down on my name as a musician. I’ll keep pushing forward against this scene and promise you my name and art will be seen by the world someday”.

Torrin stood up from his seat and accepted the handshake, “I hope to see you again someday my friend, stay safe out there. I’ll continue to give it my all and burn as bright as all the stars in the sky Surviving against the world’s obstacles is something I’ve been used to for a while. And hey if any jerks give you problems don’t hesitate to reach out so I can teach them a lesson”.

The draconynh then gives her a hearty wave and sits back down at his seat ordering another drink just trying to cool off and relax some more. He smiled thinking back on the eventful day and the new friend he’d made.