written + crystal

[lettenhove]

FORM: written + crystal
SENDER: Jaskier
RECIPIENT: Everyone
NOTES: cw: language and links to dirty ditties sung by Jaskier.

[ having not quite figured out this magic stuff yet (he's a bard, not a mage), when he first starts writing in the provided journal, he doesn't expect it to be broadcast for others to read. oops. so experience the following, with some words struck out as he tries to figure out the best to use. ]

The fairer sex, they often call it
But her love’s as unfair as a crook
It steals all my thoughts reason
And all I have bought Commits every treason
Of logic thought logic, with naught but a look

---

Shit, I forgot- Well, I guess you've all gotten a sneak peak at my latest masterpiece.

[ a beat as he clears his throat. ]

I don't suppose I can convince you fine people to forget what you've seen. Unless you like it, in which case, please do applaud me for my exceptional talent with words. It'll sound even better once I get all the chords for it written. If I can manage with this- This thing in my hand.

[ another pause. ]

Oh, I also assume I should introduce myself. Julian Alfred Pankratz, poet and bard of great renown. Though I have heard that being a bard means something quite different here, so you'll forgive me if I refuse to kill anyone any time soon.

[ there's the sound of a few lute strings being plucked before he continues. ]

I would like to learn more about this land, if someone can direct me to a university. I'm afraid I don't have my professor's credentials with me, but if someone can contact Oxenfurt University, they'll speak well of me.

Comments

[bouchonne]

Well, put down the crystal and play us a tune, then.

[lettenhove]

A tune? I would gladly. Forgive me if I miss a few chords, as adapting to this... Rift crystal? Is taking some time.

[ despite what he says, he sets the crystal near enough to bring his lute up and strum a few strings. a pause, and then: ]

Oh fishmonger, oh fishmonger.
Come quell your daughter's hunger...

[bouchonne]

[ Byerly cackles as soon as he realizes just how filthy the song is. He doesn't interrupt, but does clap along to keep the time, like a good audience member; and then, when he's finished - ]

Fine, good minstrel, very fine! You'll do quite well for yourself here. What was the name, again?

[lettenhove]

Thank you! Thank you! It is always a joy to entertain.

[ the smirk on his lips is nearly audible ]

The name is Julian Alfred Pankratz. But most know me by the name "Jaskier."

[bouchonne]

A pleasure, then, dear Jaskier. I am Byerly Vlad Rutyer, though many know me as an unparalleled delight. So you compose and perform?

[windyvoice]

[ Jaskier's jotted tune is soon decorated with a number of charming winged peni, artfully bordering the words. One in particular has it's head cocked (HA) at the word "crook". ]

[lettenhove]

Oh, that's just lovely.
I'm so glad we can share this moment of artistic expression.

[unshut]

What a novelty it is to finally receive someone of culture through a Rift.

[No offense to all you other Rifters who might be listening, but c'mon.]

[lettenhove]

Ah- Yes, culture. It is often forgotten in these trying times.

[unshut]

Thank the Maker you've come to our rescue.

[Her voice is so pleasantly low, smoky like a fine dark wine.]

Do bards often attend university where you come from, or are you a particularly well heeled lutist?

[lettenhove]

The maker? I really do need to learn more about the gods of this place.

[ unseen is him giving a wave of his hand as he shrugs. so many gods, but he'll stick with the one he knows best. ]

As for bards and universities... the truth is, I wasn't always a bard. My family hails from Lettenhove where I'm the viscount. When I was a child, I was sent to Temple School where literacy was practically beaten into me. I decided I was rather fond of history, so I chose to go to Oxenfurt because it's the most prestigious university in my world. Money wasn't an issue at the time.

I learned poetry there and realized the best way to learn about the world was to experience it for myself, thus I became a traveling bard.

[ he sounds rather proud of himself, with a voice that does indicate that he is well educated. despite this, he huffs a brief laugh. ]

And now that you know my fascinating backstory, please do tell me a bit about you.

[unshut]

A traveling viscount with a passion for the arts. How romantic.

[How charming it is when people are happy to tall about themselves.]

I'm Fitcher, a clerk of the scouting division and late of Treviso. I expect that will mean little to you, but rest assured that northern Antiva is the finest place in all of Thedas. Believe what no one here in the South tells you either about Crows or Antivan lovers.

If you care at all for cards or gossip then I am happy to be of service.

[positioning]

You know who you should ask for information? Wysteria Poppell.

[lettenhove]

Wysteria Poppell? Might I ask who that might be? And where I can find them?

[positioning]

I have heard she works in the office of the Seneschal, but you will hear her coming from a fair distance. Seat yourself in the Gallows and listen, she will announce herself.

[lettenhove]

Is she a mage of some sort? Is that how I'll know she's coming? And what in hells is a "seneschal"?

[positioning]

Her company is certainly magical.

[ :) ]

But I cannot describe it all for you, it is something to be experienced.

[indissection]

Darling. Why might her love be as unfair as a crook? [ But, oh, he has actually asked questions. ] No university, but I was born here, if you like.

[lettenhove]

Ah, but isn't that the way of passion and love? It always comes like a thief in the night to steal your ability to think clearly.

[ there's a sound of scribbling as he writes a bit more down, struck by an idea. ]

But no university? Perhaps you can tell me where the intellectual types meet then.

[indissection]

I have very little experience in the matter. I should hope that it would be kinder in practice.

[ So sayeth the supposedly happily married woman. ]

You'll struggle to find those here, but they'll likely come swarming once they realise you wish to speak with them.

[lettenhove]

[ married you say? that doesn't necessarily deter jaskier. in fact... forget the intellectual talk. this bard has a bit of a one-track mind. ]

Do you speak truly, darling? A shame. No lady should be without passion in her life. It's what makes life worth living. Perhaps you merely need a small bit of exposure. I'd be glad to give you that exposure.

[highborn]

Oh, I do like the way this one is shaping up. When do you suppose it will be finished?

[lettenhove]

I'm thinking by the end of the day, provided there aren't too many distractions. Granted, I can still work while distracted, just... slower.

[highborn]

That's quite fast, I'm impressed. Or perhaps I should be taking it as a challenge — what type of distraction do you usually prefer to be slowed by?

[lettenhove]

Oh? Are you a poet as well? For me, I prefer to be distracted by favorable company.