nexus_sages | Nexus Spring Market Fair

Current Music: Vivaldi "Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, 'La primavera'"

Entry tags:

Nexus Spring Market Fair

Seemingly overnight, one of the grassy areas edging the Forum has been taken over by a spring market and fair. Part state fair, part craft fair, part Renaissance faire, there are attractions for all comers. Tents and booths of every size, shape, and color are lined up more or less tidily, sometimes with wide avenues between them and sometimes with paths skinny enough to crowd a single person. Goods and treats from the far-flung corners of infinity are on display. The general organization has magic and alchemical goods grouped together and slightly separated from the other tents; arts and crafts fill the area around it. Goods such as clothes and jewelry, plants, and vintage and antique items are in the back. Food is front and center, between the entrance and the rides. This is perhaps not an ideal placement.

To one side is a brightly-lit collection of rides and games familiar to anyone who's been to a state fair. A ferris wheel, flying swings, and all manner of reasons to regret that last funnel cake are blaring tinny music and sporting blinking lights. Remember: rides first, then eat. Classic games that test strength, agility, and luck offer plush prizes sure to delight anyone until the fur rubs off. There are also some animal rides near the exit.

In the back of the roughly-fenced-in area are the exhibits. There's a petting zoo with creatures mundane and more exotic, all promised to be tame; practical demonstrations of new magical and technological wonders; a juried art show; and a stage hosting a variety of performers changing on the hour.

((This is an open event. If your character wants to have a booth selling wares or food, set one up. If your character wants to perform or provide other services, go for it! Please note what sort of service you're providing, if any, in the subject line of your top-level comment. Basically, just run with it and have fun!

I offer pictoral inspiration and ask that any pictures used in comments not be more than 300 px tall (and it looks better if you can keep it about the same height as your text). Code to have your text wrap around your picture below.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"She is! That is wonderful!" Hunter sets down the cotton candy bags and the two plates with elephant ears. And he sweeps Verity up into a happy bear hug.

Then sets her down, to turn to his other friend. He is marvelling at how fate has worked its way to such a delightful surprise.

"One of each of those are for you, Schön." He gestures to the fair food with a fond smile. And with that soft blush on his face, it is pretty obvious that he was thinking of Schön's kindness and company while he had toured the fair.

"I have so many new inspirations now..." He places a hand on Schön's shoulder, and then after thinking about it for a moment, pulls him into a hug too. "You were right."

Sorry, Schön. On the bright side, this bear hug is saving Schön from whatever sassing he was about to get. Between being surprised and trying to hug back without spilling her drink, she's busy. "Oof! You are in a good mood. What in the world have you gotten into?"

Nothing is saving them from Ver's own open-mouthed stare. Hunter is hugging Schön and she does not know how to process that. Well. She's got one idea.

Giggling.

((This came up on my playlist as I started writing this reply.))

Schön isn't quite sure how to process the hug, himself; he usually has more warning when people plan to be tactile with him. After a moment of shock, he remembers himself enough to pat Hunter's back in answer. "Three words of which I rarely tire; you are enjoying the fair, then?"

Keep calm and get your breath back, Schön. And maybe remember Hunter's strong reaction to potions in the future.

Edited 2016-04-03 04:20 (UTC)

"Quite a lot." Hunter steps back after releasing the hug. He holds up a little notebook that has a pencil attached to it, and pats it happily. He has at least a dozen new sketches waiting for him to complete.

He turns to Verity to answer her question. "I took one of Schön's potions."

"And guess what... I took honorable mention in a little tattoo contest they were having at one of the booths. The judges remarked on the beauty of the heart." He pats his chest, where the heart-shaped tattoo is located.

"They wanted to give me second. But I didn't think it was fair, since every other contestant spend time with a tattoo artist for theirs. And their artwork should really be appreciated."

"And of course, I have been saving the Ferris wheel ride."

((Not the first choice I'd make for Schön...))

She gives Schön an encouraging look when he seems to be coming back to himself. Maybe not the best idea usually, but even he needs moral support sometimes. And especially in the face of things like unexpected affection.

"Oh, did you?" Schön gets a sharper look after she hears about the potion. What exactly did he give Hunter? But the look is brief and less accusing than curious. She's worried, but she can tell he didn't mean any harm.

"A tattoo contest? Good for you." Ver's pleased he was willing to show his ink off. That's a good sign, in her mind. "And some good ideas in your sketchbook, too, and Schön wants me to give you a job. I knew you'd do well when you were ready to put yourself out there. Schön's got the best taste when it comes to, well, pretty much everything."

Even fairy loan sharks need something steadying once in a while. He appreciates that Verity is willing to provide; this "friendship" thing, it's shaky ground.

"Indeed, nicely done, Hunter. I find no surprise at all in your triumph. And thank you." He looks over the elephant ear--is it cinnamon, raspberry, or some other variety?

Verity's look merits an explanation in this case--he doesn't want her of all people to think he's corrupting artistic youth. "A potion of Owl's Wisdom; to sharpen the senses, strengthen the will, and expand the consciousness. Quite, ah, harmless--beneficial, even."

Hunter had purchased the raspberry flavors, since that had appealed to his sharpened senses.

With that expanded consciousness, Hunter had also noticed Verity's concerned look. And smiles. "He had explained what it was before I took it. I was curious about his wares, and he selected something quite wonderful."

Hunter beams at Schön when Verity points out that the other man has good taste. It is quite obvious that Hunter is fond of Schön. "Yes. He does."

"I was quite excited to hear about his... or should I say your project with the museum. It sounds fascinating."

Okay. Okay. She doesn't need consciousness-expanding magic to help her see some of what's going on here. And the good old 'shove and excuse to shove off' move seems like a good idea from the perspective of being Hunter's friend, except... she has no idea how Schön would take that.

First things first: Schön gets a nod. She'll accept his explanation without further concern. "I almost miss the days when people just ate a pot brownie and a bag of Cheetos," she mock-laments. "Kids these days."

"Our project. It's his art collection, I'm just the bookkeeper." She's not just the bookkeeper. But she doesn't like to brag. Still, there's a little flinch she tries to hide behind taking a sip of her soda; even her own lies hurt. "What kind of job would you like, darling?"

Mmm, raspberry. Schön chuckles at Verity's mock-lament, then has a nibble of elephant ear.

"You're far more than the bookkeeper, Verity, you are the project's director and guiding hand." She may not like to brag, but the thin man knows Verity's need for truth, and feels she deserves her share of credit as well.

"That is amazing." Hunter smiles at Verity, of course sharing the thought that she deserves credit for her work.

And if he knew Verity was thinking about using the 'shove and shove off' move to help him... she would just get another big hug. The thought would be appreciated. But the last thing Hunter would do right now is jeopardize his new friendship with Schön.

"I would be happy with anything you think is suitable. I did have an idea... I don't know if either of you thought about having a little gallery in the museum or not. But it could be a place where Nexus artists could have shows. Then those artists invite their friends... those friends see the museum. They tell their friends..."

It might surprise Hunter to know that that move has been quite effective in the past. It's entirely unsubtle, but part of her charm is that she's so earnest about things, she pulls it off. And does he really need excuses to hug her?

"Maybe," she admits to Schön, because he's right, "but I feel like a blind man trying to describe an elephant sometimes. But, you keep saying I'm making good choices, so I must be doing okay. I know you wouldn't let me squander your money or endanger your collection."

Schön's approval clearly means a great deal to her.

"And the artists get to show off more often, maybe even say they've had their art hanging in a museum?" Yeah, Hunter, you're getting teased now. It's partially to hide her disappointment. She'd been thinking, however briefly, that maybe he'd help with the things she needs help with. He just wants another show. That's okay, she'll manage, and it's not a bad idea. "An emerging artists gallery is a good idea. I'm sure we can make room for something like that."

"If the elephant is patient, and the blind man thorough, understanding comes through in the end," he assures Verity, "and I am willing to be quite patient for this."

"Certainly, galleries for local shows are an eventual goal," Schön admits to Hunter, "but there is a great deal to do to get the museum off the ground before we can make such ideas a reality. Perhaps there are other roles in bringing it to fruition for which you might have an inclination?"

Verity might try to hide her disappointment, but right now Hunter is able to notice the effort very clearly. So he steps forward, and slides an arm around her waist.

"I had just seen some of the other amazing talent that is offered by Nexus residents as I had walked around the fair tonight. And I know that I was very fortunate to have two lovely, inspirational people in my life to push me to new artwork. I would like to see others find their own inspiration too."

Schön gets another bright smile. "Anything either of you have in mind, I will happily offer my assistance. It is just such a great idea, it would be an honor to help it bring to fruition."

"And yes," Hunter kisses the top of Verity's head. "I would love to have a piece hanging in the museum. Maybe the unnamed painting of my mother could find its home there?"

"But seriously... if you need someone to move heavy objects, or sort art exhibits, or just stand there with a large arrow that says 'This Way to the Museum'... I am here for you. Both of you."

Schön's going to make her blush. Now she's smiling down at her soda, and it's sure it's good, but not that good. "Thanks, boss."

Ver blinks at the arm around her waist, then relaxes against Hunter's side and rests her free hand on Hunter's arm. This works for her. So does the kiss, and Schön can just shut his mouth now. "The painting of your mom deserves a good home. We'll find it one. But I thought that painting was for you?"

First priority: his mom. Second: the potential job. "Do you know anything about curating a museum?"

Schön contains his astonishment after only just a moment; that Hunter is quite tactile, he knew, and he also had some inkling that Verity was fond of contact with those she trusted. That Hunter seems to count among that number speaks well of him, for there is little fooling Verity's judgement of character.

Since they're speaking of the museum and don't seem to need his input just at the moment, he'll quietly nibble his elephant ear and sip his root beer, and take the conversation in.

"I'm afraid I know very little about curating a museum." Hunter answers honestly. There would have been a time that he would have felt a little self-doubt about himself right now. But not tonight.

"My skills were on the other side of the picture, as an artist who wanted to work with a curator. I could act as a meditator. Learn what the artist is looking for, and what they expect."

It takes a real pro to fool Verity; even two Lokis in the same room could only manage it for so long. Now if she'd just stop liking the troublemakers who're going to hurt her as much as the nice people who're going to protect her.

"Oh." Hunter's idea might be a good one in certain circumstances, but this isn't one of them. Verity's giving Schön that 'help please' look now.

"Sadly," Schön jumps in to explain, swallowing quickly at Verity's silent plea, "the artists are unavailable. The museum will be starting as something of a memorial, to honor the world from which they came."

He dearly hopes Hunter is perceptive enough at the moment to pick up on the connotations implied in the word "memorial," and why that might mean the artists are beyond reach.

Hunter is perceptive enough. He takes a moment to silently reflect on those artists and the loss.

But again, he doesn't give in to the inner doubt in himself. He just wants to find a way to be helpful.

"Maybe all you need is a good eye for which pieces are best suited to hang beside others?"

She's grateful for the assist from Schön and gives him a tiny smile to let him know. It's not fair to rely on him for these things. She'll make it up to him. Somehow.

"Yeah," she answers Hunter quietly, "that would help. Do you, um, know much about art history?"

They are friends, in their strange way, and friends do apparently help one another in various ways. Although with Schön, perhaps it's his trust that she'll make good on the perceived debt that keeps him from harping on it.

Back to that elephant ear; Hunter can surely hold his own.

"I am mostly self-taught. But I would be willing to do some research. Learn more stories." He gets the impression this topic is another serious one for Verity, that they can go into deeper at another time. But for now... his hand on her waist tightens his side embrace.

It's not like Verity knows how to have normal friendships. Whatever strange debtor and creditor/boss and employee/mentor and student friendship thing is working for them and she generally tries not to think about what'll happen when that stops being true.

Ver makes a little sound when the embrace tightens, one that means something between 'thank you' and 'don't stop'. "Ah, stories. Yes. That's good, and Schön'll like that. The first part of the museum we're likely to open will need stories. Schön's got this gorgeous mansion he owns, and it's mostly empty, so I thought what if we decorated each room like it was from a different era? With furniture and paintings and books and everything. Think that's something you could help with?"

Oh, yes, it's for Schön's benefit that Verity encourages the story-hunting. Certainly. He's not going to call Verity on it, though--whatever may happen when it stops, their odd relationship works right now, and he's not about to rock the SS Friend Ship.

"'Own' may have been too strong a word, not long ago," Schön admits. "Real estate in the Nexus is a complicated affair."

"Ah, so the goal is to turn the mansion into the museum?"

"I do know a little about how to decorate empty rooms in a mansion." His artistic eye might be the reason for that. It also might be how he spent his time to try to make places feel like home (when he lives in a mansion himself).

"I definitely can help with that."

and lots of love <3

If only Lil Sebastian were here...

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject