diatu | August Catchall

Who: Tenn
Where: Various
When: Throughout August
What: Putting on shows, relaxing at Melody’s, and taking over one the academy’s kitchens to make a very special dish.
Warnings: Probably not, just here to have fun!

Dinner and Show (Open)

A certain restaurant in the city has always enjoyed good business, for its excellent food and stylish décor. And hiring Fantastics wizards from the nearby academy provided them with a steady stream of great entertainment and returning customers. Their latest artist is a particular standout, boasting a striking stage presence and voice.

The boy with the chiming bells on his sleeves, soft robes in orange and pink, takes the stage that evening with his usual delighted smile – one that may surprise those used to seeing him somberly studying. But his talents in Fantastics and Music classes are at peak here, shaping everything from soulful ballads to a cheery folk melody. Between his delicate artistry in the illusions weaving through the room, open and graceful gestures, and honest expressions of gratitude when he’s well-received, it’s not a wonder why his name is becoming a draw itself.

But the best part about these shows is that he doesn't have to stay on stage; Tenn mingles among the diners afterwards, with the air of someone who grew up in such an establishment. His comments range from teasing to gentle: "What brings you here? Surely not me?" "It's been windy outside. Please take care of yourself." "A shower of petals would go well with that, don’t you think? I’ll sing some for you next time."

He’s not surprised to see other students occasionally among the diners, but he might be if he recognizes someone.

An Evening at Melody’s (Semi-locked: open to characters who have learned of the Melody’s location.)

In his efforts to avoid the terrors of last month's swap-a-thon, Tenn found himself spending his evenings in the quiet little inn and theatre known as Melody’s. An out of the way place, much loved by members, rarely spoken of save among colleagues. He’d been under strict orders to avoid such places in Japan; getting caught at a gossip hub could’ve ruined him. But he’s not an idol here. Only a student and a fellow entertainer, and Melody’s does not ask questions, particularly among friends and fellow admirers of the arts.

However you came to Melody's, you’ll find Tenn lounging in a seating area before a currently empty stage, enjoying a glass of fruit juice before the next performance.

Omurice Breakfast (Open)

The previous month had encouraged Tenn to do something he’d put off for far too long – cooking! Salads were good and well, of course, and he was grateful for his odd magical skills, but a particular craving was overtaking him as the summer season reached its peak. The calendar in this world may have been different, but the desire for his birthday treat remained. He didn’t need his mother’s recipe card; he knew his favorite omurice by heart. But making it perfectly, with limited access to ingredients… that was going to be the tricky part.

A morning off from classes finds him invading one of the kitchens, out of his Valhudor uniform in a crisp white apron over creamy tunic and darker trousers. (He fears neither death nor tomato sauce.) A bag of carefully acquired ingredients is placed on the counter, bowls and utensils pulled out, and he studies them with hands on hips and a deep breath. It may take a few tries, but the end result will be worth it.

For those passing by the kitchens that morning, there’s the energetic sizzle of pan over fire, a tempting smell of fried rice and vegetables, and a familiar pale-haired boy tending the stovetop.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It isn't usual that he'd look into eating at a restaurant this nice, but he had the money and justified it as research into Fantastics. After all, they were said to hire talented performers and he could use the insight.

He didn't expect to see Tenn himself on stage, and Eleven couldn't help but watch, food forgotten. His heart beat to the quicker rhythms and he found himself once again considering dropping the droll of Discovery for the joy and grace of Fantastics. It took some time for his heart to slow and remember himself.

He prodded at his food, debating whether or not to eat it then or save it for later. Maybe he could eat it slowly while trying to pay attention to the more technical aspects of the next performer. He managed this to some extent, but his foot tapped to the rhythm instead, hair swaying as he ate, still partially distracted from either task.

One of the best things about smaller venues was being able to see the faces of his audience so well. In a dark stadium, he was limited; here he could focus in on each person, each reaction. Tenn picked up his friend in the audience with little delay, partly because he sat by himself and partly for the familiar eye contact. Tenn hid his surprise in his performance, simply raising his arms for another spell. The flock of white birds that soared over the audience was a better greeting than the cold chaos Eleven walked into all those months ago, colors now clear and vibrant.

After the show, Tenn doesn’t rush through the room – it’s an idol’s prerogative to give everyone equal attention. But at last he reaches Eleven’s table with a smile, though he casts a curious look to the picked-at dinner. It’s good to know his friend can afford a treat now and then, but he’d like to know the kitchen staff is doing their job.

"Is the food not to your liking? They're very diligent in the kitchens, you know. I'm sure they would make some adjustments if you asked."

Eleven glanced up, then back down to his plate, coloring a bit.

"Oh. No, it's fine. I like it. The performances are just so fascinating that I don't want to miss anything. You were really good up there. I'd never seen you perform before."

Tenn blinks as though surprised, then settles into a smile. It's not the first time he's had that effect on someone, but it wasn’t a reaction he expected from a student who lived on campus and had surely witnessed many of Valhudor’s flash mobs. It's nice to know he's standing out.

His plan is working. He just has to keep up his momentum.

"Thank you." Tenn gives a gracious bow, more for show than social necessity. But the rest of the room awaits, and he does need to finish his work. Tone suddenly amused, Tenn twirls around and casts a glance back over his shoulder. "If you'll excuse me, I'll distract someone else while you finish."

It takes another several minutes to finish his tour of the room. (If Eleven tries to keep track of him, he may witness Tenn illusion-blooming flowers in a vase and Discovering a saltshaker on a table.) His rounds end at the bar where his customary glass of apple juice awaits, and Tenn returns to Eleven's table looking pleased and not a fraction as tired as he feels. Audiences are lovely. So is solitude, but he can spare some time for a friend. Though even sitting down at Eleven’s table, he’s still in Work Mode while in public.

"Thank you for coming tonight. I know the other Fantastics wizards appreciate the support, as well."

Eleven waved him off, then set about putting concerted effort into finishing his meal. Then found himself pleasantly surprised when he returned.

"Really?" He glanced around, like one of them might pop up suddenly. "..Well I'm glad I could help in some way. Talent like theirs deserves it."

Tenn hides an amused smile behind a sip of his glass at the reaction. “The rest have already left. We have responsibilities at the academy too, you know?” Alas, performing didn’t take the place of homework; he knows that all too well. But he's pleased by the acknowledgment.

“I didn’t know you came to the city for entertainment in the evenings.” Tenn lowers his glass and rests his chin on his hand. He’d wondered if between service at the temple and training, Eleven wouldn’t have much time for recreation. “Are there particular performances you come to watch?” Come to think of it, he'd never learned what Eleven's personal preferences were in the arts.

He colors. "I don't- or, I don't usually have the money, but I heard the music when someone opened the door and thought it would be nice to do it once, now that I have a little to spare. That was all, really."

Eleven fidgets a bit, eyes flickering between Tenn and the table. "..Do you often perform here?"

Tenn's expression doesn't change, but he leans back, sitting upright to signal less familiarity. If Eleven isn’t used to this kind of environment, perhaps it’s overwhelming. Tenn is becoming a celebrity again; he forgets that sometimes after being just a student. That energy and forwardness can be uncomfortable.

Briskly, Tenn shifts the attention off Eleven and onto himself. "No, not every night. I only recently took this job." Looking around, the interior is a step above the taverns he started in, and quieter, too. "They have an excellent reputation in Valhudor. And I wanted to experience this kind of venue again."

His voice drops a little, regarding the low platform at the end of the room. "My parents owned a place like this when I was growing up. Where the stage was close to the audience. I liked watching the performers interact with everyone, so I wanted to try it myself."

Eleven brightens and props his chin up.

"That's how you became a performer? That's wonderful." He doesn't have any dreams whatsoever of getting on a stage and performing, but it's nice to think about for someone else. To understand just how they came into their own path.

"Are you well known in your world, then?"

"Yes. We... my group hadn't been performing long, but we were popular in our country." And if he is honest with himself, has made performing as a soloist difficult. Much as he enjoyed the freedom to coordinate the aspects of his acts by himself, he could feel an absence of energy every time he stepped onto stage.

Tenn takes a sip of his glass. "In comparison, getting known here has been easier. There is less competition, and the academy prepares one for succeeding in the industry well."

One can only wonder how the larger-than-life Valhudor is 'less competition'.

Knowing nothing about how competitive gathering fame could be, Eleven simply nodded.

"I'm glad you're doing well," he said earnestly. "I hope I can see more of your performances. They almost make me want to take Fantastics."

August Catchall

Dinner and show

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