⇨ GAME START INTRO LOG!

[ringleaders]

Who: EVERYONE!
When: NOW!
Where: Around the carnival grounds, and in the Cookhouse.
What: Carnival worker orientation, Ringmaster style.
Warnings: Alcohol consumption, maybe drugs. Other things?

BRAVE NEW WORLD↴ ► THE NEW: It doesn't matter when you entered the tent to discuss your new contract with the Ringmaster, you exit it beneath a blanket of stars. Pointedly alien stars at that - currently the carnival grounds are being treated to a show of shooting stars, and what appear to be unnaturally large and living green moons hanging just a bit too close. The carnival was bustling when you entered, but now it's in the latter stages of being shut down for the night. If you manage to find a clock, it states that it's around 8PM. Workers from during the day will be passing through the grounds, attending to various pieces of business. None of them will seem very surprised or concerned by the goings on, though some may be sympathetic enough to pause and answer your questions. If you put some effort into finding out how it became nighttime, you may discover that it's been anywhere from a few hours to 7 days since you originally signed your contract. Someone may explain to you that it was probably some kind of time bubble, meant to keep you out of the way until the Ringmaster had time to deal with you. Every few minutes another new person will pop out of the tent, looking just as confused and under the impression that they had only just finished discussing things with the Ringmaster. Weird. She passed you a note before you left. Opening it up, you'll see you've been assigned a trailer number, and been given the instructions to drop off any excess belongings and do what you can to get settled in. You have until exactly 9:36PM to do so, because that's when you'll be expected to attend what is listed only as "WORKER'S ORIENTATION". This is, perhaps, more abrupt than you were expecting - but what can you do? You're here for the long haul. ► THE OLD: If you've ever seen a mass recruitment before, then this is no surprise. People enter the tent when they're recruited, and then sometimes how up again days later when the Ringmaster is ready for them. She isn't a big fan of wasting her time on individual orientations when she's expecting a crowd. Maybe you're too jaded to all of this to care much, but you'll see the newbies wandering around, probably confused and maybe a bit lost. Maybe you're the kind whose is sympathetic enough to pause your role in clean up and give them some directions, and maybe a word of confidence. Maybe you'll just jeer at them, because you're some kind of asshole. Either way, you expect you'll have the chance to see them later tonight. Whether by world of mouth, radio, or written note, supervisors will be passing out the following message: all workers are to report to the Cookhouse at 9:36PM sharp for "orientation." If you are at all familiar with how things go around here, you probably have a good idea of what this implies. Mandatory Karaoke Night. MANDATORY KARAOKE NIGHT!!!↴ At 9:36PM, the main dining hall of the Cookhouse will be found heavily decorator with various coloured lights and at least one disco ball made of what is ostensibly high karat gems. There are a bunch of cushions and additional seating set up along with the usual tables, and at the head of the call there is a state set up - a karaoke stage. For veteran workers, this is no surprise. Karaoke nights are fairly frequent as activities go, even if they are not usually mandatory. Some of you probably have signature songs already prepared. The karaoke machine is set up with mostly karaoke tracks that would be popular in the 90's and 00's on the average modern earth, with a few that are more recent. It also has some other random stuff from other worlds that people rarely sing because they are confusing and in languages no one understands. Here is a big karaoke list for your inspiration! The more stereotypically karaoke the better. Beyond that, there is plenty of food and snacks that were prepared by the cooks earlier, as well as a bar set up for alcohol and other vices. The selection is, as most things in the carnival, eclectic. Music will be played in between if nobody is singing, and otherwise veterans are encouraged to bring along their own fun and show the newbies a good time. The Ringmaster does ask that vets attempt to be courteous to their new coworkers. It's just being a good host.

Comments

Zecora | OTA

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

On the Stage

The creature that took the stage was blatantly inhuman, with blank yellow eyes staring out from a black void beneath the hood of a cloak. Rather than selecting a track, the being turns a withering look of challenge on the crowd, daring someone to come up and take the second microphone that was usually used for duets.

Zecora didn't sing karaoke -- not because of any particular dislike of singing or lack of ability, but because it simply wasn't in her nature. Indeed, her current presence on the stage actually stemmed from a sharp discussion a year and more ago, in which Zecora had flatly dressed-down an animal trainer who'd taken her lack of interest as snobbish refusal.

The zebra people being a rhyming sort, their battles of words tended to be battles of sharp wits as well. And once Zecora discovered that there was a niche for rhyming verbal slams delivered in a flurry of confidence, she owned it. Zebras called them rhyme battles, but a lot of other people just wanted to call them rap. And they were epic.

Bring it on.

In the Crowd.

About a million times less creepy with her hood down -- but still no less strange, being a zebra and all -- Zecora casually paced around the dining hall, with a cheerful word for her friends and acquaintances and a friendly smile for the new arrivals. In particular, she kept an eye out for anypony who might need her services, be they of a physical or psychological nature. A Doctor's duties were never done.

Re: Zecora | OTA

[mylastchance]

[What the....]

Are you a... Horse?

gilgamesh | veteran | open

[babbylon]

meet your new boss.

[Working beneath Gilgamesh? No problem! Assigned to someone else entirely? Nobody cares! Because Gilgamesh has set up a makeshift booth of his very own just outside the big tent, grinning and waving at any fresh meat that happens to pass by. The sign above his station simply reads "Got questions?" and of course implies nothing in the way of answers. He's just sussing out their new stock with his typical hands-on approach.

And he may get very handsy with you, going as far as to pull you over into his space.]

You are looking a bit directionless, friend. How may I be of assistance?

[The kind of "assistance" he's offering seems obvious. It would be best to assert personal space before he takes too many liberties with it.]

mandatory public embarrassment.

[Naturally, some newbies were more reticent than others when it came to belting out classic hits before their peers. But not Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh was setting a great example for all to see—but most especially the Ringmaster—and nailing each and every song on the machine. Or, depending on your definition of talent, murdering them hideously.

He is clearly drunk and clearly intent on not stopping anytime soon.]

AND THAAAAAT MAKES ME LAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGER THAN LIFEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[Something's not quite right with those lyrics... maybe you should step up to correct him. Or maybe he's grabbing you anyway for a duet. What's next on the musical agenda?]

obligatory radio post.

[You're probably busy at your post right now, or at least with some other pressing matter. But the voice that reaches your respective radios doesn't appear to care about that, slow and sultry and all but purposeful in the way it utters as if right beside your ear:]

So, what are you wearing?

[Spoilers: he's trolling. And not doing the best job of hiding it, either.]

wildcard.

[Come at me with something and we'll work with it.]

Radio

[dorkypantsuit]

Clothing. Now stop asking.

Brook | One Piece

[swordfishtrombones]

A: Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you;
[While Brook had been quite distressed to learn that he'd lost that extremely important and vital rock-paper-scissors match with that beautiful carnival worker, the weight of that news still hadn't quite sunk in yet.

(Besides, his captain would be along to bail him out right. It was fine. )

With that incredibly irresponsible attitude out of the way, he brandished his signature shark-shaped guitar and gave it a strum. Karaoke machine? He was going to provide his own music! Or possibly just play obnoxiously loud backup for unsuspecting victims who didn't want to do karaoke in the first place. ]

♫ Tell it to my heart, tell me I'm the only one~! Is this really love or just a gaaaa~me ? ♫

Oh yeah, BABY!

B: But I just have to tell you, I love your voice;
[With the party atmosphere, however, it was only a matter of time before he ended up at the bar.]

Now everyone, I know you may be feeling a bit out of joint at the moment. But as gentlemen, we should strive to keep our dignity about us and provide an example for those around us. As a shining beacon of hope in the darkness!

[Wow, what a great guy. Despite his somewhat frightening appearance, it seemed as though Brook really was being genuine in his solemnity. Here was a man who took his responsibilities seriously. Who wanted to encourage those who might be feeling as though a rug had just been pulled out from under them. A true -- ]

PARTY TIME! YOHOHOHO~!

[Cue a nine foot tall skeleton dressed in a purple silk suit, afro, and floofy cravat, scarfing snacks and sloshing a mug of grog around -- spilling a significant portion of it onto his immediate surroundings and/or fellow employees in the process.

In fact, it was highly probably that he just grabbed your food. It all looked the same ok it was your fault for leaving it anywhere in a ten foot radius ]

C: Wildcard;
[Let me know if you'd like anything specific!]

Re: Brook | One Piece

[mylastchance]

You... Work here?

Koel | OTA

[cuckooed]

Pre-Orientation

[Koel knows what "Worker's Orientation" is. The moment she got the orders from above, she went on her radio and spoke on the Cookhouse frequency.

"Attention Cookhouse employees. This is Koel Babic. New or old, if you are assigned to food detail, you are to report to the Cookhouse at 8:30PM for meeting. Cookhouse supervisor out."

Her voice is firm on this. She's can't be the only one cooking tonight, after all. Even if there aren't many under her employ now.]


Food

[No one can complain that Koel didn't prepare. Even with the short amount of time she had, she made sure to cook a variety of items. Simple things from salsa and chili (both with a very nice cheese flair in them, to more complicated stuffed tomatoes and deviled eggs and shrimp with a coconut coating, and a strange, tangy, but pleasing taste which made those who ate it more relaxed. (Seasoning from the 60s world, according to her predecessor.) There are a variety of dipping sauces and fritters, and of course, some vegetarian and herb-only options. All items are marked with their names and their dietary specialties.

There's also a small sign on every table.

"PLEASE SEE THE COOK FOR MORE SPECIAL OPTIONS."]


Karaoke

[Oh, she has to. Why wouldn't she? It would be odd for her not to, in her own turf. So, she takes up the mic, and starts to sing. Not the best voice, of course. But who cares??]

They asked me how I knew
My true love was true
I of course replied
Something here inside
Can not be denied

Food

[swordfishtrombones]

[Brook put down the little placard and called out to the first cookhouse employee he saw. He stood up as he did so (to his full and somewhat imposing height), bowing elegantly to the woman. ]

Pardon me, madam, but I couldn't help but notice your sign. Might I have a chance to speak with the cook?

[veinglory]

► THE NEW

[The Gottlieb of the now is noticeably less... cheerful than the Gottlieb of 'then'. 'Then' being when he was gallivanting around the carnival grounds with child-like wonder at the sights and the sounds, intoxicated on the brand new exciting experience. Now, he stumbles out into the night with his once lovingly applied makeup in runny streaks down his face from the blubbering he's been doing. Atop his head, his once perfectly coiffed wig has a few flyaways poking out in random directions. On wobbly legs he makes his way over to a quiet side of the tent to look at the note in his hands, shaking his head.]

What to do now? Oh, what to do...

Mandatory Karaoke Night

[By the time the 'orientation' rolls around, someone must have had a talk with the nervous little vampire, because while he's still disheveled there's is a small, excited spark in his eyes over the goings on. Oooor perhaps the big, frothy mug of beer sitting in front of him on the table is to thank for his improved spirits. Karaoke is one of the modern things he actually knows about, what with the local bar actually having a karaoke night once a week. His favorite songs aren't on the list there either (they're a bit dated) so he has a few that he's learned over the years thanks to hearing them sung by drunken townsfolk. It isn't even his turn yet and he's singing to himself, his Austrian accent thicker than if he'd been encountered earlier, giggling in between sips of brew. Possibly spilling some on anyone who gets too close.]

Heheh-- y'better shtay away from him! He'll rip yer lungs out Jim - I'd like to meet his tailor!

the new

[mistweaver]

[Jou Shan was...not happy to say the least, but a mistake was a mistake, and her mother had always told her to take responsibility for that sort of thing. And yet here was someone else who--well, he looked upset. And she wasn't the sort to walk past and let that sort of thing go, either.

So she tries to catch his eye, tilting her head, widening her eyes, and waggling her ears a little bit. Comical, to say the very least...]

Ai, you are not harmed, are you? New? Like me? We could try finding this 'trailer park' together, if you like?

BEFORE // Radio // freq.345.33017

[dorkypantsuit]

Jasper, Silver, Ginko.

Orientation to night.

We are going to sing a group song. So give me your suggestions or I pick for us. Participation is mandatory.

[meanlook]

I'm busy.

vietnam | veteren | ota!

[hoasen]

a welcome?

[There's a lot to have to do here when it comes to introducing new members. Vietnam remembered it like yesterday, when she first arrived. Granted, it was one year ago, so it's not actually off.

Either way, she's got her hat on to cover up her ears from needless shock, wearing a long skirt to hide her tail and full boots to contain her paws. This should help the tailor mingle with the humans. Since, she did look human before.

Now she's ready--] Hello, are you looking for something?

[Otherwise, if you too are a veteran, you can probably just call her on her bullshit.]


"orientation"

[IT'S TIME. Vietnam is actually on the shy end of things, but if you say this is a way for everyone to loosen up and get to know each other, then she will do her best to contribute! THIS IS A WORK'S ORIENTATION, RIGHT.

Yeah, but now she has to step up. What song?

> Makes Random Selection.
> Clears throat.]

If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says "15 miles to the Love Shack"--

[...She squints slightly at the machine.]

orientation

[swordfishtrombones]

Love Shack, YEAH!

[Hopefully, Vietnam wouldn't be too shocked if she were joined by a nine-foot tall skeleton in a suit, waving his bone arm in the air like he just didn't care.

A chance to sing a duet with a lovely lady? HE'D TAKE IT.]

I'm headin' down the Atlanta highway!

[Frankly, he had no idea what the melody line of this song was, but that wasn't going to stop him from yelling the lyrics enthusiastically]

childermass | new | ota

[atouts]

► THE NEW

[ For all that John Childermass would like to act untroubled by the sudden shift in the sky, even he cannot. The moons make no sense to him, nor do the stars, and he's fairly certain it had not taken this long to work out that deal. Then, it would not be the first time a sky made no sense to him, much to his irritation.

Perhaps he should have expected this.

Though it's not as intimidating as the last bizarre sky he encountered. This one, at least, is pretty enough to linger outside the tent and stare. It's dark enough that he doubts anyone will catch the note of wonder on his face as he does, no doubt helped by his shabby black greatcoat, coat, vest, hat, basically anything besides his shirt and cravat, which peak out from the rest as white. ]

Well. That's something. [ He'll say at last, breaking away from stargazing to search his pockets for his pipe. The next person to come by close enough, he'll move from the shadows to get their attention and ask, ] Excuse me. I don't suppose there is anywhere I could get a light from, is there?

[ Asked with a nod towards the pipe, in case they mistake what sort of light he means. ]

► "ORIENTATION"

[ Or, apparently, "a bunch of strange people get up on a stage and sing poorly". How that's worker orientation, Childermass wouldn't be able to say. For his part, he's sitting as far from the stage as humanly possible, top hat set aside and greatcoat hung over the back of his chair as he sits and watches. He'd propped his boots up onto the edge of the table at some point, manners be damned, and he must have found a light eventually, because he's puffing away on that pipe of his. If he's eaten yet or picked up any drinks, it isn't clear, since there's nothing else at the table with him.

He's people-watching, mostly. At least, he thinks most of these people are people. Some sort of people, if definitely not human ones. Currently, he's trying to decide what's stranger here: them or the singing... ]

"orientation"

[mistweaver]

[The noise kind of has Jou Shan on edge. She's used to crowds, sure--any Horde city tends to be packed, and Orgrimmar is the worst, but the noise is another deal.

She's had a few words in passing with this gentleman, and sure, he has a smoke already, pipe lit and people-watching as he is, but there's a certain something missing. Well, considering this is supposed to be a bar, too, anyway.

Being the beer snob she is, she cotton picks through the alcohol until she finds something in the ale that she finds acceptable, picks up two, and delivers one to the table before Childermass' boots.]

Hai, familiar face, you look as if you can use this. Safe enough, I have had a taste of mine.

[As if to prove, she takes another, though it's probably equally strange to see a panda taking a pull from a beer bottle...]

BEFORE - public carnival frequency 144.98750

[osteothropy]

[Even though he's speaking into the radio, his words always carry the tune of being spoken without capitalization or punctuation. It's just something about him.]

Ringmaster says its orientation time.

Mandatory orientation. 9:36PM. You know the deal.

Be sharp or the skeletons are gunna get ya.

[dorkypantsuit]

Are you sure they won't be too busy taking a nap?

Mari Makinami Illustrious | OTA

[motivenotfound]

A/B. Sing Your Heart Out/Also, Drunk

As every veteran merc and scout knows, Mari actually loves to sing. Barring a need for stealth, she already has a tendency to treat everyone in her near vicinity to loud singing while out in the field, and fortunately for her mandatory participation tonight, she's not even close to shy.

The cool part about having four arms is you get three of them to gesture dramatically with while you sing--or two, if you're clutching the mic soulfully, belting out ever-iconic Sayonara or the much peppier Dancing Shoes. Or 'Livin' on a Prayer,' because it turns out Bon Jovi made it onto the Japanese karaoke circuit. Go figure.

Thankfully, she's actually quite good at singing, but by the third time she's taken the mic, she's... uh. Drunk. Like, visibly and audibly drunk. By the time she's done, she's.... wow. She's ready to sit down. Like, on the ground. Yeah. Not like chairs fit her legs anyway, right? Right!

She's a pretty cheery drunk, and she's not wasted, but... well, she's intoxicated, okay.

So. Who wants to meet their new supervisor?

C. Supervisor meets YOU

Mari's not even close to the tallest person in the room, but she's not small. Her elongated limbs added a good foot of height to her. She's made a pretty good attempt to make herself look less alarming for this event, though. The dozens of independently mobile eyes are mostly covered by a fashionable jacket and spaghetti strap tank top, for example. Her shorts probably don't really do much to mitigate her freakishly long legs, but she's wearing cute open-toed sandals to compensate.

It's hard for her to look totally normal even here, but she acts pretty normal, circulating through the crowd, offering chipper greetings to familiar faces--some of which don't look terribly thrilled to talk to her, but she's not offended. You might be offended, though, when in walking by she nicks a savoury filled pastry right out of your hand.

You aren't gonna actually let her get away with that, are you?

(Because if you are, she's not gonna let you get away with letting it go.)

D. Wildcard!

[Surprise me!]

[rescuee]

[ Jajo, large guy that he is, by necessity spends a lot of time eating. And the more he travels, the more he discovers he's really interested in exciting new foreign foods. This pastry currently ranks the top of the list of things he's excited about, and he's gotten as far as opening his mouth  — before it vanishes.

He stares for a few seconds at his empty metal hand, bewildered, but it doesn't take him more than a few seconds more to discover the culprit. There's an instant where he looks peeved, but then, with a sigh, letting it go looks exactly like his chosen course of action. He drops his now-empty hand back to his side, disappointment written clearly across his features, and his wide shoulders slump in defeat.

Maybe the tray he got it from is still going around, he'll just go find that... ]

Archer | OTA

[anti_altruisms]

► THE NEW

[ While it is a little disorienting to emerge at night when it feels as though it was only daytime a short time ago, Archer is familiar enough with how these sorts of things work that he doesn't appear disturbed. If anything, he's clear-eyed, rather than confused, and he seems...settled. Contracts are things he understands quite well, and while he may not get everything he wants, something is better than nothing.

Taking the time to savor the clear night air and the stars above, Archer lingers for a little while before wandering off to locate his trailer. He doesn't have anything of value with him (no extra clothes or belongings), but it's good to know where he'll be staying. Once he inspects the area and the trailer itself, he heads back to the Cookhouse and arrived ten minutes before showtime. ]

► WORKER'S ORIENTATION

[ When he read the note about "orientation", this is definitely NOT what he was expecting.

Archer's grimaces for a good part of the night and lounges somewhere back and away from the stage. He samples the snacks, and yes, has a few drinks since this is clearly going to last for a while.

Finally, when he can't put it off any longer, Archer walks up on stage with awkward, slightly haughty airs. The music cranks up, and he delivers a classic Bye, Bye, Bye.

When it's done, he goes back to his seat and grabs another drink on the way back. If he looks a little red-faced, it's clearly your imagination. ]

orientation!

[hoasen]

[Oh! It's Archer, and she sure is glad that she can see him again in a place that's not the room full of mirrors. She does move over to sit next to him after he was done, and also gives him a belated clap.]

That was nice, you have a very lovely voice. [She hasn't noticed he was drunk yet.]

[otokogi]

[► THE NEW: closed to Tamaki]
[ Mitsuki's hovering outside the trailer he's been assigned. They're close to the trees here and it's quiet, almost as far from the carnival grounds as you can get. There are lights on in some of the trailers, but number 14 is dark. He lets himself in and puts his things down--it's a stuffed rabbit from a game on the midway, he thought Tsumugi or Iori might like it, and that's it because he wasn't planning on this--then goes back outside to sit on the steps. He's got somewhere to be at 9:36, after all, so he's not going to wander around too much.

It's when he's sitting down, watching the shooting stars, that he sees another figure approaching out of the darkness. He stands up, not sure how to react, but... that gait is familiar... ]

Tamaki!?

[► Mandatory Karaoke: open, early]

[ It's oddly comforting, the revelation that orientation is karaoke. Granted, it's not the kind of karaoke he's used to, the crowd is way bigger, but it's not like Mitsuki's not used to performing in front of crowds. He gets himself a beer, or something ambery with a head on it anyway, and waits his turn. He doesn't recognize most of the songs in the book but there are a few that stand out and he picks one of those for his grand carnival debut. ]

Hi everyone! [ Is he supposed to introduce himself? Because he is. ] I'm Mitsuki Izumi and I'm looking forward to working with you all!

[ And then, the music starts. By the time the bridge comes on, he's trying very hard to get everyone clapping. ]

[► Mandatory Karaoke: open, later]
[ The beer are outnumbering the songs and that may or may not be for the best. When he's not singing, Mitsuki is now one of the most enthusiastic fans anybody singing could ask for, not only cheering them along but trying to greet them when they get down, telling them how well they did and asking about their song selection and generally just being a cheerful, voluble drunk. If some generous soul decides not to just brush past him, congratulations, you've made a friend for the next little while. ]

Music is so important and it connects so many people. This is such a great way to get to know everyone! When was the first time you heard that song?

[puddingemote]

[Tamaki walks toward the trailers with his hands shoved in the pockets of his signature cat hoodie. He's got a cat doll shoved under his shoulder, his hard-earned winnings that he didn't spend any money to get. Unfortunately, that's why he now has a contract to work at this strange carnival.

He's been told to go to trailer 14, so that's where he's headed. He wonders if he'll have a roommate. It's not like he's unused to sleeping in the same room with someone he doesn't know well, but he was getting really comfortable living in the dorm with the other members, so he's not exactly enthused about the arrangement.

At least not until he gets close enough to see who's sitting outside his trailer, recognizing Mitsuki at the same time Mitsuki calls out to him.]

Mikki!

[He quickens the pace to get to his friend.] Mikki! You're here!

Kadin | OC | OTA

[leglesspariah]

Pre-Karaoke

[Kadin is almost in a state of shock by this point. It's not the dimension hopping that's throwing him for a loop, honestly hes not very surprised by that at all, the Thaumic Zone was known for it's unstable magic after all. And the sudden time skip doesn't bother him too much either, for the same reasons. No he's mostly reeling from the activity, the abundance of people, the noises and the lights. It's a lot to take in for someone who's spent his whole life living secluded in a monastery. And he was going to have to live here for a year. It might be better than his situation before, but 'starving in the desert' is something like the lowest bar there is.

He takes a steadying breath, looking up at the light show above him. He's seen a meteor shower before, just once. Remembering that and realizing how many ways that scene was impossible now hits him harder than he thought it would. He bows his head, and keeps his eyes on the ground, striking an obviously dejected silhouette as he slithers straight for the orientation. He has no belongings, so no reason to pass by his trailer beforehand.]

Karaoke

[And because of that he's very early. One of the first ones there actually. He shuffles off to the side, maybe finding a few chairs or a table he can conveniently hide his tail behind or under. Then he sits and waits, trying to be as much of a wallflower as possible. He's expecting a speaker, a schedule, some kind of guidelines or code of conduct. He's not expecting people to trickle in and strike up a party. He knows that this is mandatory, but he's soon wondering how long he has to stay here to count as having attended.

As much as he doesn't enjoy the party atmosphere very much, at least most of the singing is good. He makes a cursory sort of attempt to enjoy himself, head nodding in time to the music, and fingers idly tapping on the table. All while his eyes glance from one exit to another around the tent, watching to see if anybody is leaving yet.]

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

Trouble seems to stalk your mind.

[The speaker is a zebra. So that's a thing. Her stripes, at least those that are visible and not covered by her cloak, glow quite brightly in this light, but this doesn't seem to bother her or make the smile slip off her face.]

Talking it out can help, I find.

Natsu Dragneel | OTA

[dragnerd]

i. Not As Planned

[ When Natsu had first spoken to the Ringmaster about his contract, he'd been fully prepared to roll up his sleeves and help out, maybe lend a hand with repairs or something and be on his way. It's no relief to him to come out and see an unfamiliar night sky overhead, with the knowledge that he's not going to be leaving the carnival anytime soon - and what's worse, he's not even doing what he's best at!! He should have gotten a scouting position. So what if he uses real magic? Doesn't everybody?

He's a little huffy as he patrols the carnival grounds, but after some night air and maybe just a touch of magic, the dragonslayer finds himself roaming in earnest, meandering between tents as they go down and trailers lit by tenants new and old.

Hmm. Maybe he should check his out, too. Which one was it again? Did he get a note or something to tell him which it was? If he did, he doesn't remember it. ]

Uhm.

[ Maybe he should just...open one? ]

ii. Party Hard

[ THIS is orientation? Oh heck yeah. Natsu is so worked up he can barely stay put; in fact, he doesn't. Instead he's weaving his way among the carnival's employees, trying to avoid causing anybody too much trouble and gunning for a better spot to watch everyone sing...and maybe weasel out of singing himself. He doesn't know any of these songs, and he definitely isn't a great singer.

He thinks he's doing a pretty good job, 'til he feels someone prod him from behind. Did he get caught? Maybe he should just act natural, pretend he already did it. ]

Huh? What's up?

[ The greeting is, of course, accompanied by a turn. It's rude to talk to someone without facing them, after all! ]

i

[puddingemote]

[Tamaki jumps when the door of his trailer suddenly opens. At first he thought it was Mitsuki, but it's not - it's some new, strange guy.

He jumps up, coming forward to stop the guy in case he's a bad intruder.]

Hey!

Elizabeth | New | Ota

[beunbroken]

The New

She'd never seen a sky so beautiful before. The twilight overhead was enough to take Elizabeth's breath away. She'd never seen the stars before. At least, not like this. They were so different from the illustrations she'd had on the ceiling of her tower. It was beautiful.

Elizabeth's content to stand still for some time, looking up at the meteor shower. Occasionally, she'll move a few steps, too hypnotized by the sky above to really notice where she is going.

Karaoke

This is new. Really new. People are watching her and looking at her, and wow, those lights are bright. She blinks at them, smiling nervously. "Uhm. Hello...? I'm not really sure how this- oh! I guess I'll sing, now!" Elizabeth tries to start, but soon the music begins, and she finds herself fumbling through the lyrics to Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Her voice is good, but the problem comes from the music itself. It's clear that though she knows the lyrics, the tempo and all together the stylings of the song are completely foreign to her.

By the second verse, however, she's getting the hang of the new tempo, and is able to finish with relative success.

Choose Your Own

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

"You look like you're far away," came an accented voice out of the darkness. Fortunately, there was enough light out here that she was more than JUST a voice, so she paced up to stop a couple of yards away. Carefully not intruding too closely.

"This must have been quite the day."

Chiaki || new || OTA

[waitingforplayer2]

First Stage: To the Cookhouse!

As soon as Chiaki leaves the tent, she feels like she's on a timer. Even if there's ninety minutes to kill, what if she doesn't find it in time?

So she'll be sprinting through the Carnival, without much regard for where she's going - and between all the cables needed to keep tents up, and people moving every which way, Chiaki's a collision waiting to happen - either with you, or with the ground, if she trips on a cable.

Second Stage: Mandatory Fun

She arrives way too early, so it's a good thing her Game Girl still has a charge. Chiaki immediately takes up residence in a dark corner of the Cookhouse and starts playing through Gala Omega again, trying not to think too much about her situation.

She'll remain there during prep and as the Orientation proper starts, unless she's pulled away -- by the light of her handheld console, she's pretty easy to find.

Third Stage: Nutritious Lives

About halfway through the night she realizes that she's starving. She'll slowly make her way through the crowd and start putting together a plate of food. She's pulled her torn hoodie down tight over her head, new cat ears flat against her hair.

There's something vaguely hypnotic about the singers on stage the closer she gets, though, and she'll linger to watch. Making no move towards the stage, but none away from it, either.

third stage!

[otokogi]

[ Mitsuki is not the sexiest idol to ever grace the stage but that's when he's sober. He's not really any sexier when he's had a few drinks but he is a little braver in his fan service. His song choices have gotten a little bit bolder, too.

He moves to the edge of the stage and offers a wink to the shy looking girl who's definitely watching. ]

My sister looks cute in her braces and boots, a handful of grease in her hair!

SANS | SUPERVISOR: THE WARDEN | OTA

[osteothropy]

► A HALF HOUR LATE
Sans shows up, a half hour late and already sort of drunk. He's wearing a brand new shirt. He's got his hood up today, and his tail out - it swooshes around behind him in a sort of uncoordinated manner, his huge and roughly digitigrade feet bare due to being unable to fit into most kind of shoes.

He immediately drops into the one of the beanbag chair things on the ground like he's already asleep, his arms and legs sort of spread out and a flask in his boney claws. He doesn't seem to care much about what newbies are and aren't here, and he doesn't really care about which newbies belong to his team now, either - he already knows what trailers they got and their names. He'll have plenty of time to socialize with them later.

If he can get away with it, he'll happily sleep through this whole event. With maybe a song or two in between, if the fates align.

If he had his way, he wouldn't even have to know half of these people's names.

► WITH DOGS
After Sans has been lounging for a while, casually teleporting food off of the tables and into his hands without having to stand up, three huge skeleton dogs will suddenly come barreling into the room and towards his position, more or less rolling straight over the tiny skeleton in their excitement. He gets knocked onto his back, but all he does is just press his hands to the bone of their skulls and push them back a little, snickering.

"Yeah, yeah, take it easy. Fetch."

He grabs an entire plate of small sandwiches in a gravity field and hurls it back towards the entrance. The tray clangs loudly and sandwiches fly everywhere. The dogs go after them like scooby snacks. Chairs get knocked over. Realistically, those guys will eat anything. Don't let them eat you.

Re: SANS | SUPERVISOR: THE WARDEN | OTA

[mylastchance]

He sees the bone dogs running and reacts instinctively. His staff is in his hand in a second, glowing a dim gold as he moves to attack the dogs as they approach him.

Joker - OTA

[pipers_son]

Pre-Orientation (Veterans)

[It's not really an unfamiliar sight, to see Joker running around the carnival doing just about.... anything, really. In the last year that he's been Stage Manager, this has become a bit more focused, but still.]

[Tonight, however, as the grounds empty out... It's obvious, with a big bag he's carting around on either ground or in the air, that Joker has some other plans in mind. Anyone who pays attention or follows him will find him putting.... yeah, those are fish bags on the trailers for all the newbies.]

[He's giggling, the twit.]

Public Carnival Frequency

[Enjoy the walkie talkie you're supposed to carry buzzing to life, new faces.]

Helloooo, ladies and gents and other various folk. This is Joker, yer Stage Manager speakin'!

I shouldn't have ta tell anyone that there's an orientation tonight at the cookhouse. Since there's a high chance most folks with be smashed outta their minds with alcohol, if ya got questions, feel free ta ask 'em now, or hold yer peace.

And, ah... Welcome ta the Carnival~.

Orientation

[It takes a lot of work to get dressed up when you have antlers, wings, and only one arm... So Joker hasn't, not really. He's still wearing his bright carnival wear from yesterday- a colorful vest, shirt underneath, all that- and his tie is a little undone. He's sprawled out on one of the larger cushioned sittings, both because he has wings...]

[And because, on the side of him missing an arm, he has a plastic skeleton leaning up against him.]

[Don't ask.]

[Don't ask even though he's put a bottle of soda in one of its plastic hands matching the one he has in his own good one, and he laughs with every song, apparently delighted to be here.]

[Don't worry, he's just a little bit adrenaline high. He's been working a lot the last few days.]

Joker's Wild
[Have another idea? GO FOR IT]

Public carnival frequency!

[mistweaver]

[It takes some doing for Jou to figure out the walkie-talkie, but for the love of Xuen, she wasn't a student of goblin engineering for no reason. Eventually, she does figure it out. She's already been past her trailer, and has acquired her new 'present'. Yes, she's going to use that chub bag with pride.]

So, is it you we have to thank for our lovely new accessory? If so, thank you!

[Yes, she dug through the bag and found the card...]

Goku | newbie | open

[solaris9]

[ ooc: Action tags also welcome! Will match. ]

fresh out of the tent

That's weird. It was early afternoon when he went into the tent. And he wasn't in there for that long. Since when did the sun go down so fast? Goku walks around with a look of bewilderment on his face, holding the slip of paper in his hand with instructions.

Trailer #23. It'll be his new home for the next year. That feels like a really long time. And all because of the food he ate without paying? Turns out to be the most expensive meal of his life. He feels sad and disappointed, but weirdly excited at the same time. He's never been out on his own like this.

"Hey. So um, I have a question," he says to you (yes, you the random passer-by).


Karaoke

9:36pm. It's a very specific time, but Goku doesn't question it. He doesn't want to be late for orientation -- whatever that means. He's settled in to his trailer and took a brief tour of the grounds before quickly making his way to the assigned location...

"Ooooh."

Only to find that it's a party! Sort of? Singing party. He's been to one before. Sanzo grabbed the mic and then wouldn't let go. Though everyone had to admit, he had a pretty good voice.

Goku steps up to the machine and widens his eyes as he looks through all the selections.

"Do you know any of these songs?" None of them sound familiar to him. But that's not gonna prevent him from trying anyway.


wild card

[ ooc: Come at me! ]

fresh out of the tent

[swordfishtrombones]

Brook turned, craning his neck vertebrae a little to look at Goku. "Why, I'd be happy to help! Unless you want directions."

Great, a newbie trying to answer questions for another newbie.

[fragileandsoft]

Those Cost Somethin'

It's been a long few hours/days/whatever. Greg's not sure, and he doesn't have it in him to care at the moment; the man's still dazed from his sudden new employment. This is why he avoids magic. How does he always manage to screw this up?

He visibly twitches any time he makes eye contact--everyone here looks so different, and though it never bothered him much before, all he can think of is how he must stuck out like crazy. Everyone can tell he's another chump who got suckered.

Don't cost nothin'

The mood hasn't quite lifted. Greg still sits on edge, looking wound and anxious and nursing a soda. He flinches when veterans and newbies alike look his way.

Yet, if there's one thing in the world that can lift the mood of one Greg Universe, it's singing. He's confused, he's frustrated, he's emotional. So darn it, he's gonna sing it out.

When Greg takes the stage, he doesn't put any concerns into sounding "good" or "on key" or any such nonsense you'd think a professional might. No, Mr. Universe takes all that emotion and puts it to raw, passionate volume.

[dorkypantsuit]

The twitching is what really concerns him. That's why he begins to approach Greg looking concerned. Of course he doesn't give a thought to how unsettling his own appearance might be to someone new.

"Are you alright?"

mika kagehira | new

[kagehira]

→　　　i. earlier

Nnah... I don't really wanna, but I don't think I'll be able to find it if I don't try an' ask somebody...

( Beep beep! Here comes one (1) newbie, ready to get in the way of any veterans who know what they're doing or fellow newbies in a similar predicament, albeit perhaps a bit less lost than he is. He's trying to be discerning in who he asks — careful not to approach anybody who looks actively irate, large, or otherwise intimidating somehow, but some of those traits are a bit hard to miss if he approaches them from behind. Well, however he comes up to them, that's what he's gonna do. Someone will find a boy with wide, mis-matched eyes looking at them, apologetically, and perhaps a bit reluctantly. )

Ah, do ya have a second? I'm lookin' for the trailers, but I think I got a li'l lost on my way. Do ya happen to know where trailer... ( Give him a second... ) 16 is?

→　　　ii. trailer (kiyomitsu)

( Mika got here first. Why? Because I'm writing the post and I said so. Blame the time shenanigans, Kashuu, because he's setting up some stuff on what looks to be the top-bunk of their cozy new home. If he gives it a few seconds to look, he'll see that what Mika's arranging seems to be a handful of stuffed animals he got a hold of through his time exploring the carnival before getting snatched up for a contract. Hanging over the edge is what looks like a killer whale bag, with 2 more stuffed animals peeking out of it. Seriously, this boy is set for life. Either way, he notices Kashuu quickly enough, (probably the clack-clack-clacking of those heels, honestly,) though he seems to hesitate before speaking up. )

Umm... Are ya, by chance, my roommate? ( Roommate, trailer-mate, something like that. ) I'm Kagehira, looks like we'll be stayin' together~

( But BOY GEE he sure would not have argued with a trailer to himself. It's a bit too late for that now though, and since he does have a roommate, he should make an effort to get along. )

If there's anything ya need, ya can tell me! Did ya hear about the orientation later? Though, I dunno how long we've got.

→　　　iii. orientation

( What a day! You'd think, this being karaoke and all, this would be Mika's time to shine as a professionally trained idol! Well, you'd be wrong. He could probably nail a song up there if he really put his mind to it, but for now, it's more important that he's hungry — and he spent so long at the carnival earlier that he doesn't have any candy left to hold him over. Of course, there's no shortage of foods both exotic and familiar for everyone to eat, but for some reason, Mika is just kind of... staring at them. He might be drooling a little bit too, don't call him out on it. There isn't even a single move made towards actually taking any for himself though, he's just sitting a little ways away... staring.

Until, you know, his stomach sells him out by letting out what he's pretty sure is the loudest growl he's ever heard.

It's between songs, to make things even better, perfectly audible. In a panic, Mika looks around, and he feels a sense of panicked dread set in when he inevitably meets someone's eyes. )

T-that last person was really good, huh!

( A very smooth deflection on Mika's part, looking anywhere but at the person who obviously noticed that. )

→　　　iv. wildcard!

( And anything else your heart desires! )

iii

[puddingemote]

[By contrast, Tamaki has been happily shoving his face with any sweets he can get his hands on. The food is delicious! Maybe this deal isn't so bad if he gets to eat like this all the time.

He stops when he hears the loud growl, though, and glances up to look at Mika, who is not looking at him.]

Eh? I guess so.

[He wasn't really paying attention.]

You hungry?

kashuu kiyomitsu | newbie.

[kashuu]

1. RADIO.

( now we have a problem, coming to this place has taken him entirely out of his element. he's not against being a designer, oh no, but how can he get to work when he doesn't have anything for inspiration. looking at that small chip of paint on his nail isn't going to fly nor is he going to work any harder with that right there. it's visible! he can't imagine going anywhere without fixing it so he clears his throat to speak on the radio. )

Alright, someone out here has to be helpful, does anyone have a few bottles of red nailpolish? ( thinking on his question, he doesn't have a lot of things here from home so maybe someone out there will be kind. ) And maybe like a good smelling bottle of shampoo, it'll be horrible if my hair can't smell good every day?

2. OK. I DON'T WANT THIS.. ( orientation i.)

( kashuu is a fan of karaoke, yes, something he can do to spend time with the other swords back home but he has his mind on getting a bite to eat before giving his voice a try. he's got a cup of water in his hands to satiate his thirst but looking at variety of food set out is enough to make kashuu regret his decisions. he raises a brow in shock as he can't believe what's before his eyes. his heart has dropped and his eyes widen at the food that's presented to him. it's both crickets and scorpion on a stick and there's a moment where kashuu drops his cup in fear. )

No, no... No? ( he's trying to recompose himself because maybe this is a joke but he watches as someone reaches out to get one and he's so tired at the fact they're going to eat it. perhaps humans indulge in fake bugs to eat.. is what he's hoping but noticing one of the crickets on the stick twitches and kashuu can see the life in it's eyes makes him jump. not only jump but he screams in shock as he bumps against the table, knocking some of the crickets and scorpions down on the other side and onto someone. )

Gross! Super gross! This is ho— ( looking up at where the food has kinda fell on another person, he's ready to apologize until he notices one of the crickets has jumped onto their shoulder and lord.. kashuu is seeing death in which he quickly points, screaming again! ) They're alive!!!

3. FREE HIM. ( orientation ii.)

( he shouldn't have made himself noticeable during karaoke, repeating the words of who was singing because the song was catchy. because of that, it seems the crowd has decided to push kashuu towards the stage so he can have a turn. sadly for you, kashuu will be grabbing your hand as well, dragging you up on the stage as well so that he's not alone. crossing his arms and giving a roll of his eyes, he looks towards who he brought as he clears his throat. ) Alright, listen up! Don't make this embarrassing, okay? Like, I'm not going to sing anything by myself so we can do a duet.

( perhaps he's leading so no one has to struggle, but the first problem is figuring what song to sing first so posing that question to the other as well. ) Do you have any song in mind, they're looking at us! Pick something, anything. I'll follow your lead.

( damn, this on you now. )

4. WILDCARD.

( got an idea you want to throw my way? then do so! i'm up for anything! stress kashuu out if you want it's ok. )

2

[swordfishtrombones]

Ugyaaaaaah!

[Brook brushed frantically at his cravat, trying to clear it of any bugs and bug-related bits. And also the memory of it ever coming into contact with anything with TOO MANY LEGS.]

They're creepy! Get them off!

[Said the skeleton.]

Carly Nagisa | VET/OTA!

[fortuneglass]

[[OOC - Note: Carly has a permissions post here for those who need it!]]

[CLOSED | MEDLI - BIRDS OF A FEATHER...]

[This, technically, is Carly's fourth round of Mass Recruit sessions. The first time, she was one of them-leaving the tent, confused and sputtering and wondering what happened to the sky...

The next two sessions after, it was others that she was watching go through that-and naturally back then, she'd done her own part trying to help. Offering to show them around, maybe help them find the trailers...

This time, she knows someone in the tents already. THIS time, she knows where they're staying, and she's had a few days to prepare to that end! So with a great big sign, she writes down a big name in marker-

...which is why Medli will see first thing, upon leaving her tent, Carly holding a large sign above her head.] O-OVER HERE!! Over here, this way!!

===

[Can You Play Me A Memory...? In honor of Wow Her VA Can Sing]

[Those who know Carly probably know (at least by now) that she has a habit of getting a little...excessive. While folks like the Ringmaster know how to balance that excess, Carly...not so much. fortunately the excessive does not tend to creep into her wardrobe

For all the excessivness however, Karaoke night is going to be something of a surprise-]

Ahhh... I'm, I'm still not sure how to get this machine to work but I think I've got a song ready..!

Let's see, um... [It takes a bit to get started, but the minute the music kicks in-]

What we swore as we admired, where the light shines upon
Is the future we will build upon, that's ours and ours alone...

[It's not as deep as the actual singer, but who knew she could lower her voice to an appropriate range for this?!]

[I'm Not Really Sure How It Goes.]

[Of course, Carly being Carly, she can never resist the more Fun songs, and by the time everyone is a little more loosened up for the karaoke rounds, she's grabbing the mic again-]

AHAH!! My turn again, finally!

[Annnd one, two...ONE TWO THREE-]

The Devil went down to Georgia..~
He was lookin' for a soul to steal!

[Even within the first few lines there's points, gestures, spread feathers-a song like this needs acting! ACTING! And she's not going to do it half-heartedly!]

[BONUS: Come Back Shadow-]

You need to sing! It's mandatory!

It is not. Leave me alone.

What kind of spirit is that?!

[Around the tail end of the 'orientation', Carly can be seen arguing with either her shadow, or her reflection, a list of carefully chosen songs in hand. It's only this year that Aslla has been making his presence known via her shadow, and Carly's not about to let the opportunity pass her by!]

We might not get to do this ever again!! Please?

What are you intending to do, place the microphone at your feet? I refuse.

MMMMNNN! [Cue Carly Pout.]

Burds

[dragonsattendant]

[ Well, it was already nighttime when Medli first met Carly, so the stars being out wasn't anything new. If time has passed, she didn't notice it, but she definitely notices the huge sign. She hurries over to her first friend in the Carnival. ]

Y-yes! I just got my contract settled. Miss Ringmaster is just like you said she'd be... and I don't have to worry about abandoning my duties or anything, either!

[ A pause. The Rito fidgets. ]

So... what happens next?

[coinsforlockerrooms]

Crossing of the Threshold

[ The pact had been sealed when an alien sky spread over Yukine’s head, stopping cold for a moment as she looked up to marvel at the enormous possibilities above her. It was when she knew there would be no way back home for an entire year. A sense of smallness hit her when Hikarizaka was worlds away from anywhere she had ever known, and alone.

Yukine put her hands over her chest, looking around, realizing this was much different from what she had expected to see coming out… It continued to feel like a dream. And by the day and hours she realized had passed, she wasn’t even in her normal time!

In the time before Yukine is called for Worker’s Orientation, Yukine comes over to the people just coming out of the tent. ]

Are you from the carnival, as well? Everyone else seems to be leaving just now...

[ If you are a veteran, Yukine will take a moment to look at you in wonder, before making a deep bow. ]

Hello. I am Yukine Miyazawa. I work from now on in concessions. I’m looking forward to work with you. [ As she straightens, Yukine looks around at where the hour was marked. ] I probably lost track of time, but… I think it is much later. Did something happen?

Orfeo in Hades

[ Yukine knew more than her share of english. You had to know how to read these kinds of books, after all, which wasn’t something to laugh at when you were at a library. And yet this strange world allows her to listen as if it was as clear to listen as japanese. Fae language, she had overheard someplace…

Yukine Miyazawa!

The name snaps her out of her thoughts, instead smiling widely, climbing up the scenario, with the same tamed fear she channeled into a drive to act and sing, much as she learned in karaoke. She smiles widely, doing her best to hide her fear behind a smile the moment she was up on the stand, microphone in hand, lights over her.

All beings here, they were just friends she hadn’t met yet. ]

Hello, everyone! I am Yukine Miyazawa. I am from Hikarizaka, Japan, and, um... Earth. From 2004. [ It feels so frightening to have to mention her home planet, even her year. Deep inside, it made Yukine realize how far she was from home. ] I love cooking, spending time with friends, and karaoke. If I am coming to sing, however…

[ Yukine suddenly extends a hand to your character below her, as her way of taming her own fear, as misery loves company! ]

This person is coming, too!

Supernatural Aid

[By this point, Yukine had immersed herself in this strange world, and now happily sung her next round.

While her first song she did it with the fear she channeled into bravery to sing, this time she does it without fear, feeling as a part of the group, as part of a circle. In here, in this moment, this was fun! Managing to sound rather decently, Yukine immerses herself in the song. ]

He did the mash, he did the monster mash
The monster mash, it was a graveyard smash
He did the mash, it caught on in a flash
He did the mash, he did the monster mash

[ As Yukine sings, she doesn’t notice when she slowly gains an inch of height, nor that her ears slowly peek out from her hair like that of a half-elf. ]

[waitingforplayer2]

M-Miyazawa-san!

[ Chiaki's surprised to see her fellow new recruit as she stumbles out of the tent. ] Were you waiting here? I was with the Ringmaster...

[ Her new ears twitch, taking in the sounds of the Carnival even as Chiaki's entirely focused on Yukine. ]

alois trancy | veteran | open

[faking]

pre-orientation

[Alois' bad mood should be no big deal to anyone who sees him. The only odd thing about his scowl is how he's scowling—usually when he's angry, he'll glare at anyone and everyone who crosses his path, almost always for no good reason. Now, though, he's giving his feet such withering looks.

His feet are wearing a pair of long boots, which is even more common than his bad mood; they reach just below his knee, while his stockings raise even further. He's probably wearing shorts, but they're covered by the hem of his long coat. The coat is fancy, easily the costliest purchase he's made during his time with the Carnival: it's lavender, pleated, and lined with black fur. He looks very cozy, cloudy mood aside. Even cozier is the adorable scarf in which he has swaddled himself. It's pulled up around the lower half of his face, so it's hard to see, but... His cheeks—they're red? It isn't quite cold enough for it to be the weather, is it?

He's so busy glaring at his boots and huddling into this scarf that anyone who passes by him will startle him. He jumps, alarmed and off balance, before biting out with vitriol—] Well, what! I'm right here, you know!

[But, okay, so his bad moods are common, he's nasty a lot, but right now he doesn't seem angry so much as... embarrassed? What's his deal?]

karaoke 1

[He hasn't had a turn at the karaoke machine yet. The festivities are getting heated so he's taken off his lovely coat; now instead he sits in a button up blouse, and, with his mouth shut and his legs crossed, he looks very delicate and nice. He would look nicer, though, if his face weren't growing stormier by the second. His brows draw lower and lower, until...]

This is soooOOOO— [As he draws out his vowel, it gets louder and louder, though still kind of quashed by the performance (which just pisses him off more!). But he knows better than to rain on the Ringmaster's parade, and so he finishes very quietly:] Tacky.

karaoke 2

[Tacky or not, Alois did eventually get up there. He's just ended his turn, in fact. His song was a stirring rendition of—yes—Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You. (He has learned this song from a wealth of other karaoke nights.) Well, it's not quite stirring, perhaps. He really, really doesn't have the vocal range for it, not to mention he clearly got emotional early into the song, leaving him with a cracking, wavering voice. But God if he wasn't impassioned.

Now that he's through, he sits down, grabbing his coat from his seat and pulling it against his chest like a security blanket. He's holding his breath like he's trying not to cry.]

Karaoke 2

[pipers_son]

[The whole night has been busy, even not counting his cheerful deliverance of gifts for the newbies and his fellow supervisors. Orientation nights always are, honestly. Checking in on everyone, getting everything ready for the new faces, figuring out acts they can use now that they have a few more performers... Being the Stage Manager is a lot to do, especially now that they're getting back into business.]

[However, he's been trying to enjoy the night as best he's able, cheering on singers and reassuring new faces and enjoying the food Koel's cooks have gotten up. That latter bit particularly when Alois goes up, and Joker pays attention to the youth as he starts to sing. He's not particularly surprised when a strong start goes into something a bit more teary, and he's prepared by the time Alois comes down. As the blond buries himself against his coat, he might be able to pick out Joker coming through the crowd.]

[Once he's close enough, he leans over and nudges Alois in the shoulder gently with a tall glass of something honey-gold.]

Sounds like yer voice got a bit hurt up there. I hear this helps with that kind of thing.

[And it's not even alcoholic, just incredibly smooth. Joker doesn't want to add intoxication to the mix, after all.]