[Viktor has made certain demands of his Academy workspace, even though he hasn't really had the clout to do so until recently--on the first floor, easily accessible from the main entrance to the quadrangle, no unnecessary stairs or cobblestone paths. It means that when Jaskier inevitably does not know where to find him, Viktor can meet him without too much exertion on his part.
Jaskier beats him there, naturally, but despite the fact that he had to get up and walk, Viktor looks fairly excited about what they're going to do, motioning for Jaskier to follow him.]
I think you'll really like this. Have you ever heard a recording of yourself before?
[He's guessing no, but given the technology exists in the Free Cities, it's possible Jaskier might have encountered it.]
[It's possibly the first time Jaskier has seen real signs of excitement on Viktor's face. Who knew that no longer being on the edge of death would improve his complexion so much?
He thinks it goes without saying that Viktor looks good.
Though Jaskier still wishes someone had told him about that whole thing --]
Of course not! How could have I? I've only learned such a thing is possible since coming to this world. I've certainly heard other men attempt my songs, but without my levels of finesse. I mean it when I say it would be an absolute dream to hear myself. I mean... the way I performed that concert, specifically.
It's just surprising to me, that no one has done this for you before now.
[Given how famous he's become. Well, Viktor supposes it doesn't really concern him. Might as well be on the ground floor of this, even if he's not sure how he likes making a name for himself.
Viktor invites Jaskier inside--his academy workspace is not all that different from the one he shares with Jayce, with half-finished projects everywhere, schematics posted on the walls and cork boards. In the middle of the cramped room, however, is the borrowed gramophone. Viktor hunches over a desk for a moment, rifling through a few things before he produces a large disk and presents it.]
[The look Jaskier gives Viktor is a very personal one -- but for once, it is not flirtatious. (Well, not entirely.)] You're my first.
[The first, he thinks, that has the intelligence and ability to create something. It is no secret to Jaskier after meeting people like Julie and Nadine that there are machines out there that no one on the Continent would dream of. But why should they bother? They're far too busy surviving each day. And the others -- they rely on magic.
Jaskier follows Viktor to this particular machine without his eyes straying. Once they land on her, he's already in love. He needn't be a machinist to understand the point of the horn-like structure. His fingers follow its rim while it lay silent.
He's always imagined what he must sound like outside of his own head.
Jaskier takes the disc gently, with his yes already alight with wonder. This? This is a song, solidified?] She's beautiful. [Carefully, he places it down (rather hoping he's doing this right. It's a guessing game, but he does know CDs, and this looks functionally the same, only much larger.)] I'm ready. I think. If you would...?
[Viktor watches Jaskier take in the device, a smile on his face. They handle the record with a similar reverence, and he allows Jaskier all the time that he needs to examine it. He places it in the correct location, at least, so Viktor waits for him to reach the extent of his knowledge before he steps in.
He switches on the device and the record starts to spin, then very carefully, he drops the needle on it.
The sound is not as clear as it could be--sort of a slight muffled quality to it, given the rudimentary technology he had to work with, but it's undeniably the concert. Viktor has taken care to reduce the noise of the crowd and highlight Jaskier's vocals and instrumentation, and that much comes through. There are further improvements he could make, of course, but this is definitely a start.
Viktor looks at him expectantly, though if Jaskier needs a moment to just listen, he certainly won't blame him.]
[So he may have slightly been off, but he did get the basics of it. Jaskier stands back, his fingers clenched together, nails digging in. Every vein in his body feels as if it's on the verge of snapping, so tightened by the anticipation of what he may hear.
How does one prepare for such a monumental moment in their life? Beyond steeling their heart for what may not be as much as the heart wished?
His breath is sucked away as the music starts. Even if the sound of it is outside his head, it is undeniably his voice, his music. The way the crowd at the concert would have heard it -- or as close as a machine can replicate it. It's slightly muffled, and yet.
Beautiful.
Not to soak in his own ego, but it is. To finally hear himself as others may. A permanent piece of a day, a performance, he cannot perfectly recreate.
He needs a moment. Longer than a moment. Jaskier doesn't move or say a word until the song finishes and -- yes, perhaps it may seem over the top for anyone else, but it isn't for him. It's so -- much. Jaskier curls a fist and brings it to his mouth, his eyes wet, almost trickling.
The idea that a man's music can truly be retained forever --
[Viktor watches--not because he's nervous that Jaskier is going to hate this, but because he understands that this something very special. Something impossible for Jaskier, back home, that's only come to fruition because Viktor put the work in. It's hard not to be proud of that, and not to be a little bit affected by the response.
He's quiet, listening to the recording, already thinking of things he can do better, but he doesn't speak up again until Jaskier does. He hasn't asked, but he must be able to guess that Viktor isn't going to stop here.]
Do you like it? I was thinking about the next iteration--perhaps we record you in a soundproofed room, for greater clarity of sound. Distribution to individual households might be a challenge, but we could hold something in the Public Hall, or even send copies to Libertas and Aquila, so they can have events of their own.
[Not like Jaskier needs to be more famous, but Viktor is, apparently, excited by the technology.]
[Does he like it? Does he like it? Has there ever been a question presented to a man that is so thoroughly and wantonly unwarranted? Unnecessary? Completely pointless? Does he like it? Does he like being alive? Does he enjoy being wealthy? Does he participate in the material world specifically to indulge in every human desire he can? Do you enjoy breathing? Do you enjoy having a soul that can appreciate the most complicated and inner workings of your fellow man?
Do you enjoy the sound of your own art?
Can you appreciate the scope of living forever? Can you survive knowing that your music may change the scope of music for the future?
Would you like to live, conceivably, forever, in the memories of those who have heard you and now, with a disc, to anyone who has a moment to listen?
Jaskier clears his throat, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.]
I like it. [He's listening. Truly. He only --] You... you mean to improve it? Even more than this? It can be improved? [His eyes grow wider.] Gods, if we can send the same -- or better -- to Libertas and Aquila, and the requisite machines, I would absolutely be in your debt, Viktor. I can't even -- honestly, even I can't put into words what this would mean to me.
[Viktor is so caught up in the technical achievement of it that he barely notices the fact that Jaskier has been moved to tears until he looks up from his notebook. For a moment, he pauses, lips parted as if he isn't sure what to say.
So, as always, he falls back on what he knows--technology, over human emotion. Still, he offers Jaskier a sincere smile.]
Yes, I believe so. I mean, we won't know until we do it, but I'm confident. [He's always improving, after all.] First, the Free Cities, then the rest of the continent.
[To be honest, Jaskier is not even sure why Viktor is so enthusiastic about helping him with this. Well, more than help -- Jaskier has not offered much if only because his knowledge in sciences are far removed from this sort of technology. Perhaps there is enough joy to be found in the mere invention, to give something new to a world -- or a man from a world -- that has never had a chance to enjoy such a thing.
Either way. He grasps one of Viktor's hands, squeezing.]
Whatever you need from me, it's yours. Or I will find some way to acquire it. I have enough contacts now I'm fairly sure I can track down anything, or -- fuck it, even if you just need coin for a bloody sandwich to fuel you.
[Viktor doesn't pull away, though it's clear he's slightly overwhelmed by the physical contact.]
You'll have to organize distribution. [But he imagines that won't be too difficult, for someone of Jaskier's fame. The other cities should jump at the chance to share the recordings in the ways he sees fit.] But I'll give you the records, once we make them--you can do whatever you like with them.
[Unfortunately, Jaskier takes that as invitation and kisses the man's knuckles. Normally he would read the signs, but he's quite overwhelmed himself.
With emotion. With -- the whole entire world. Who has ever recorded Valdo Marx's music? Who would ever care to?
It feels as if his whole life has led to a moment like this.]
I can do that, of course. [His eyes light up, but he finally relinquishes Viktor's hand in order to control himself from kissing him full on the mouth -- an action he does not think Viktor would appreciate. And he cannot do anything to stop him from doing this work.] Thank you. I mean -- I honestly cannot thank you enough. I know you insist, but if there is anything I can ever provide to you, you must tell me..
[Viktor will allow it, only because he's starting to realize this is something of a momentous occasion for the other man. He can tell Jaskier is holding himself back, so perhaps it's good that he seems to wrangle himself after a moment.]
I insist.
[The smile on his face is sincere, clearly pleased with what he's accomplished and Jaskier's reaction in turn.]
But if I think of anything, I'll be sure to let you know.
[He's so accustomed to having to bribe or pay his way to get what he wants, and suddenly men are doing him things without anything in return. How on earth shall he repay him, then?
Hmm. He'll think of something. Something nefarious, even.]
Good. [He looks back at the record, drawing his fingers over it as he takes it back.] I'll be writing letters out on the morrow. Seeing if the other factions have the available machines. Otherwise, I'll fund them myself. I'm sure I can make it work. [Placed in its sleeve, he holds the recording to his chest.] Thank you, Viktor.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cointosser) wrote2021-04-12 08:58 pm
no subject
Jaskier beats him there, naturally, but despite the fact that he had to get up and walk, Viktor looks fairly excited about what they're going to do, motioning for Jaskier to follow him.]
I think you'll really like this. Have you ever heard a recording of yourself before?
[He's guessing no, but given the technology exists in the Free Cities, it's possible Jaskier might have encountered it.]
no subject
He thinks it goes without saying that Viktor looks good.
Though Jaskier still wishes someone had told him about that whole thing --]
Of course not! How could have I? I've only learned such a thing is possible since coming to this world. I've certainly heard other men attempt my songs, but without my levels of finesse. I mean it when I say it would be an absolute dream to hear myself. I mean... the way I performed that concert, specifically.
no subject
[Given how famous he's become. Well, Viktor supposes it doesn't really concern him. Might as well be on the ground floor of this, even if he's not sure how he likes making a name for himself.
Viktor invites Jaskier inside--his academy workspace is not all that different from the one he shares with Jayce, with half-finished projects everywhere, schematics posted on the walls and cork boards. In the middle of the cramped room, however, is the borrowed gramophone. Viktor hunches over a desk for a moment, rifling through a few things before he produces a large disk and presents it.]
This is you, Jaskier. Your concert.
no subject
[The first, he thinks, that has the intelligence and ability to create something. It is no secret to Jaskier after meeting people like Julie and Nadine that there are machines out there that no one on the Continent would dream of. But why should they bother? They're far too busy surviving each day. And the others -- they rely on magic.
Jaskier follows Viktor to this particular machine without his eyes straying. Once they land on her, he's already in love. He needn't be a machinist to understand the point of the horn-like structure. His fingers follow its rim while it lay silent.
He's always imagined what he must sound like outside of his own head.
Jaskier takes the disc gently, with his yes already alight with wonder. This? This is a song, solidified?] She's beautiful. [Carefully, he places it down (rather hoping he's doing this right. It's a guessing game, but he does know CDs, and this looks functionally the same, only much larger.)] I'm ready. I think. If you would...?
no subject
He switches on the device and the record starts to spin, then very carefully, he drops the needle on it.
The sound is not as clear as it could be--sort of a slight muffled quality to it, given the rudimentary technology he had to work with, but it's undeniably the concert. Viktor has taken care to reduce the noise of the crowd and highlight Jaskier's vocals and instrumentation, and that much comes through. There are further improvements he could make, of course, but this is definitely a start.
Viktor looks at him expectantly, though if Jaskier needs a moment to just listen, he certainly won't blame him.]
no subject
How does one prepare for such a monumental moment in their life? Beyond steeling their heart for what may not be as much as the heart wished?
His breath is sucked away as the music starts. Even if the sound of it is outside his head, it is undeniably his voice, his music. The way the crowd at the concert would have heard it -- or as close as a machine can replicate it. It's slightly muffled, and yet.
Beautiful.
Not to soak in his own ego, but it is. To finally hear himself as others may. A permanent piece of a day, a performance, he cannot perfectly recreate.
He needs a moment. Longer than a moment. Jaskier doesn't move or say a word until the song finishes and -- yes, perhaps it may seem over the top for anyone else, but it isn't for him. It's so -- much. Jaskier curls a fist and brings it to his mouth, his eyes wet, almost trickling.
The idea that a man's music can truly be retained forever --
Take that, Valdo.]
It's rather good.
[His voice trembles.]
no subject
He's quiet, listening to the recording, already thinking of things he can do better, but he doesn't speak up again until Jaskier does. He hasn't asked, but he must be able to guess that Viktor isn't going to stop here.]
Do you like it? I was thinking about the next iteration--perhaps we record you in a soundproofed room, for greater clarity of sound. Distribution to individual households might be a challenge, but we could hold something in the Public Hall, or even send copies to Libertas and Aquila, so they can have events of their own.
[Not like Jaskier needs to be more famous, but Viktor is, apparently, excited by the technology.]
no subject
Do you enjoy the sound of your own art?
Can you appreciate the scope of living forever? Can you survive knowing that your music may change the scope of music for the future?
Would you like to live, conceivably, forever, in the memories of those who have heard you and now, with a disc, to anyone who has a moment to listen?
Jaskier clears his throat, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.]
I like it. [He's listening. Truly. He only --] You... you mean to improve it? Even more than this? It can be improved? [His eyes grow wider.] Gods, if we can send the same -- or better -- to Libertas and Aquila, and the requisite machines, I would absolutely be in your debt, Viktor. I can't even -- honestly, even I can't put into words what this would mean to me.
no subject
So, as always, he falls back on what he knows--technology, over human emotion. Still, he offers Jaskier a sincere smile.]
Yes, I believe so. I mean, we won't know until we do it, but I'm confident. [He's always improving, after all.] First, the Free Cities, then the rest of the continent.
no subject
Either way. He grasps one of Viktor's hands, squeezing.]
Whatever you need from me, it's yours. Or I will find some way to acquire it. I have enough contacts now I'm fairly sure I can track down anything, or -- fuck it, even if you just need coin for a bloody sandwich to fuel you.
no subject
[Viktor doesn't pull away, though it's clear he's slightly overwhelmed by the physical contact.]
You'll have to organize distribution. [But he imagines that won't be too difficult, for someone of Jaskier's fame. The other cities should jump at the chance to share the recordings in the ways he sees fit.] But I'll give you the records, once we make them--you can do whatever you like with them.
no subject
With emotion. With -- the whole entire world. Who has ever recorded Valdo Marx's music? Who would ever care to?
It feels as if his whole life has led to a moment like this.]
I can do that, of course. [His eyes light up, but he finally relinquishes Viktor's hand in order to control himself from kissing him full on the mouth -- an action he does not think Viktor would appreciate. And he cannot do anything to stop him from doing this work.] Thank you. I mean -- I honestly cannot thank you enough. I know you insist, but if there is anything I can ever provide to you, you must tell me..
no subject
I insist.
[The smile on his face is sincere, clearly pleased with what he's accomplished and Jaskier's reaction in turn.]
But if I think of anything, I'll be sure to let you know.
think we can wrap up here!!
[He's so accustomed to having to bribe or pay his way to get what he wants, and suddenly men are doing him things without anything in return. How on earth shall he repay him, then?
Hmm. He'll think of something. Something nefarious, even.]
Good. [He looks back at the record, drawing his fingers over it as he takes it back.] I'll be writing letters out on the morrow. Seeing if the other factions have the available machines. Otherwise, I'll fund them myself. I'm sure I can make it work. [Placed in its sleeve, he holds the recording to his chest.] Thank you, Viktor.
[Just to really pin it down.]