[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.
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cointosser) wrote2021-04-12 08:58 pm
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.]