[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
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.]