#jacelandon

Performed at HoT Fest 5/18/2024 Also this doubles as Day 1 for May DWC 2024 Mysterious - Appearance

The half-elven man steps onto the stage with violin in hand, flashing a handsome smile towards the audience. While he may be new to this particular stage, it is obvious he’s already more than familiar with being in front of a crowd as a hand flourishes off to the side when he bows. He’s dressed simply for the occasion: Worn boots, distressed pants, a white shirt whose v-neck sits low enough to display the Darkmoon Faire crest tattooed on his chest, and a variety of mismatched necklaces, bracelets, and rings. 

With a wave of his hand, fingers briefly glow a dark indigo as a grand piano materializes out of thin air behind him. Sitting at the piano is, strangely enough, himself, or a copy of himself at the very least. The twin Jaces smile and nod at each other before the real Jace fits the violin to his chin in preparation. For those more musically inclined with a strong penchant towards string instruments, they may recognize this particular violin to have been made by the famous Kaldorei luthier, Del’gesu: A rare and incredibly valuable piece of history and it’s easy to hear why once he begins playing.

The pianist begins keying a soft, somewhat haunting melody as Jace raises his bow, poised and at the ready. There’s an inaudible inhale before the rosined horsehair glides across the strings, producing a beautifully rich vibrato; the sound nearly visible as it winds around the player and carries out among those gathered in a breath of wind.

The music swells and subsides at his tender beckon, displaying the mastery he maintains within the difficult technique traversed with ease. The violin seems to nearly cry out in melancholic yearning with every sustained note and gentle crescendo. The piece is meant to provoke emotion of some variety, and given the creased brow and tightly shut eyes of the performer, it’s simple to recognize an artist truly in touch with his craft.

Upon reaching a lower range of still meticulously bowed notes, eyes flick open to reveal that which were once a faintly glowing deep blue are now intense, swirling tempests of blues, purples, and streaks of crackling silver, reminiscent of a lightning storm at sea.

A congenial expression settles across his sharp features as that churning gaze seeks out individual contact within the audience, while the beguiling melody aids in this enchantment. The flow of expertly fingered notes delicately drifts throughout the atmosphere; an earworm that wriggles its way into the deep recesses of the mind for those more open and willing, and especially those most prone to empathetic urges.

Jace‘s own movements ebb and flow with the raw passion of the violin’s lament, almost as if it is his very own soul crying out for something not quite within reach. His fingers move with purpose and precision along the maple fingerboard as the double stops and glissandos permeate the performance space, and never once does he break a sweat despite the punishing accuracy required. His instrument exquisitely sings out the high notes without restraint, ensorcelling those most affected by the radiance of the song and the persuasive nature of his turbulent gaze.

The hypnotic combination of the ethereal sound and his tempestuous stare may begin to sway those most susceptible into some sort of waking trance. Ever present, yet feeling, remembering, daydreaming in snippets of memories this particular song may invoke within themselves. A sense of longing for something or someone lost, or perhaps something they never possessed in the first place.

For those only with the keenest of gazes, Jace’s shadow begins to stretch and widen, and there are instances where it almost appears as if this elongated shadow falls out of sync with his physical form for the briefest of moments. A gust of wind begins to whip around the violinist, stirring any fallen leaves, grass clippings, and loose dirt into a small flurry as his bow firmly kisses the strings in a series of impressive runs leading towards climactic grandeur.

The peak of the performance crests with soaring waves of pristine notes and resounding vibrato that reverberates throughout the entire area, sending chills down the spines of those most afflicted. It may even elicit a strong, physical reaction in some as sorrowful or wistful personal recollections of times past almost seem to appear before their very eyes. A subconscious suggestion brought about by mere illusions of their own psyche, a trick of the mind, erased from existence should these fabricated reflections be touched.

A glint of setting sunlight catches the evil eye charm resting in the hollow of Jace’s throat as he gently arches backwards to emphasize the masterfully executed glissando into an even higher octave, still maintaining the heightened fervor. The strikes of lightning within that captivating gaze become more mesmerizing and nigh impossible to look away from, which in turn only enhances the peculiar influence he and his instrument seem to possess. 

The cry of strings deepens but never once loses its determination. It’s at this point that his shadow seems to have elongated beyond the realm of possibility, nearly engulfing the entirety of the audience. There’s a chill present not previously felt as even Jace seems to find himself consumed by the inexplicable darkness. Yet, those rippling pools of undulating sea and storm seem to glow brilliantly as they continue to watch those gathered. There’s a strange comfort offered in that unblinking stare as he gradually decrescendos into a more somber and languid melody.

There’s still an alluring caress of a whisper contained within the tone; more seductive yet somehow heart wrenching at the same time. A juxtaposition of emotions overwhelms: A sense of dread with the pure wonder of what will occur next. The other Jace on the piano now appears to be nothing but a shadowy apparition, continuing to brush the keys in perfect rhythm. Wispy tendrils of darkness expand and waver against all they touch, appearing like branches from a massive tree that isn’t where the shadow suggests. Yet, it’s all just an illusion, isn’t it? 

He gracefully trills the instrument with ease, the beauty of the dulcet sounds weaving through the crowd on a crisp breeze. The squalls captured within his gaze seem to now settle back into tranquility as the looming shadow diminishes in size. The emotions relent and relinquish their grip upon those affected, but very much so leaving a mark in their wake whether it be fatigued hearts or pensive moods.

Jace closes his eyes for the first time since the beginning of the piece, the familiar crease settling once more upon his brow. At this point the shadow has completely vanished and the setting sun brilliantly illuminates the man, granting him an almost divine glow. The concluding notes ascend upwards in a smooth legato, culminating in the most exquisite high note as he seems to finally exhale for the first time tonight - an oddly icy breath. The violin lowers, the spell broken, and he takes his final bow.

"He's interesting. The magic he works with his fingers when he plays the violin amazes me. I've never met anyone who has lived and worked at the Darkmoon Faire. I would love to know all the things he's seen, done. I really hope he did not rob me when I helped him the other night! And well, he is a cutie" *She laughed*