#anywhere

The last big performance.. open stadium! Lots of changelings! Piper's last performance before she heads back

She is in the zone! It's been ages since she has performed like this - not in a competition where folk will politely clap for all, but in varied venues, sussing out the crowd, getting their feel and seeking the perfect note to resonate with the listeners... it's ecstatic. And even more so, it's honest. Piper hasn't performed like this since she was in a band that fed off mortal fans... a dark memory now. In a way, it feels like she's retaking that part of herself, and reclaiming the joy of performance for a cause, and for the joy of the playing.

Oh yes, the crowds may look smaller than they are because the playing area is so big, but she can feel it! As she sings of heroism, of making a difference, a challenge to see the world as it should be, and fight for that, like many performers have tried- sharing that vision! She almost bubbles with glamour

A lot more commoner kith here! Including a trago of satyrs over there joining in quick enough

As it builds, she pours it back into the playing, rather than consuming, amplifying. If this is her last performance of the tour, she'll make it count! If Sparrow lacks for soldiers and strong arms, it won't be because Piper was slacking!

something thumps in the back stage, but it's not loud enough to overcrowd her performance!

She won't let it distract her, as she makes eye contact with the tragos and grins, encouraging them to join in on the refrain.

They do... like a responding ripple to a greater ripple that just spreads the whole thing across the lake of boggans, trolls, caps , nockers and more!

A smile as she strums, letting the music carry her away. Soon they'll be home, and Siv as well. A warmth entering her tone, singing of making a home worth fighting for.

And the song ends, the crowd goes nuts... and cheers and the party begins! Some folks are already heading out to go join! But most ? party now, go later

Exhaling as the rush starts to fade, she turns to look for a glass of water. And maybe see if Jonas wants to dance?

She turns to see Siv holding a glass of water

"SIV!" she squeals, and will very likely risk the glass of water as she dives for a hug!

Well, water splashes, and Piper gets arm fulls of sweaty Siv "You were amazing- Oh I could kill you! You were fantastic- I thought I told you you were in danger? I missed you so much-I could strangle you!"

"I wasn't in any danger, oh captain mine. Jonas was here with me every hoofstep of the way." Squeeeeeze!

A wince "Oh.. is that so.. "

She blinks, "Are you hurt? What's wrong? I couldn't have squished you that hard."

And looking down, she sees that Siv has a bit of blood on her. .now some of it on Piper

"Ohh your outfit. Shit" Siv says "We'll get ito ut"

"No, no, no...." Hands seeking along Siv's arms, and under her shirt, but no funny business as she checks for a wound. "What happened?!"

"I got knifed back stage" She says "Come on. I half way thought I shouldn't show you"

"You got WHAT?" Squeaking. "Where's Jonas? Wasn't he back there? Is he okay? Ohhh.... we need to get you some healing..."

"Well you stop fussing.. we got the assassin" SHe says

"Why... what... I'm so confused. Why would... who would... and don't you tell me to stop fussing while you're bleeding. Musicians don't get assassinated! Only murdered in record deals!"

"Oh right.. tell it to John Lennon." She says guiding her back behind the curtains.

She abandons the stage along with Siv. "Medic!"

"Stop that we..." That's when she sees the female redcap tied up.. near Jonas

"Jonas! Are you okay? And who is that?" A dark scowl - wondering if a hoof upside the head is the proper treatment for a tied up prisoner... and kinda not caring if it isn't...

"I'm fine. Little bite" he says as if the chunk missing from his shoulder is just a scratch

"Did this ---- BITE you?" Oh, where did Cali girl pacifist learn THAT language?

Jonas eyes widen "Ah, quie"

Quite*

Siv says "She was hired to shut you up, Piper. Apparently at least one Balor sees you as a threat"

"Me?" Finally it seems to be sinking in. "But... no one was supposed to get hurt. I just wanted to help you come home..." Anger warring with tears now!

"You did help" Siv says "They've got like 5 folks already shown. up.. more on their way" Siv says "You did great. You did. And .. at first I was coming here to fuss at you and yell at you and.. well, I got scared. But oh how you lit up! Singing.. it's who you are.. and I.. I've no right to stop it. I just.. not used to being scared like that anymore"

Her head shakes desperately. "It's not worth you getting hurt, either of you. I'm sorry. I should have listened..."

"You're the one who knows the ins and outs of knighting and heroing and spying. You wouldn't tell me how to play, so I just feel a dummy for thinking I knew better, when all I wanted was my love home. I was being selfish - and sweet lord, you're still bleeding..."

"It's a shallow cut, now stop it" Siv says "You look at me" She pulls Piper gaze to her "I'm going to get hurt. I'm going to get shot, stabbed, and all that. Whether you sing or not. "

"So you might as well be happy, okay ? WE might as well edo what gives us joy. Now I..."

"Shit..." A satyress with a joint in her hand looks over them "Yeah, someone really did cry for a medic. "

The amply endowed satyress has torn jeans and a T shirt