#fenixtj

..... even if her conscious does nag her about directly misrepresenting herself....

And so she does... Elias is pretty open in his practice. His music is.. odd and catchy. And there's no denying his creative skills go beyond just playing. Each instrument bears his maker's mark, but it's obvious it's the singing and playing he loves even more than the crafting. She notes he is playing and singing CONVOY for practice. Yup. Elias got a hint about her father being a trucker.

Damn if it isn't good though.

Moving on, she sees Dean practicing. God gave rock and roll to you done flawlessly on flute. he maybe a one instrument wonder...but a better word might be specialist. He's ... just the best flutist the troll has heard. Not that Jessica is a flute fan.

Indeed. A hard call. That scar on his throat. Why doesn't it heal here in the frehold? In the spa?

Perhaps. She moves on.

And sad music is nearby. Phoebe, who she suspects is a childling favorite is singing like an angel.

"I thought I saw a man brought to life
He was warm, He came around like he was dignified
He showed me what it was to cry"

And it continues, Phoebe sings with effort born of survival. "Well You couldn't be that man that I adored
You don't seem to know, or seem to care what your heart is for
I don't know him anymoreThere's nothin' where he used to lie
Our conversation has run dry
That's what's goin' on
Nothing's fine
I'm torn" She wants to win to have a home.

And that's a factor. Though it is to Phoebe's creedit she wants to earn it

Soft guitar music coming from one of the rooms. Practicing privately, it seems...

Jessica can respect that......

Piper's music maybe softly muffled, but it sounds good. Rivervale will be well represented

There's a jangle from behind the closed door, as if someone playing the guitar was tackle-hugged by an amorous playmate.......

A laugh! And the music is quiet....

Rivervale will be well represented, assuming she's not seduced mid song. Ah well. Moving on

Neema is soaking in the spa. Well, she is a selkie. What surprises Jessica is that Fontaine is with her, and they are singing a duet. She had almost forgot that Fontaine sang.

It's from Rapunzel... I see the LIght. Jessica knows the song by now. Ellie loves that thing. But the two seem to be enjoying it so greatly.

Clearly the preferences of the childlings have factored in though.

Jessica listens, noting the skill, but seeks to avoid interrupting.

Entrancing... Neema seems to bring a touch of islander and African folk... but branches easily. Fontaine seems to pick up on songs that folks like.

She listens, and moves on.

Spencer isn't here to compete for the Troubadour position, but his love of musicals and his background in country might be a hit with some. Currently he's practicing "One day more
Another day, another destiny
This never ending road to Calvary
These men who seem to know my crime
Will surely come a second time
One day more!" his voice is a force!

He turns, then stops.. for he recognizes her. He's a troll himself. And ALL DeBukes keep eyes out for their hold. Her 'disguise' doesnt' work on him, "Jessica?"

She nods, stepping forward a bit. "Spencer. Welcome."

"The DeBukes send their regards" he says, then he sighs "Truthfully, most of them would say 'howdy' but.. I just won't do that"

"Howdy would work just fine. But, as you like."

"I have to say, my chances to place seem to be slimmer than I thought." He says "Your hold isn't like any place I've ever seen before."

"But it certainly deserves good music" Spencer adds. "my mentor, Torin Torad, suggested I go REALLY classical, norse sagas and ballads. Maybe I should. Might be the one area I can beat them"

"Torin is..... he was on Thyle, yes?"

"Yes... back when he was Oathbroken. his honor restored by the actions of your father and mother ..and his own self of course" A nod "Do you know the tale?"

Jessica nods. "I have heard it."

"Well, tales are a part of troubadouring I suppose. I was focusing on the music. How.. how are you doing? This has to feel odd. Of all the duties you have, musical judge probably wasn't one you expected." Spencer is in his mid teens but sounds beyond his years.

She nods, not without humor. "I'm not really qualified for it but it seems to be my role."

"I'm.. clearly a biased source, but would you like my advice?"

"Sure."

"First priority should be the voice and talent you can imagine listening to and ENJOYING at least an hour a day every day, and sometimes for hours on end on special occasion... if you can't do that with a musician, you may slowly resent him or her, and that's not fair to you or them. Heck, it might even hinder you a bit as a ruler..not that I know anything about ruling. Traditionally leaders, heck, anyone, need musicians that can rouse others, and relax them. Second, you want one that others will love or at least like.. you might think it would be the other way around and that #1 but it's not. You'll never find one that everyone loves."

"After that well, I guess how well they present at court, and how much you like them as people"

Jessica nods. "Those seem to be good priorities."

"Thanks. Musicians are... they touch something primal in the heart and soul."

"Every culture has relied on them in sometimes... it's ..a hertiage that goes back, a calling that is ancient. Skalds, Minstrels, call em what you want, they're the brightest threads in the tapestry of a culture .." a blush "I maybe biased"

"It is good to be proud of your work and its impact."

"True. Pride is a big part of striving to do your best I guess." He smiles

Jessica nods, agreeing.

"I look forward to seeing you perform. And.... give my best to your family, when you see them next?"

"Sure. though I could go down the hallway and wave at Coy I suppose" then Spencer says "Ah, Clem was curious. how's Ariel doing?"