[Jaskier pauses again as he considers his options. Most of his songs certainly carry a degree of optimism to them, but optimism is not always cheerful. Sometimes the optimism comes from making one's way through hardship, after all.]
Ah! I know just the one, [he says, once he settles on a song.] It's not one of my original compositions, but it was always one of the Countess de Stael's favorites. I think you'll enjoy it.
[The song Jaskier picks doesn't have a very complicated tale to it. It's more or less a lengthened version of a fairy tale, meaning it's playfully conveying its moral lesson in a jaunty, jovial tune. But aside from sounding so bright, it seems the most fitting story to choose for someone who is looking for something cheerful in a place like this. There are clear heroes to the story and the ending is tidy with no loose ends. But what's perhaps more compelling about the story is the way in which it's told. Although Mal is an audience of one, Jaskier doesn't hesitate from telling it the way he might if it was requested at a tavern or by the Countess herself. He sings with his whole body, playacting at the right moments to heighten the drama of it and hopefully illicit a smile. He even goes so far as to motion for Mal to clap or sing along with the chorus the second time it comes around if he feels so inclined. If he doesn't though, Jaskier doesn't push him into it and contents himself with keeping the tempo with an audible tap of his boot on the floor.]
no subject
[Jaskier pauses again as he considers his options. Most of his songs certainly carry a degree of optimism to them, but optimism is not always cheerful. Sometimes the optimism comes from making one's way through hardship, after all.]
Ah! I know just the one, [he says, once he settles on a song.] It's not one of my original compositions, but it was always one of the Countess de Stael's favorites. I think you'll enjoy it.
[The song Jaskier picks doesn't have a very complicated tale to it. It's more or less a lengthened version of a fairy tale, meaning it's playfully conveying its moral lesson in a jaunty, jovial tune. But aside from sounding so bright, it seems the most fitting story to choose for someone who is looking for something cheerful in a place like this. There are clear heroes to the story and the ending is tidy with no loose ends. But what's perhaps more compelling about the story is the way in which it's told. Although Mal is an audience of one, Jaskier doesn't hesitate from telling it the way he might if it was requested at a tavern or by the Countess herself. He sings with his whole body, playacting at the right moments to heighten the drama of it and hopefully illicit a smile. He even goes so far as to motion for Mal to clap or sing along with the chorus the second time it comes around if he feels so inclined. If he doesn't though, Jaskier doesn't push him into it and contents himself with keeping the tempo with an audible tap of his boot on the floor.]