RP:An Unannounced Visitor
Summary: Meri travels to Schezerade to share a drink, inquire about the tattoo, and to see about a book.
Smyth College of Bardic Arts
After finding your way through the Topiary Garden it would only be fitting to come upon a building which looks like a section taken right out of any castle in the same style as all of Schezerade, in all its decadence; marble forming the entirety of the large building accented with gold and platinum in which you'll have to cross over a glass bridge in order to reach it. The front door is welcoming for all shapes and sizes that are the citizens of Hollow and spans a great distance in it's solid French Door of a design. Opening it up one might be perplexed at the ability for the fortress to hold such music coming from the main hall there with all of the astute students practicing their talents. Once immersed, the eyes might be stolen by the gaping cathedral ceilings above, spotted by gold and platinum in which encircle mini glowing stones to mimic the night sky, but beauty is not what the ceiling is for; it carries one's voice in the most pleasing fashion. This main hall is quite a vast oval-shaped room, but the walls are shelves, carved into small diamond shapes. Each slot contains a scroll to nearly any song someone might wish to hear or practice in it's magic. Among the marvelous white-wood, gold-accented, concert grand piano in the middle of this large room there are a plethora of nearly every musical instrument imaginable, one just has to look.
Nearing further into the castle one's nostrils might pick up on the scent of mouth watering food being cooked wafting from the kitchen which is north of the main room and it also holds an elegant dining area containing a handful of small tables. In the corner of this kitchen there is a winding staircase which travels below where students are bustling to and fro. If you wish to stay, grab your favorite spirits from the well stocked kitchen and listen to the bardic magics, relax in one of the many luxurious sofas strewn about these two areas. Off to the east corner of the main hall, there is a locked staircase with an outreaching design in onyx stone overlay which is seemingly inking over into the pristine luxury you’ve found yourself in. It's as if the area above holds a darkness that's attempting to leak out into this little slice of heaven… Better just leave that door alone.
Meri | No word was sent to Brennia prior to Meri's arrival to the college. That would probably have been the polite thing to do but it just was not something Meri really thought to do, she was used to just dropping in on people, places. and into situations. The tattooed one had many reasons for visiting today, three to be exact, all of which would be explained as soon as she managed to locate Brennia. As laid back and fun as Brennia has demonstrated herself, Meri still cannot help but feel slightly out of place in all of the opulence of the college. At the very least Meri had managed to locate one of her 'nicer' pairs of pants -- they didn't have holes in the needs and weren't stained with ink -- but that is about the extent of it. Boots were still aged and worn in, the bodice was decent though. She sports a black jacket that hides a good chunk of her tattoo, save for the work done upon her knuckles, and over her shoulder she has a satchel. She usually has that with her. Meri clears her throat and then promptly flags down the first person she sees, greeting them with a wave and a smile, "Hey!" Feet would take her closer to the stranger she was speaking to. "Hey, have you seen Brennia about? I was hoping to have a bit of a chat with her...." Hopefully this unrecognized face may have some clue as to where Brennia is, Meri's blue eyes drifting from the stranger to roam the room as she secretly tries to will Brennia into walk into the room. Now. Okay? How about now?
Brennia had fallen asleep in one of the many luxe sofas throughout the main hall, one of which was sort of close to the gaping fireplace and she nearly shot up hearing her name. It was spring holiday for most of the students and the lone one Meri happened to find would point her to the open offices above them for that’s where Brennia has been locked away since her return. Natural six foot two Avian stands and stretches from the sofa with a tired sigh. One would assume she’s been working herself a bit hard as her wavy black hair drifts lazily down her curvaceous form, “I’m over here, Meri.” She waves at her from across the room and Meri would hear her as if she was standing right beside her for the bard merely threw her voice with a subtle push of her power. The student waves goodnight to the Headmistress before scurrying to the stairs that lead down into the dormitories and Brennia would make her barefoot self on over to Meri. Welcoming and sultry alto timbre greets Meri formally, “merry meet again Meri.” Her eyes looking a little bloodshot from being overworked, but typically looking the same, but today she only wore simple cloth leggings and a loose fitting blue cotton shirt. “What pleasure do I owe your visit on this night?” Her usual kind smile spreads across supple lips in poking adorable dimples into caramel cheeks.
Meri would never dream of telling a woman that she looks tired and that her eyes are bloodshot, "Brennia! I am sorry. I did not mean to wake you. I suppose this is what happens when you turn up without warning, hm?" A tattooed hand reaches into that satchel that she brings with her on her travels to pull out a certain expensive looking bottle that Brennia should be able to immediately recognize because she was the one that gifted Meri with it. "Well I was hoping to have a drink with you, to be honest. And inquire about how your tattoo was healing...and if you found it to be effective in it's purpose thus far?" Meri still did not understand all of the details of what Brennia was suffering from and it was not like Meri to usually circle back on her clients like this but she wanted to make sure this job was done well given the special requirements of the tattoo. Plus who doesn't want to get to know a bard? Meri's quite a fan of the lot. That still unopened bottle is given an enticing little wiggle to Brennia as a smile curves upon red lips. "Though if you would like a rain check so that you can return to your napping, I fully understand. Next time I should actually send a note." Her tone was apologetic when she says those last few sentences.
Courtyard
Off of the to the west of the vast Main Hall through large paned glass doors you come to a large cobblestoned and marble walled courtyard, but it is not without a bit of vines growing along the walls and a couple large old trees somehow planted in the two centers of the courtyard. The outdoor area here is just as long as the main hall, but narrower by half which is still saying quite a bit for the area. The front half seems to be dedicated to painting and recreation as there are some lounges, easels and tables about if some of the students decide to enjoy their meals outside on nice days. The back half is arranged as a training area adorned with some weapons and dummies next to a few obstacles.
Brennia waved apologies away, “no, no. I must've accidentally slipped into sleep. I’ve had a lot of reports to grade lately.” Long sharp black nails push her silky black hair from around her face in exposing her sharper features and long pointed ears. Her kind smile lowered to a smirk at seeing the bottle and she didn’t waste anymore time debating on sending notices, “not to worry, you are welcome at your leisure… Then again, all are. This is a college after all.” A soft chuckle given as she places herself next to Meri and swings an arm around the tattooist’s shoulders as if they’ve been long time friends. “Let us take this swaray out to the courtyard,” long legs lead them to a large window paned door which was left open to let the spring breeze into the castle. Liberty blue gaze sets on the abandoned card table from a couple nights ago which is also accompanied by a drink cart, “perfect.” She procures tumblers from the cart and a small ornate wooden box. Setting down the glasses she flips open the box to reveal quite expensive and rare looking cigars, “take one if you please.” Brennia lifts a fresh one for herself and used some tool from the kit to nip the tip of the cigar and smell it deeply. “Your artwork healed beautifully thank you to you and my alchemist friend.” She sets the unlit cigar down for now before she uses both of her hands to lift up her shirt and show Meri, “I love how it stands out against my skin tone and the remaining ink, and yes it works.” She placed two pointer fingers in the hole of the lock and something… Odd happens. Firstly the sentient ink pattern starts to swirl over her skin, the onyx feathered wings look like actual stone, her iris become large and the blackest of blacks while her hair seems to swim in the air around her like she was underwater. When she speaks there is a hint of her usual sultry tone along with a menacing whisper sending out gentle vibes in the air between them, “now I can freely switch between these two forms and remain in control where as before I had to either be under the influence until I lost the mental battle to keep this dangerous and unpredictable side subsided…” It was a nightmare, but almost a sensual nightmare.
Meri is lead without hesitation to the courtyard at Brennia's bidding, at ease with the avian slinging an arm over her shoulder to lead her in that direction. The tumblers are placed on the table and Meri at this point takes the liberty of cracking into the gifted bottle. The stopper is removed and set upon the table and then both tumblers are filled with an inch of the fine whiskey, stopper replaced shortly after. Perhaps Brennia puts this caliber of whiskey back on a regular basis but Meri intended to make this bottle last for her as she had no idea when she would come into such expensive whiskey again. A seat is taken with the drinks now poured. The cigar is more than gladly accepted but Brennia is given first chance to make use of the tool kit, not because she needed the woman's guidance but out of respect for the woman hosting her at present. While Brennia may set her cigar down for the demonstration, Meri would take the time to light the end of hers..only to choke and sputter on a mouthful of smoke she never meant to inhale to begin with as Brennia shocks her with this shift. Feathers like stone, irises looking as though they are fully dilated, and that hair...sort of was the topper on the creepy effect for Meri. The woman's mind begins to drift to darker begins like banshees and...sirens...The woman clears her throat, not really sure what to make of this revelation but ultimately forming no negative opinion. Quite the surprise though. "I am very glad that our endeavors were indeed successful for you then. It must feel liberating to be in control of your own self again fully." Or so Meri sincerely hoped was the case. "Have things been well outside of that? Have you spoken with Raphaline as of late?"
Brennia repeats her motion is essentially locking that more powerful side of herself away. Meri wouldn't be entirely off about that other side of her being a siren or something malicious, but she wants her and Meri to sit and drink and smoke to have be a good memory so she just drops the topic. “Me as well,” taking a seat with a soft sigh she thinks on Raphaline and how long it's been since she's seen her fellow headmistress. She picks up her cigar and softly hums which causes an oil lit street lamp nearby to dim as the cigar’s cherry was set ablaze and Meri might even feel a tinge warmer from the Bardic power. The lamp light returns fully when Brennia stops the him in order to take a shallow drag from the cigar and a sip of whisky. “Raphaline. I have not, but I do hope that whatever adventure she's set her heart on keeps her safe. I'll be sending out Whoolio, my messaging owl, in due time to check on her if he can reach her. Would you like for me to include that you say hello?” Plump lips rest around the cigar which is set firmly between her perfect teeth. “As for me, never better,” she pulls the cigar from her lips to billow out some smoke and take another sip of whisky. “My knight and love, Eloni, returned from her mission not long ago and I've been making some big plans for the students here.” Liberty blue hues rest on the red lipped blonde, “how about you? How have things been for you?”
It is hard to say how Meri would have felt if Brennia had kept on with the subject and actually explained what she is. Meri's guesses may not be far off but it is safe to say that the artist doesn't look in the slightest bit uncomfortable -- not at this point, Brennia has never given her any indication that she would bring harm.The brief display of bardic power is less surprising to Meri than what Brennia had revealed to her prior, though it does bring a faint smile to her lips that soon disappears when the subject shifts to Raphaline. "Oh, sure if you want to, but if she is off adventuring then your owl may have a hard time finding her. That woman has a knack for not being found if she does not want to be." Rather than dwell over a friend that Meri has been sorely missing, the topic shifts to more pleasant things. "I am glad to hear that your lady has returned safe and sound to you. Always plans to be made for students. I met a bard not that long ago named Alex and suggested that he meet with you....May want to keep an eye on him. He's a bit of a wild one, I think." There is no smirk or chuckle from Meri, "It may not have been my smartest recommendation. Sorry if he causes you trouble. Other than that....! Things have been....Well they have been. I was at the fair in Larket? The one where things went horribly awry? And the event in Frostmaw...." Where she ended up hearing voices. "Try and cut loose and have some fun away from work and all the parties I try and go to end up ruined." Meri pouts at this point. "Seems like I am still in high demand at the shop too, so there has been plenty of work to be had." Every so often between sentences Meri would puff away at the cigar, it would be sad if the think went out do to her inattentiveness.
Brennia relaxes in the chair some more with a smirk remaining for Meri. “Yes, Alex, thank you. I met him a while ago and he recently found his way back up here on a few people’s recommendation. For one I am glad the college is growing as such and two… I can handle wild.” A wink given here, “he recently agreed to be a professor here, actually and he's a member of the Bards Guild I lead.” She said all these things so nonchalant like it was no big deal and she sips on the whiskey once more. “Being in demand is a gracious thing, but if you ever need a little vacation… Or if you have an artistic block, you know where to go.” She motions to the castle next to them. “You'll always find a place to relax and hide away need be. This is a safe haven not just for Bards, but those I consider friends.” She goes on, “you'll never have to worry of good food and drink for I am sure Zachael will be much obliged to help you out. He calls you the beautiful skin artist.”
Nothing more would be said on the subject of Alex and the behaviors she has begun to observe. Brennia was a capable woman, who could form her own judgements and deal with her own issues should they even arise. The artist found her warning to be sufficient. "Good, good for him and great for the College right? Just a sign that it is thriving..." Zachael's nickname for her earns a bit of a grin. Skin artist. That was a way of wording what she does that she has not quite yet heard, but she liked the way it sounded. "I am sure that I will take full advantage of your offer one of these days." Not that she has not already, this visit was not meant to be purely a business one. Though all this talk of learning did remind Meri that she had one final thing that she wanted to speak with Brennia about. "You know ever since I have met you I have been very enamored with the language you speak? I even met another who speaks it as well." Neither here not there really. "I was wondering if perhaps you had like a book or two on it? Like a dictionary? So I could start to study and learn it myself...If that is acceptable for me to do?" Cultures could be so...different. Not every culture took kindly to an outsider trying to learn their ways, Meri did not think that would be the case here but she was just trying to be polite with this request.
Brennia let a moment of silence rest between them. “I see…” she takes a deep breath, “be careful with that one.” She knows there is really only one other that speaks the way her and Zachael do for they are all from the same island and she knows the man who he used to be, the one that killed her family. Brennia appears to speak to no one in particular, “darling, if you are not busy can you please bring me our book.” Brennia does not seem in a sour mood for this turn of events as she gives Meri another smirk, “yes, I never realized how our language sounded to others. I'm excited you're willing to learn.” After a moment Zachael arrives with a large leather bound book, giving Meri a wide grin. Brennia motions for him to give Meri the book which he obliges before going back to what he was doing. “Feel free to borrow it as long as you need. If you go up the stairs in the main hall you will find my office if you need some peace and quiet… If there is nothing else I can be of assistance to tonight I think I may retire to my chambers?” She finishes off her whiskey and puts out her cigar to save the other half for another day. “You of course are welcome to any room and breakfast in the morning, stay as long as you wish.”