Office, Cenrilians For Prosperity

The headquarters for the dark money funding Fitz’s campaign is located in Cenril, in a nondescript building that advertises free and cheap office space. Downstairs on the ground floor of the building is a loud bar. Upstairs, there's a common bathroom in the hall, and a group of strange tenants, a few accounting firms but also an establishment called "The Bust Solutions." There's also an office for Cenrilians For Prosperity, and the door's open. The vague smell of herbal smoke emanates from it. Inside there are some desks and some file cabinets. There's also a conference room table in an adjacent room

Brennia arrived to the premise via flying coach, but a group of bard’s exited first as they were wanting to travel to cenril in the first place. Brennia finally emerges after the other bards made in their way, but she wasn’t alone, a tall handsome vampire dressed in an all black suit exited first, took a look around and without saying a word for the okay Brennia exited after another gentleman dressed almost like the bodyguard, but slightly more eye catching. Brennia herself was wearing a blue suit that brings out her eyes and long flowing pants that almost looked like a skirt, but the quarter sleeves show off her tattoos tastefully and all of her hair was pulled up into a smart twist. She looks every part the senator candidate and she thanks Daermon for helping her down with a smile, but once heeled steps click their way to the door she hesitates. How different things are for the both of them and she hasn’t seen him since the game pretty much. As if Daermon could sense her unease he had his back turned to the pair and was looking around for any potential danger. A well manicured hand raised and knocked on the door hoping this is where she will find Hudson and his friend Fitz.

Hudson | The Cenrilians For Prosperity Office isn't Fitz's official campaign office, to be clear, because there needs to be a careful line drawn between himself and Hudson. Hudson funds and therefore controls Fitz's campaign, but he is also a known gangster. Appearances must be maintained. That's why they're meeting with Brennia and her people here, discreetly. Hudson and Fitz are killing beers in the conference room. Hudson's in dad jeans and a polo shirt, Fitz is in a suit that he's worn all day, a checked tie. "I got it," says Fitz, rising in response to the sound of someone knocking on the door. Yeah - Fitz is getting the door. He opens it, and his expression warms at the sight of Brennia. "Hey there," he greets her by kissing her on the cheek, and then turns to shake hands with Daermon. "Fitz Johnson," he introduces himself. Hudson has leaned over in his chair, observing this, and decides that he can in fact be arsed to get up. He joins them, likewise kisses Brennia on the cheek - both men have that same private school breeding - before shaking hands with Daermon. "Have a seat, in the conference room, there's beers and hard liquor on the console table, help yourselves," he waves everyone in, shutting the door behind them. "Sorry this is a dump, it's sort of a secret headquarters if you will." "I'm having chips and guac, who else is having chips and guac?"

Brennia says, “merry meet, Fitz,” while she gently stops Daermon when he goes to place a gloved hand on Fitz to not let him near. During the time Hudson was making is way over Brennia and Daermon were sharing a glance, but then the bodyguard guard nods once before simply palming one gloved hand within the other in front of himself. A subtle smirk nearly twitches a corner of her plump lips up as she seems a little distracted when they are ushered in and she waits for the door to close behind them to make introductions. Daermon doesn’t smile or anything and being six foot five you would assume he’s a winless Avian and not a vampire. “Hudson and Fitz, this is Daermon, my bodyguard,” also her ex-ish thing (it's complicated), “and Corvo, my campaign manager.” She lets those odd words settle in a moment while Corvo shakes hands and looks around, “it’s an acquired taste.” A quirk at the mention of food and beer, “I’ll give it a try”. The avian male gives a shrug and helps himself while Brennia politely declines when she takes up the space next to Fitz, “how are things going for you guys?” Once the formalities die down she begins, “after a handful of attacks since the one we experienced at the blitzball game, I have decided to run for Senator of Schezerade against Vermillion Draft. He’s involved somehow and I won’t bore you with the details, but-” there was noises of surprise muffled by a mouthful of food when Corvo asks, “this is guac!?” Brennia and Daermon just blink at him, sort of surprised by his reaction before she continues, “anyway… I was thinking we could help each other out.” Liberty blue eyes look from Fitz to Hudson wondering what they would say to this first bit of information.

Hudson and Fitz likewise shake Corvo's hand before ushering everyone into the conference room. Hudson goes into an ice box to take out the guacamole, which is served in its original packaging (a glass jar) and pushed into the center of the table, by the chips. Hudson and Fitz sink back into their seats. Fitz tells Brennia that he's been worn out by campaigning, he has pity for his wife Uma, who is pregnant and even more tired than he is. Hudson cuts in to say that he hopes Brennia will be there at the election party they're having the night of the vote. Hopefully it's a victory party! There will be booze and dancing. Fitz jokes that he's going to give Hudson a sports drink shower. "Please no, that's only for in private," jokes Huds, and Fitz shakes his head. Everyone laughs. When the room settles, Brennia brings up the attack that they'd all endured, and her intention to run for Senator. Hudson makes a muffled noise of comprehension into the chip he's crunched into. "I think what Hudson is trying to say," observes Fitz, since Hudson is chewing/otherwise occupied, "is... Yeah?"

Brennia smiles brightly to the pair with a single nod at the invite, but the expression doesn’t entirely meet her eyes like they used to. These have been tough decisions she’s had to make, but if she wants to continue living in Schezerade and doing what she loves she must do something. Corvo pulls a thin wooden cigar box from his suit jacket and the design carved into it looked beautiful and intricate. “We’ve brought you guys a little something,” Brennia takes the box offered and hands it to Fitz, “I’m hoping to gain your support while I support you two on your endeavor. I’m thinking we can do a fundraiser concert for your cause? And we can possibly make some public appearances of being allies. I’ve got to get my feet on the ground to change what’s been going on in Schezerade.” Having stood up at this point to slowly pace around while extending her offer and opening up a bit of why she wants to team up, her posture, expression and hand gestures were all of a woman of power. Corvo had stopped sipping his beer being captivated by Brennia which was kind of earning a look from her bodyguard, a displeased look… kind of like ‘don’t be getting ideas, Corvo’ type look. She glances from one to the other while still looking slightly distracted somehow. Dearmon’s icy hues eventually move to Hudson, but his expression remains cool and unreadable. Brennia’s own slowly turned to concern when she looks upon Hudson, “we need to talk, as well.” It didn’t sound nefarious, but is it ever good hearing a woman say those words?

Hudson | Fitz reaches for and the cigar box that Brennia is holding out. He runs his hand over the carved wood, whistling appreciatively. "This is some nice stuff, thank you," he says, glancing at Hudson, who has now stopped chewing and can participate in the conversation. "I think Fitz is good on funds and the election is around the corner," he says carefully but in a friendly manner. Fitz has organized crime behind him, and with the election close and Fitz's lead well in hand, Hudson doesn't want Fitz to belong to anybody else. Fitz is looking at him expectantly. "But we're happy to do a joint appearance and help fund raise for you if you'd like," Hudson continues. "We know some wealthy donors." Such as himself, and the shadowy political organizations he funds, like this one, Cenrilians for Prosperity. Brennia's words that they need to talk had earned an eyebrow raise out of Hudson. He leans over the table to grab a handful of chips, helping himself to more guacamole. "Not exactly words you like to hear out of a woman," he says, putting into words the thought she's had. He'd had it as well, evidently.

Brennia places her hands to rest within the pockets of her slacks, yeah she’s stylish and practical. “Right then. How about just a concert for you, something that might boost some more votes?” A shrug, “just a thought.” She glances around to maybe spot a side office that could allow her and Hudson a bit more privacy, but she awaits Hudson to make that call. “This wouldn’t be either of us belonging to anyone, just a couple of friendly faces at a game, or having some dinner with the family. Out golfing,” She shrugs again and a wing seems to rise and fall with it before folding tightly around herself once more. Dearmon stays standing, stays quiet and keeps his mind occupied by scanning the room, but also focusing on the shadows outside in a subtle fashion within his power. Corvo seats himself where Brennia had left and makes small talk with Fitz of campaigns, the ups, the downs. Asking about the wife, is this the first child? Do they know the sex? Do they have names picked out? Brennia would have to thank Corvo for this distraction later and she moves near Hudson sans Daermon, he’s been silently instructed to stay in this area while Hudson and herself go have a chat, “shall we?”

Hudson is curious as to why Brennia wants to set something up but gets the impression that the details can be hammered out later. His hand stirs the air as he chews. "Alright," he says, talking around his food. "We can figure something out," he adds. He rises alongside Brennia, excusing himself from the conference table to follow her into another area. Fitz is garrulous individual and more than happy to tell Corvo about how much work has gone into his campaign, how he and Uma (his wife) already have a son, Marco, and are expecting that the second baby will also be a boy. The name is a state secret, he says in a certain tone that suggests it's not up to him. Fitz, for his part, has a few questions about Corvo's experience in politics and Schezerade. What did he know about Vermillion Draft, specifically, have they dug deeply for opposition research? Fitz recalls how he'd pulled ahead of his opponent, Sterling Townsend, once an unsavory article about Townsend's love child with a Rynvalian actress, had leaked... He doesn't say that Hudson had had a part in that. But of course he had. Hudson, for his part, lifts his eyebrows at Brennia now that they've peeled away. "Secret sidebar, what's up?" he asks her.

Brennia gives their private destination a moment of quiet to distance herself mentally from the vampire in the next room… But as permanent bonds go this was sometimes a precaution. The avian was different, but of course as stressful situations will do this to anyone. Less light within deep blue eyes, less flirty and airy attitude, “I have two things to ask of you, Hudson, which fall under one category. Before we get into those I’d like to ask, if I may… How are you, the kids and Alvina?” A warm smile is shown in the mention of her friend, although she may find an answer she’s not expecting or a lie. Maybe she’s not friendly enough for the truth. When the conversation shifts over to business she becomes soft in a way, non threatening, maybe even nervous, “reaching this decision was not easy as I’ve had a difficult two months and an even worse couple of weeks finalizing it after an attack on my home and the kidnapping of one of my dear friends,” she pauses a few seconds and in the dim light of the room it looks as if her eyes went dark a moment, that wild side underneath scratching the surface. “And that we the last straw…” after a deep breath she continues, “um… Have you told anyone of my involvement in the making of Delenchantment?” Her wings shift about her form as if comforting herself, “or of what you discovered when I tested it?” Meaning Raven and she hopes she can trust him to keep a secret or two.

Hudson has to wonder whether Brennia's desire to talk to him in private is because she doesn't trust Fitz or because she doesn't trust someone in her party. Or, maybe, she just wants to gossip about his personal life. He lifts his eyebrows at her question. He wonders if his wife has said something, it's not beyond the pale. He concludes she must have, it aligns that way: Brennia asking him this question in private, preceding it with an 'if I may,' looking at him like she's looking at him. He grimaces, rubs his four o'clock shadow. "Ugh," he exhales. "The girls are good. Starting pre-school. Me and Alvina, ahhh, uh, it's been a rough couple of months, after the Vanishing happened in Cenril," he tells her, candidly. "Her close friend vanished, uh, our baby did too. Well it was a fetus. I guess she must have told you. It's been hard on us. But we're doing better. One day at a time." He offers Brennia a tight-lipped smile that suggests that's all she gets, the tip of the iceberg. He doesn't want to talk about the other things, namely the darkness in his wife, that he'd failed to see before it had caused her to take a wrecking crane to everything. They are doing better now, the thing about superlatives is that you only have to beat rock bottom. He doesn't want to think about that, and for her sake he'll let her be the one to decide who to tell about it. Brennia, being socially adept, recognizes a smoothing over when she sees one, and lets the conversation shift to business. His gaze registers surprise, the attacks against her had escalated. "No," he answers her question simply. "Nothing about the time we tested it. To no one." Not even Alvina - he'd get in trouble, probably, their marriage is alive with jealousy, he's not sure whether he likes or dislikes it, it's certainly cathartic. "I think we met with my partner Eleanor and Leoxander the one time, so just those two, who can be trusted." A beat. "What are you worried about?"

Brennia had let the conversation turn over to business, but there was a nagging in the back of her mind. She was fighting back tears because she knew none of this and based solely on what he’s told her, she feels responsible… She fell quiet, very quiet and of course he didn’t tell Alvina because nothing even happened aside from Hudson learning of Brennia’s dark side, or was he thinking of the attempted kiss. She didn’t know he was with Alvina at the time or his real name, even! Brennia turned a cheek anyway, end of that awful story. Her wings nearly fold entirely around her, but under the cover of them her hands went over her chest as if she were able to physically suppress the emotions. Her blue eyes tore away from him just as she takes a step back and she looked distracted again as if she were mentally having a separate conversation with someone else…. “I just can’t have certain things come out during my campaign. Coming here was Corvo’s idea, but he knows nothing about this and I want to make sure there won’t be any surprises is all…” She can’t drop it, what he just told her of what has happened to his family was eating her up inside, “all of these curses… They were released the night of the celebration and I believe it was caused by an unknown artifact I had in my possession.” She can’t bring herself to look at him for fear of angering yet another friend due to her thoughtless acts, “I broke it open by accident and... I am so sorry Hudson, but I think this is all my fault.” Her voice broke and she pulled free a kerchief from one of those stylish pockets within her pants in order to dry her eyes. “I wish there was a way I can fix all of this for you two,” it seemed like an eternity ago when they were dancing at her Promenade and how happy they were at their wedding. Brennia adored them and still does so this information is hurting her heart and weighing the burden further upon her. She goes to step around him, but it would probably be easy to stop her, “I’m so sorry.” Guilt strikes true in her expression now, “I need to tell everyone. I need to fix this. I understand if you never want to hear from me again,” heels make a start to click away from Hudson.

Hudson observes that Brennia's body language is growing increasingly closed off. You can see it in spades in avians, apparently, their wings tell you everything. A line appears between his eyebrows as his expression shifts into confusion: why is she this level of upset? "Brennia, nothing's gonna come out, we're a locked box over here," he reassures her, in the tone of a man who's rather puzzled he has to console a woman about this. Like she's just asked him if she looked fat in an obviously flattering dress or something. He expects her to elaborate as to why this mostly benign secret is apparently so distressing, but then she pivots and drops this truth at his feet. His eyes grow large with surprise, his mouth opens but the words wither. He covers his mouth with his hand and stares at her while she pulls free a handkerchief and begins to dab her eyes. "That's insane, Brennia," he manages, after a second. She broke a random unknown artifact and it wreaked that level of havoc on all of Lithrydel? His reality has jumped the shark. (Unfortunately, that's RP, a series of shark-jumping events, so Hudson's first instinct is the wrong one.) "That's insane, no," he tells her. "What happened was a tragedy but it was not caused by you breaking some random thing in your house. This is not a thing."

Brennia pivots expertly on those heels in her spot and by now she’s forced her wings to return to normal for appearances sake, “I’ve seen it’s creation and I have some other evidence that I will go over, I’m going to call a summit. I will fix this before it ruins any more lives.” There was power in her words, like actual power that if anyone takes her seriously will feel the bardic magic wash over them and in this instance give them vitality, determination and confidence. She takes a thin black cigarillo from a case within one of those cool pockets (I swear, last mention of those.) A simple hum and the cherry alights brilliantly in their dark corner(hall? Office?), but at this Hudson might feel a little warm from the spell. A long drag of the vice and smoke dances away from plump lips. Bottom line, Brennia isn’t taking anymore crap and she will do anything for her friends, “and in the end I hope you and Alvina can forgive me. Merry part, Hudson. Say hi to your mother for me?” With this she finds her way back out to the gentleman and Corvo was really getting into the nitty gritty of blitzball with Fitz when he spotted Daermon by Brennia’s side looking concerned. His campaign ‘manager red flag’ gets thrown and he clears his throat, “Brennia! Fitz here is a stand up fellow. I like him,” he said in a brush the elephant in the room under the rug type manner. When he sees Brennia’s hand go to Daermon’s for comfort he clears his throat again which stops both the avian’s and the vampire’s movements because it is not supposed to be known there’s something complicated between the two as avains and vampires don’t mesh. Brennia doesn’t break eye contact with Daermon, “let’s go back ho-... to the college.” They all make their cordial and professional goodbyes, Daermon goes back to being a man in the background and then they are leaving just as fast as they came. This didn’t go as planned, at all, but she hopes she didn’t just lose another friend.

Hudson doesn't know how to process this news. He'd like to not believe it. That's easier. He's ready to argue, put this matter away, but the tone of Brennia's voice cuts against his convictions, though, turns them into dust. His brow creases, he watches, speechless, as she lights herself a cigarette and sashays out of the room. She has barely left when he feels a dormant anger take hold of him. It sears his forearms, a kind of blindness seizes him. There's a file cabinet by him, and he picks it up and throws it hard, bruising the wall and spilling its contents everywhere. It makes a harsh sound, out among the others Fitz's eyes widen. And suddenly Brennia and her party are excusing themselves, well that becomes of no surprise, because the sound of a file cabinet being smashed isn't the first one. There's the musical crash of broken glass. "I'll walk you out," offers Fitz, even his friendly composure faltering.

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RP:Blame It On the Bard

Office, Cenrilians For Prosperity