RP:Brennia Meets A Fellow Bard

This is a Bard's Guild RP.

Summary: Brennia wants to reach out and do more as far as being a Bard goes.

Hanging Corpse Tavern

This once-timber tavern has been rebuilt in sturdily vitrified blackstone and imbued with powerful protective magics that prevent occult fire and several other potentially harmful spells being cast within its walls. No effort has been spared to make what might otherwise be a bleak interior comfortable. The bar is made of polished stone with an oaken inlay, the space behind filled with a bustle of attractive barmaids, sundry barrels and a dazzling array of coloured bottles that glint in the light cast by a large wrought-iron candelabrum suspended from the ceiling overhead. Here, the one-eyed Steadman stands, ready to take orders for food or drink. Beyond the bar, stout tables are firmly bolted to the floor, though the high-backed chairs are freestanding. The hearth is a true feature, seeming to be cast from black lava into the shape of a colossal, laughing goblin's head, its maw gaping wide and deep, usually containing a merrily crackling fire. A delicious scent of roasting meats drifts in from the kitchens and a winding staircase leads to rooms upstairs. To the south are set cellar doors, usually kept locked unless a special event is taking place. The walls are hung with thick, richly woven tapestries depicting persons and events in the history of Vailkrin and the Vampiric race. There's also a notice-board near the entrance, where one may leave messages. Unobtrusive but ever-present are the security staff, staunch fighters ever ready to toss troublemakers out.

Brennia still had some debts owed to the owner of Hanging Corpse Tavern for the time they tolerated her as a free loading drunk. So, there she sat at the oh familiar spot of the baby grand piano, at first she warms up her vocals for a spot while getting her placings right on this piano since it's smaller than the one she had built at her castle. Her long onyx black wings drape behind herself as if they were a cape as she was perched on the pianist bench and the rather busty waitress had already brought her favorite bottle of black-fire wine, all smiles and flirts. She softly starts the song and though the accompaniment alone is up beat and simple the real magic starts when she starts the lyrical content in which speaks of letting old scars go and pushing through… Maybe she sang it more for herself, but the idle patrons entranced by the bards magic allowing every note struck by the Avian's nimble fingertips fill all the empty parts of their soul, making them feel whole again. Every lyric rang true and resonated in the air like a lullaby and for once the future didn't seem so bleak, maybe? It sweeps those listening up in the moment through all of the crescendos, decrescendos and all the sweet high notes, the warm low notes blurring the darker parts of their mind.

Aira finally managed to get out of Rynvale after a week perhaps two of being stuck there. She honestly wasn't sure how long she was gone, only that the whispers since she had gotten off the island were indicative that Hildegarde and her supporters had regained Frostmaw and the war was over. She was uncharacteristically exhausted and more anxious than normal, perhaps due to her Rynvalian souvenir; gone were her tapered elven ears and instead a fluffy set of russet colored fox ears twitched atop her head. Her other gift was a leather choker necklace that fit snugly around her throat. She didn't normally go to Vailkrin but she wanted to see one of the few people she could call a friend, Pilar. Knowing she played at the Hanging Corpse for tips, Aira detoured there and pushed upon the door. She cast her copper eyes around the establishment but alas no Pilar at the bench, but an unfamiliar avian whose fingers swiftly moved across the keys. Sighing, Aira slowly walks over to the bar and slides into a vacant stool, her shoulders slumping as she waits patiently to order a drink. Her ears perk slightly at the music which is played and the lyrics being sung, and the huntress thinks to herself that the song is rather appropriate for her at least.

Alex enters the Hanging Corpse not long after Aira, the pale white tint of his skin enough to indicate the human is struggling with fear in the city of the dead. Running his hand through his long black locks to tame the mess of hair against his neck the bard finds a better view of the tavern and is captured by the song being played by the winged woman. Bobbing his head while he feels the rhythm, Alex is getting into it when the doors behind him swing open and the massive head of a bear goes about snorting the air and jabbing him in the back. Spinning around in a panic Alex gives a slap to the bear's nose along with some very sharp whispers, "Adagio! I told you to wait outside you fluffy oaf!" The dire bear reluctantly falls out of the building with a groan allowing Alex to turn his attention back to the musician followed by a quick scan of the crowd, noticing their enticement it becomes clear that this is no novice on the keys but a skilled bard with an enchanted voice - something Alex learned he possessed not long ago. Listening for a bit longer to learn the repetition of the lyrics Alex decides to chime in with a loud and powerful voice that mirrors Brennia's own while moving across the room until he stands by her side hoping like hell she doesn't take offense to his stepping into the spot light.

Brennia didn't mind the human's addition to her song as it was nearing to an end while she would attempt to end the song as gently as a feather drifting to the floor, but it still wont soften the blow to one's soul when they realize how empty they truly may be without the bard's song. She hadn't noticed the newcomer right away and any applause goes unnoticed by Brennia; which, I know, may come off as arrogant, but she was trying to nurse a hangover and had pets to take care of and 'feed'. She runs a tattooed hand through her long black silky hair as it fell in her face while she was leaned over the keys in such deep concentration. Her oceanic blue eyes take in the one who stepped into her spotlight and a smirk before a long necked obsidian pipe slips between her plump lips. She hums a soft tune and it seems it stoked a fire in the herbs she had packed in the end of it, but if one was looking closely one could swear they saw the tattoo pattern shift upon her caramel skin as if it were alive. She raises her 6'2" self (plus some because of her stilettos) from the pianist bench as to not hog the beauty. Her free hand lifts the bottle of black-fire wine from the top of the piano and she downs an impressive amount before offering a curtsy to Alex, "Brennia, merry meet," she greets the man.

Aira could smell the bear before she heard Alex call out his name, it only confirming that there was someone she knew in the bar after all. Her eyes widen and her cheeks flush slightly as she curses under her breath in elven. Facing Pilar like this was one thing, but Alex? What if he hated these ears? She had barely come to terms with this herself and her confidence or lack thereof was not up to being cast aside by the male bard. This was a predicament. Her ears betrayed the fact that she was actually listening, but she was unsure if her not turning to face the now singing duo would draw more attention to her or not. Opting for a quick getaway, she waves away the bartender, apologizing under her breath, before slipping from her stool and ducking down. She weaves her way though the other patrons, taking the long way to the exit as she hugs the perimeter of the room. Just as she is about to reach for the door handle, applause breaks out and Aira obliges in this (the woman was -very- good) before once again attempting to escape out the door without Alex seeing her.

Alex has to tilt his head back slightly to meet eyes with Brennia, a smile and nod given in return for her curtsy "Alex, same to you. You have a beautiful voice, if I may say so, I think..." the bard is suddenly cut off as Adagio plows his head through the door once more just before Aira reaches it, the dire bear groaning and lashing out with his tongue to cover the high elf in sloppy, disgusting, saliva filled bear kisses. The bard is red in the face with embarrassment as Adagio once again breaches into the tavern to interrupt on goings but the embarrassment is quickly set aside as he notices the bear giving affection to the stranger rather than tearing them apart. Then it hits him, the platinum blonde hair being a dead give away, "Aira?" he calls out with a raised brow while taking note of her fancy new ears. "Excuse me, one second..." scurrying over from Brennia to the bear and woman Alex pops Adagio three or four times scoulding him with hisses but the bear won't listen so the bard finally reaches over and bites his ear as hard as he can sending the beast hurdling through the doors once again. Looking to Aira with a huff he seems to calm down a bit and is examining the ears, "Ok. We've got to talk about those later" he says with a smile before reaching out to take her hand before leading her back to the avian while giving her the blue bandana wrapped around his neck to wipe Adagio's spit off with. "Sorry about that. Brennia, this is Aira, Aira, Brennia. Aira also plays the piano." He spurts off the fact in hopes of a conversation starter between his beloved and this potentially new found friend.

Brennia didn't blush or go on tittering like a school girl at the compliment and she only nods her head once in a thank-you-type gesture, "You as well, Alex." There was a commotion given by Alex's pet and while the whole ordeal is going on with them, Brennia's favorite busty waitress comes over to let her know that her order was ready. Brennia sets her vices down to give the waitress the coin purse to pay for her crate of wine, beer and spirits (this Avian likes to party it seems) while her other hand ever-so-cooly slips a golden piece between the woman's bust while she leans in to whisper 'Please leave the crate by the door so I may collect it on my way out, thank you'. This sends the waitress rushing off back to the bar blushing and giggling, sure, but Brennia has new people to meet now. Brennia looks the woman she's being introduces to, "Merry meet Aira," up and down almost in a perverse way until her eyes catch sight of the woman's new ears and she beams a heart melting smile revealing perfect pearly whites and in doing so pokes dimples in the Avian's cheeks, "What lovely ears you have," Her compliment was genuine while her hand gestures to the now vacant pianists bench, "Would you like to play?" By the quirk of Brennia's brow on might think that was a double entendre as she is a very flirtatious being, but she is trying to be on her best behavior as of late. Also, take note than anyone close enough to the Avian would experience smelling their favorite scent emitting from the woman; its and Avian thing.

Aira wasn't expecting Adagio that time and squeals when he bursts through the door, her mouth opening to chastise him before Alex has the chance. Her plan is thwarted, however, by heavy, slobbery kisses on her face. She freezes when Alex calls out her name and squeezes her eyes shut for a moment of reprieve. "Damnit..." She mumbles before turning to face the human and smiling shyly. She watches at Adagio runs from the tavern and draws her bottom lip between her teeth when he comments on her ears. Still, he takes her hands and leads her back towards the other bars. Aira is polite, offering a kind smile up to the woman. "Pleasure to meet you, Brennia. You sing and play beautifully," she comments. The avian's compliment about her new ears has the huntress blushing which in teen darkens the freckles along her nose and cheeks. She chuckles nervously and gives the choker around her neck a tug. As if on command those fluffy fox ears give a twitch. "Ha, uh, thank you." Copper eyes move swiftly to the piano bench when it is offered and Aira quickly shakes her head no. "Oh that's alright. I'm not very good and only play for fun." Aira did notice that her favorite scent was suddenly in the air, magnified because of her fox-like status, but what the scent was only the huntress knew.

Alex enjoys watching the two interact and follows up with Brennia's compliment, "Indeed, what lovely ears you have miss Aira!" that cocky smirk of his making it's long awaited reappearance for the first time since the war, it appears his body isn't the only thing that has healed with time but also his sense of humor. "Nonsense!" he cries out before taking Aira's shoulders and escorting her to the bench "She's a real professional, in fact, I'd say she could probably give you a run for your money if you aren't careful Miss Brennia. She once outplayed an entire orchestra using her feet! Tremendous show, honestly!" Once he's forced the woman onto the bench his left palm is flat across her back while he turns back to the Avian "By the way, you smell absolutely amazing. Quite different than the rest of this forsaken city, hmm?" He ends with a hum that takes a little longer than most would provide to roll out, unseen to the avian or the high elf Alex channels a calming wave into Aira's with his placed hand to give her the boosted confidence she needs to play in front of the crowd who seem rather interested in the trio. A tall and beautiful black winged avian, an adorable platinum headed high elf with kitsune like ears and an Alex. My, oh my, what a group.

Brennia shrugs which may now bring notice to the slight twitch in massive onyx shaded wings behind the Avian where they hypnotically reflect hues of deep blues and forest greens, "It's not about good or bad, it -is- about fun. My playing at this venue is more about debt." She offers a soft chuckle while tucking some of her own hair behind an elongated pointy & pierced ear. She watched the male force the woman into the seat and puzzled together that they must be pretty close causing her to think to herself, 'If any one of my pets touched me in such a way, they'd surely earn a slap.' This thought caused her to check the tattoo movement on her hand, there it was, swirling just lightly over dewy caramel skin, damn. Her hands reach for her obsidian pipe and she takes a long drag before turning her head in order to send the dense smoke billowing away from the duo to be polite. Her smirk came easy at Alex's compliment, "It's a common Avian trait, but thank you." Brennia positions herself in the curve of the piano so she may listen if the woman did in fact begin to play, but she would only listen as she wasn't one to step on toes or soak up spot light. Her free hand raises the back-fire wine bottle to plump lips in order to drink straight from the bottle, unladylike it seems.

Aira gives Alex what is clearly a panicked look when he begins to steer her towards the piano. "Alex..." She warns but it goes unnoticed as he plops her down on the bench and she heaves a heavy sigh. The last thing she wanted was to be on display in front of other people with fox ears. However, her his hand touched her back her anxiety seemed to melt away, which caused a suspicious look to be thrown the bard's way. Aira flexes her fingers and places them on the cool keys, once again chewing on her bottom lip (a bad habit). She does not sing, however she does begin to play a more somber tune because why not really. She watches as Brennia takes her place and swigs from the bottle, but no judgements are made. Aira is known to do the same thing. "Do you know the vampiress Pilar?" She asks the avian curiously. "She plays her sometimes. That's who I was looking for."

Alex is well aware of Aira's discontent with his actions but it's never stopped the man before, in fact some might consider Alex's sole purpose on this plane of existence to be pushing Aira out of her comfort zone and right onto the edge of her sanity only to put on a pair of puppy eyes when she was close to breaking. Truth be told, the man loved her and with that love came a constant need to badger and badgering was something he did well. As she played and spoke to Brennia the human stayed mostly out of their conversation though his hand never left her back while he hummed along to the tune.

Brennia smirked again a bit playfully as she remembers meeting Pilar once, how shy she was and how easy it was to make her blush. Brennia can't wait to run into her again and make her blush even more as she found it was so adorable when she was able to make other women blush. "I've met her some time ago, yes." Brennia had no issue meeting the woman's copper eyes with her own solid blue ones while the Avian took a long pause to enjoy the keystrokes and she softly muses out, "Lovely…" Again compliment genuine and Brennia did something she doesn't usually do for really anyone, but with her hand on the piano she was able to amplify the sound coming from it and it gets sent out throughout the tavern causing any bustling around to stop and enjoy the music. Brennia's stare didn't move from the woman, it wasn't in a creepy way, but more of a concentrated way and the woman may experience the emotions the tune she is playing the way the patrons are at the moment with Brennia's silent help.

Aira chuckles when Brennia mentions having met Pilar. Come to think of it, Aira hadn't seen her in quite some time, assuming she was caught up in the Frostmaw war herself. Aira jumps slightly when the music is amplified, her ears flattening against her head for a moment before standing upright once more. She shifts on the bench before casting her eyes around the tavern and then landing on the pretty avian once more. Cue another shy smile because Aira is one of those who doesn't enjoy people focusing on her. That and the sudden flood of emotions Aira felt made her even more uncomfortable. So after a few more minutes of melodies the huntress ends the song and withdraws her hands from the keys as if they had suddenly burned her.

Alex moves his hand from Aira's back to begin clapping rather loudly with a whistle and a cheer inciting a round of applause from damn near the whole tavern thanks to Brennia's amplification so even the edgy vampires in the back could pick up on every single note. Through the noise he smirks again and brushes his knuckle across the back of Aira's neck and choker as he moves around her side to face Brennia once more, "You said you played here for debts. What does someone like you owe a place like this? Burn it down with your pipe on accident or something?"

Artia ::The Apothecary didn’t find Brennia at her home, and so moved to the next spot where she knew the avian could be. Thusly being the hanging corpse tavern, a soft smile spread along her lips as she knew the sounds coming from it could be Brennia working her fingers along the keys of the baby grand piano. Slowly she opened the door seeing Brennia, Aira and even Alex. This could be interesting, but none the less she moved fully inside, grabbing a handful of her hair tying it up into a black ribbon to hold the long curls from her visage. Up to the bar, she ordered cinnamon schnapps, waiting for brennia to speak to her as she seemed pre-occupied with the others

Brennia appears a little sad for the melody to be over, but she wasn't in a rush to occupy the space again, "Everything alright, Aira?" Her brow quirked at the woman and her recent uncomfort, but she was a bit distracted by the counter spell to comfort her which was coming from Alex… A fellow bard of course, which gives her an idea, "I've heard talk of there being a Bard's guild around here… I need to seek out some more talented individuals, but does that sound like something you would like to help out with?" Brennia's deep blues were stolen by the gorgeous Artia when she enters, "Artia my love!" She waves her over with that heart melting smile again poking dimples in those caramel cheeks. If the witch abided, "I'm unsure if you've already met these lovely people since you are already so popular, Artia this is Alex and Aira. Guys this is Artia." Once the woman would near close to Brennia she would wrap her in a tight embrace and offer a gentle kiss to both of Artia's cheeks.

Aira grants Brennia with what she hopes is a reassuring smile and gives a curt not. "Yes, everything is fine." Alex's enthusiastic cheering has her blushing again and rolling her eyes slightly, but still smiling. That is until her knuckles brush the choker affixed around her neck; the huntress tenses and the bard would most likely feel her sudden shift in mood. Copper eyes lift to his face as she silently tries to explain that she'll tell him what this is all about, fluffy fox ears included. Artia's appearance does nothing to brighten her mood and she simply glimpses at the witch with a blank expression. "We've met," she says simply to Brennia. It was no secret, Aira was not Artia's biggest fan and really didn't do much to hide her dislike save for not appearing totally hostile.

Alex did feel the change in Aira's posture upon the touch but the human's expression did nothing to betray the fact as Artia is suddenly joining the group, the formal introduction given a tilt of the head and narrowing of the eyes as the man examines the woman carefully. "Artia. I know you." A slender digit is aimed at the woman and bounces up and down as the gears begin turning in the bard's mind, "You've got my shirt." An odd story that was most likely forgotten to all but him but it was damn near the only connection the man could make. He isn't as cold as his other half opting to provide a pearly white smile to the newcomer and her 'close friend'. Then he's thinking about PIlar, weren't those two a couple? Whatever happened to that? Bah, what does it matter you bumbling bard, you've got no business meddling about! "It's nice to see you, Artia!" He exclaims before finally responding to Brennia, "A guild? What is that some sort of club or cult or something? I'm already a part of one of those though I haven't seen any of my "mate" in months... Of course, they could have all just up and left me behind..." His expression is one of confusion for a few seconds before he snaps back to reality, "But that does sound interesting, yes! Let me know anything you find out so I might make an informed decision before committing to the cult of bards." Finishing his piece, Alex leans back a bit on his heel and rubs his thumb against Aira's neck again, this time picking at the choker in such a subtle way that would tell the high elf "I felt that" while everyone else would be none the wiser.

Artia smiled widely when Brennia spoke to her, taking her drink with her, sauntering on over to the trio. “Yes, I know them as for the popular part not really dear. You just like to think I am,” pausing her eyes slipped onto the others, “Alex, Aira.” She bows her head, “It has been awhile, I hope you two have been well?” She hugged Brennia back tightly, placing a kiss to both cheeks in return. “I need to speak to you about a possible Bard tournament in Larket, and the top two gets trophies for winning. Also occurred to me that Larket doesn’t have a bard either. So I might speak with the council on this and see if they even want one.” It had been a very long time sicne she saw either one of the two. But either way she flashed a soft, gentle smile before looking up to Brennia. “Have you been using the mint oil? Has it helped?” Artia looked back to Alex, she couldn’t help but to laugh, oh gods it sounded so wrong. ‘You got my shirt!’ jeeze…If Odhranos was here he would burst into laughter, she just knew it. Then it happened, she realized she actually missed that goof. Her face showed no emotion but longing in her eyes, which changed up quickly wanting to hide emotions, “Nope, I sent it to you with a letter to not leave clothing around in a Inn.” She almost cringed that didn’t sound good either, looking to Brennia. “Not like it sounds at all. Really isn’t, we had a few drinks he got distracted and left it behind. I was a good girl!”

Brennia chuckles softly, "Yes a cult, we eat these hallucinogenic berries and write epic poetry for days on end." Her smirk was hoping he would pick up her sarcastic tone, "I think it's just Bard's Guild, we would meet and discuss concerts and poetry readings and such. People may come to us and commission us to perform at weddings, coronations, birthdays and such. Yet, we can also heal our allies or torture enemies." Her smirk seemed a little more wicked at the last part one cannot be sure though, she could be joking again, right? Her hand gestures to Artia and her comment about the tournament , "See there's already stuff for us to do." Brennia smiles sweetly at Artia and jokingly says, "How dare you." With mocking a jealous tone. Though Artia would still only smell her favorite scent coming from the Avian she was using the oils to keep her darkness in check. "Yes, and um… Someone else has been helping as well…" She averted her gaze back to the couple, "I'll keep you posted Alex."

Aira pretty much looks exactly as Artia would remember, save for her ears which were now fluffy fox ones atop her head. When Alex mentions Artia having his shirt, she wings her eyebrow up at the bard as if to say 'is that so?'. However, when his fingers toy with the back of her choker she makes a strangled sound in her throat, panic painted all over her face before she quickly reaches back and grabs Alex's hand, keeping it in her own so not "accidents" happen. "I think a Bard's Guild would be good for you," she comments to Alex with a half smile.

Alex isn't a fan of torture and the last time he had a run in with drugs he became a bit of an addict to put it kindly, roughly? The dude was worthless, strung out and up for a week or so straight wandering around Gualon to get more of that powder. But then again, who knows, maybe hippie berries aren't nearly as potent. When Aira snatches his hand he takes a mental note to rip that choker off at the first chance he got but he'd make sure the two of them were alone before hand. You know, science and stuff. Looking down to the high elf he scrunches his nose, "You think so? I guess I don't have much else going on now that we aren't about to be smashed by giants all the time..." Turning back to the avian he nods, "It's settled then. Keep me up to date and we will see what we can do but until then, I think Aira and I must be leaving before I pass out - deathly afraid of vampires and all the pointed teeth in this place have my blood pressure through the roof. I can feel it and I'm sure they can as well." He turns to Artia and tilts his head to the side, "Hmm... I don't recall. Oh well, worthless old rag anyway I'm sure. I appreciate your efforts to return it."

Artia ’s curioustisy was peaked at the someone else was helping, “Oh I think I know who, so my leaving worked out to plan hmm?” She chuckles, and nudged the avian. Her favorite had changed from the cinnamon and vanilla to forest like, Odhranos’s scent. Which only made her heart ache even more for him, jeeze she didn’t realize how deep she was in it for Odhranos. Something she was too stubborn to admit about even if he asked, she would change the subject. Artia did notice the ears, but would not stare or ask about them as to not meddle in someone else’s affairs. The witch had become more of a restricted to her ranch or gardens, not really going out as much as she should unless Brennia, Odhranos or Mcracken dragged her out of Larket. Literally almost drag..A nod was given to Aira agreeing in such, “Aira, if I do this bard competition, would you mind hunting some deer for it? I would pay gold for it.” To Alex, “No problems, it seems you have found love in Aira. That is a beautiful thing, you both deserve to be ever so happy.” She tried to be sweet, something she was learning.

Brennia curtsies once more as her hands her occupied again by her vices, "Merry part Alex and Aira." Her brilliant smile beams again, "I hope to merry meet again soon." She would watch them part until it was just her and Artia, "I guess he isn't my pet anymore…" Her soft smile was hard to hide and the nervousness of the conversation could be felt between the two. "Have you worked something up for me to take to help with the darkness?" Her voice became soft in a near whisper as she didn't want many to know the internal battle she was fighting nearly every day.

Aira nods at Alex's suggestion of leaving as if the two had planned this all along, quickly standing from the bench and swinging her leg over it. A raised brow is given to Artia at her question but the huntress slowly nods. "Of course. Just let me know when you need them by." See? Aira could be amicable at times. To Brennia a more genuine smile is offered. "It truly was lovely to meet you. Perhaps we can all meet up again sometime? Only I'll leave the music to you and Alex," she says with s wink before giving the male bard a gentle tug on his arm. "We should go see what Adagio is up to..."

Alex doesn't object and as the two make their departure the close eye would find Alex giving Aira's arm a death like grip as he stays close by her side so that she can kill all the big bad bitey guys should the need arise.

Artia looked up to Brennia, “I think I have, but it is best for us to test these items out in a more private place. I do not know how you might react to them, good or bad. I also have some stuff for us to smoke to help us relax. I bought it on my way over here. My friend Anson says it is amazing stuff, so we shall see. Do you want to go upstairs or back to my place?” She finished up her drink, licking off any liquid left from the drink. “Thank you Aira, I definitely will let you know after I speak to the council.”