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 it's 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 to 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.

Zachaël, is here.

The castle has turned into a beautiful ‘Bali’ wonder with long drapes of fabrics cascading down the cathedral ceilings of the main hall in a tent-like fashion and in a plethora of bright colors. All of the plush furniture has been moved out to the courtyard and the marble floors have been covered in bright colored and elaborate patterned rugs to match the fabrics on the ceiling. Most attendees have taken off their sandals or shoes at the door in the Bali custom, but some have opted to keep theirs on. A band of hired students are milling about playing zen music for any and all guests. A section in the middle of the grand hall has been left blank for dancing enjoyment and near the back of the hall are a couple of large hookah apparatuses with plush cushions around them forming a circles. One hookah area is designated as ‘flavored vapor’ and the other ‘flavored lite tobacco’ for any to be able to partake in the fun. Out in the cobblestone courtyard there is a henna tattooist or two painting gorgeous geometric designs on the party goers all giddy and giggling in the anticipation. As the sun sets the courtyard stays alight and alive with actual fairy light bobbing about the air of the night skies in a sort of simply elegant plaza wonder. Anyone being parched for food or drink could easily find their way down where the dormitory common area is as it has also been draped off from the amass of bookshelves and corridors to become more of a dining area. All of the desks and sleeves pushed into the corridors and simply blocked off at the archways. Many college students (ages ranging from 20’s and beyond) are milling about in light cotton swishy clothing in the same bright color scheme of the party and enjoying themselves while only a couple of them are taking turns helping at the raffle desk. Another pair are taking turns keeping track of the belly dancing competition sign up sheet.

Brennia has been here setting up the party and making sure all the food and activities are in order, but she wasn't overly stressed about it. It's a laid back party and it only looked fancy from the simple yet elegant decorations. She could be easily found though if one of her friends were seeking her out with the six foot two height and large onyx wings. She adorned a cerulean blue outfit which was embroidered with a golden colored thread into simple patterns and bared her midriff which showed off her lock tattoo and her side (A Meri original! <3). She had gotten henna tattoos on her hands since she's already covered in head to toe with actual ink and didn't want to waste the artist time in creating something that would actually stand out on her dark skin. Her hair was simply curled and half put up, but had some gold cuffs latched onto a few braids in her hair for an interesting accent. A fuchsia pink silken sash drapes across the span of her onyx wings which seem to glitter slightly tonight and she chose to go without shoes or sandals tonight in order to show off the toe rings and anklets she matched to her outfit. She keeps to herself for now as she was currently chaperoning the party because yeah these students are old enough to not have to be watched, but you never know and she was sort of having fun watching them all relax and enjoy their time. A few of the students have gotten the ball rolling on the raffle for a rare custom item, a real golden mask which is enchanted, 10 gold for 1 ticket and a few of them walk away with long sheets of tickets (What chance takers!). A couple of girls put their name down on the competition sheet all the while chuckling and sort of picking on each other in a light hearted manner, but ‘first place gets 10,000 gold! What fun!’ Some male students were trying to bet which can blow the best smoke rings with the hookah smoke and even one of them mentioning that they should try to find the Delenchament peyote and spike the bottles, but this idea was quickly forgotten as Brennia did hear them and shot them a warning glance.

Alvina had been talking about the promenade with Hudson for weeks, since the invitation had arrived. Going out and doing adult things had become little events, and she threw all her energy into selecting their outfits and wrestling Hudson into wearing traditional Bali garb for the event. They left the girls with E.L., who wanted to know all about the woman throwing this shindig. E.L. appreciated cultured and powerful women, which described Brennia perfectly. They take a carriage, because it’s a bit of a walk and Alvina’s concerned about getting her clothes dirty if they fly. They arrive fashionably late, just as the fairy light becomes the primary source of illumination in the courtyard. “Oh Hudson, it’s beautiful…” She sighs, leaning into his chest. She’s wearing a multicolored Lehenga Choli, which shows her mid-section through a pink and baby blue portion of a transparent sash. At the door, she removes her shoes and begs and begs Hudson to get a henna tattoo with her. She wants to get cheetah spots on her bare shoulders, doesn’t he like cats, it’ll be fun just wait. The smell of fruity vapor and the warm laughter of the students crowd the space with the pleasant comfort only summer evenings can offer. Her hair is pulled back part way, and the gracious women at the henna stale gave her a bindi once they found out Hudson and Alvina were engaged to be married. “What’s a few weeks?” The old woman said, laughing brightly as they instructed Hudson on how to apply this small red dot to her forehead. It was rather sweet. After a while, they sit in the courtyard, fresh breezes ruffling her sash and skirt when she spots Brennia’s colorful attire and Alvina tries to wave the avian woman over. “Brennia…” She beams, standing to wrap her arms around the other woman. “Thank you so much for inviting us. Everything is beautiful…” The only thing she could get Hudson to agree to wear was a Sherwani of his color choice. It made him look a little military, she kind of liked it, and told him constantly how good it looked over his nice slacks.

Hudson makes a disgruntled noise in the base of his throat, grimacing as Alvina suggests she get cat spots tattooed on her person. "You know I think that's weird," he complains in a sigh. "What about like, Property of Hudson, that would be fine." She'd only made that suggestion to yank his chain, obviously. He is roped into assisting Alvina with the very cultural face decoration. "Now it's official, no take backs," he says to her, reaching to lift passed glasses of wine for the both of them. They mill around together, making small talk with couples they know, complimenting them on their themed outfits. Hudson is not as in love with his outfit as Alvina is, though he really likes her outfit. He's made more than one (POSSIBLY RACIST?) genie fantasies joke at her, and she has pretended not to hear. "This may be culturally insensitive of me," begins Hudson, as he and Alvina seat themselves in the courtyard after a grueling conversation with Some People His Mum Knows, always the worst, "...but I always feel like theme parties are an excuse for women to wear slutty costumes. Not complaining, just making that observation." He glances generally at her top, his gaze drifting to her midriff, and very coolly lifts an eyebrow before once more looking ahead of them. "I'm just saying, nobody wants to like, have a Frostmaw wilds themed party where everyone's covered head-to-toe in heavy animal skins. It's always something where you guys have your boobs out, it's fine. I support this." She is waving Brennia over, possibly to derail this amazing conversation he is having At her (not really with her). He waits for Alvina to cheek-kiss the avian first before following suit. "Good to see you again, Miss Smyth," he greets her. "I was just telling Alvina that everyone's costumes are so interesting! Everyone," meaning the women, "looks great!"

Brennia did catch sight of Avlina and Hudson and made her way over which made the long geometric patterned skirt to flow with her. That warm sultry timbre of her’s greets them, “merry meet you two.” Accepting Alvina’s embrace while checking the Spudson out with a smirk, “look at that. You -can- clean up and clean up well... Almost as good as your better half here.” She chuckles shortly and softly at her playful jab. She actually does like the idea of them together, it’s genuine in her bright smile, and in her mind they make sense; yes Hudson, Brennia has only said nice things about you to Avlina, but Brennia never saw the merit of tearing others down in the first place. Also, this is dressing up in some cultures and not costumes, but Brennia doesn’t care about what Hudson was saying because she knew what he meant, “everyone has turned out this formal wear rather nicely, I agree. And this woman takes the cake here,” she motions to all about what Alvina was wearing, “she’s positively glowing.” Poor choice of words, but Brennia really has no idea what she’s predicting here and only wishing to pay a compliment, “I do hope to see you on the belly dancing competition. First place gets a nice award and I know you’ve got moves,” a wink was added at this in mentioning their little road trip from before. A hand grabs onto Alvina’s with that engagement rock on it, “and this?” A smile spreads wider, adorably, upon Brennia’s face.

Alvina waves her hand at Brennia, blushing terribly. "Now, now! You look amazing!" Her laughter adds to the merry sounds around them. "We decided to make it official, apparently." She's trying not to gush, it's only their second engagement, no big deal. "Speaking of! I hope you'll do me the honor of being one of my bridesmaids? I know it's a little sudden but I wanted to ask you in person and we are both so busy..." She laughs again, nervously looking at Hudson, was he sick of wedding talk yet? The glowing remark goes unanswered, but she swings back around to address this belly dancing request. "I'm better on horseback than on my own two feet but if you show me what to do, I'll jump right in. I bet we could even get Hudson to belly dance." Here she turns to Hudson in the way of all teasing women everywhere. "I'll even let you borrow my top -sweetheart-."

Hudson rolls his eyes as Brennia compliments him, there's a conspiracy among women to make a point. He's much more comfortable in his lazy dad's outfit of windpants/shorts and a polo. He drapes an arm around Alvina, resting his hand on the small of her back, which is uncovered by fabric at the moment. He's not sick of wedding talk, it's nice to discuss adult things rather than like, the eruption that was Luna's last bowel movement. #Parenting He lifts his eyebrows as Brennia describes Alvina as glowing. "Sheeeee really is," he agrees, trading a look an and enigmatic smile with Alvina. His eyes grow at the prospect of Alvina competing in any sort of dance event. That had not been on the itinerary. He snorts as Alvina tries to deflect this one onto him, though. "Sounds like the best of ideas. Maybe after five more drinks we'll see how I do," he comments. He pats Alvina on the backside. "She really wants to see YOU though," he points out, turning a smile on Brennia. "My mum's going to be at the wedding, you'll get to meet her." To Alvina: "Brennia's apparently a big fan of my mum's um, literature." Inferred scare quotes.

Brennia nearly bounces with excitement of the news about miss EL Landon right as she answers Alvina’s question, “of course! It would be an honor!” The topic is easily turned back to belly dancing and at this point she turns herself to stand next to Alvina, opposite of Hudson, “It is actually quite similar…” She starts to instruct Alvina, “you just bend at the knee and you want to keep the upper half of your torso focused to one spot while your hips sway side to side instead of back and forth.” Brennia places her feet together and bends her legs slightly at the knee, “you just stand in one spot and bend at the knees like so.” Keeping her legs together she then starts to shift her wide hips side to side in a sort of hypnotic circular motion. The motion would remind most of a snake, “like so.” She waits for Alvina to get the hang of it before taking her hand and leading her back into the main hall where the competition was beginning to start.

Alvina scrunches her face at Hudson's remark. "You're too critical of your mom," she laughs, before squeezing Brennia's hands with excitement. "Thank you so much, it means a lot to me." Brennia falls in line beside Alvina and the bard tries to space her feet out to match the Avian, all while keeping Hudson in her sights. "Hey, hey, you turn around. This isn't about you." She points at him, glaring before Brennia offers the instructions and she tries to follow. Oh boy, having kids really takes some of the elasticity out of certain motions. It takes a couple times and questions before she's looking somewhat similar to Brennia in the hip motion department. "Don't you laugh Hudson, I swear." She can't look at his face but she can imagine some sleazy grin on his face. What a guy, her husband to be. Her hips eventually move in natural circles, instead of hitching on the outswing and her knees are forgiving. The white line of her C - Section is barely visible through the sash but she's thinking about it now. Everyone will be looking at her midsection SPECIFICALLY. "Can I just, dance behind you?" She asks Brennia, shyly. "You know, for fun?" The music starts and several students encourage each other to join the contest. Two girls belly dance while their elbows are locked together, their classmates cheer from the side lines and Alvina looks on nervously trying to get all her body parts to move to an unfamiliar tempo.

Hudson doesn't turn around. He is here for the demonstration of belly dancing between the two women. He holds Alvina's drink, which at some point had transitioned to a dressed up club soda. "I'm not laughing, you're very sexy," he informs Alvina, with a grin that HE DOES NOT BELIEVE IS SLEAZY but is rather merely indicative of both amusement and appreciation of the movements that are happening. He does however covertly touch her on the butt as Brennia leads them to the main hall and they pass through a particularly dark area. "What," he says, when she looks. Brennia's a little ways ahead of them still. "Also," he says, pointing with his index finger to the avian, then to Alvina, before raising his eyebrows and giving Alvina a thumbs up. "Yes?" he asks, only to be brushed off when she practically scampers away to lurk closer to Brennia and away from further suggestive remarks on his part. He refreshes his wine glass and sits on a bench with a group of husbands who have also recently become belly dance widowers. They immediately commence a lively discussion of the baseball season, as packs of men tend to do. Brennia was oblivious to Hudson’s…. whatever it was he was doing. A smile thrown back at Alvina and her shyness, but brennia knew what she was doing, “oh, I cannot enter. I am the one giving the awards away.” Brennia said it simply as if it were written in stone. “I have complete faith in you,” she whispered into her friend’s ear before shooing her off encouragingly. A few songs pass and girls cycle through all the while Brennia was making eye contact with Alvina and sort of, and very covertly, showing her the way to dance once more. The eye contact was for something else entirely and even though there are many bards around them they are far too distracted/inebriated to pay attention to the fact that Brennia was humming softly under the music and connecting to Alvina on a whole other level which might be something she’s used to by now. Brennia was sending a spell of courage and confidence towards Alvina and she may feel entirely anew in forgetting there is anything less than perfect about her. Once the songs end, Brennia and a few of the other judges commence their chattering to stand before the crowd of students. Third and second place go to a pair of lovely competitors, they collect their prize after a loud round of applause and cheering, but the anticipation was killing them. “First place… Goes to madame Alvina!” There was a bigger applause than the first two times combined and as the winner would collect her prize she might here random gossip of, “oh, yay! I liked her best. Who is she though?” and “she’s lovely! I do hope she comes here to do a demo one day… She's obviously a bard.. Duh.” Brennia has struggled to instil the supportive atmosphere in this college and so far it seems to have been working. “Alright, time to announce the raffle winner,” silence consumed the great hall once more while a student brought a large glass bowl filled with raffle tickets and everyone sees Brennia fishing for a ticket, “the name on this ticket is… Illegible.” She can barely make out Hudson's chicken scratch, “35049 is the number on it… You may collect your prize at the raffle table. Thank you everyone for such a wonderful term and cheers to many more.” The student elate one last time, “to end the night I would like to perform a slow song for you all.” There was groaning and sighs for they didn’t want the night to end, but a mixture of happiness as well. “So, everyone, latch onto someone you love…” A glance to Hudson and Alvina before she starts in with the band on a song very similar to Rihanna’s - California (Cenril) King Bed.

Alvina tries to give the money back, this is crazy she was bad at this who are you people no don't do that..but Brennia and Hudson are both cheering her on so she accepts it with the intention of giving it to the college later. A handsome, anonymous donation for the lovely party. She waves in Brennia's direction, silent thanks in her eyes for all her encouragement and training. There's no way she outdanced on her own. Hudson's former remark about Brennia is given an eye roll when they reunite on the dancefloor. "Sometimes, you are weird." She says, scrunching her nose with a smile while they slow dance to the famous song in the way of couples everywhere. "It's a shame the girls couldn't be here...They'd love the henna. It's like face painting, do you think I should have gotten cat whiskers too?" The teasing continues until the song stops, Alvina doesn't want to admit it but she's a little enamored with Hudson right now. Occasionally, he is the best and makes her heart race simply by existing. She tries to filter through the crowd to find Brennia before the next song starts so they can all dance together this time, not sandwich style but more like wiggling their butts in the same general area. "These clothes are comfortable, very loose and cool. Maybe I will start dressing like this all the time.." She teases, sticking her tongue out in Hudson's direction. "Brennia, really. Thank you so much for a wonderful time. I'm glad we got to do something fun together. It feels like it's been ages since our road trip sometimes."

Hudson is still here for Alvina's belly dancing. The conversation among the huddle of husbands and boyfriends -- they'd introduced themselves by relation to the women competing -- stalls as the competition begins. He'd expected Alvina to drop out and sprint over to him and climb into his lap, embarrassed, but then she taps into an apparent secret reserve of confidence. For a second (only a second), it reminds him of how he'd seen that same confidence when he'd first met her when she was singing to children. After this first second, he becomes conscious, at least by glancing at the husband/boyfriend bench, that her performance is rather notable and other guys are staring. That is annoying. He plays nice, cheers and then kisses Alvina to congratulate her when the competition ends and she is announced winner. "Now I have to kill all these punk asses who were staring at you," he comments cheerfully into her ear, squeezing her backside possessively as he does. (lol is that really an appropriate joke to make.) Further jealous remarks are put on hold because he's announced the winner of the raffle, so after making a surprised noise to Alvina - he never wins anything! - they head to the raffle table to collect the prize. He puts it on for a second, LOLs at his reflection, and then lets Alvina wear it, because she's the pretty one, and also, as he jokes (except not really jokes) while they dance together, "Maybe all those guys will stop staring at you now." He smiles a private smile between them, and turns her. "When I'm only a little jealous, she likes it," he sighs to himself, as if speaking to the third wall. He rolls his eyes as she tries to tease him about cat stuff, and then he follows her as she leads them to Brennia. He lets the ladies dance more with each other and shoots death glares at men who try to approach. Alongside Alvina, he likewise expresses his thanks to Brennia for a great party. "You should go on a little spa trip together, I'll pay," he suggests to the both of them. "Alvina gets so worn down with the girls, she deserves to hang out with a friend."

Brennia was pulled from the band and they pouted just slightly, but did play one last encore of a song from the encouragement of the crowd. The last song is a little more up-beat, probably the New Found Glory sounding version of Don’t You (Forget About Me). “You should be a little jealous. Alvina is a choice catch,” a wink given from those stunning Liberty Blue eyes and in the back of her mind she wonders how these two even had any issues at all because they are too darn cute with each other. “And we dance!” She doesn’t even care, she shakes her Headmistress arse among students and throws in some really nerdy moves with like the most extra facial expressions ever. Maybe she dabs, maybe she doesn't, but a friend of her’s that doesn’t dab is no friend of her’s… Or something. Hudson’s suggestion is heard and responded with a smile, “very notable. I’ll accept. Or you can bring all of the little ones,” wink, “up here to the gardens or courtyard just to mess around with some instruments one day. At least then they will be encouraged to make as much racket as they please.”

Alvina takes the mask and puts it on. "Do I look like a theater star now?" She asks, with a dramatic pose after they finish dancing. She's a little breathless, and sighs at the idea of a spa trip. "Both of those things sound amazing. I'm sure they get tired of hearing us say 'play quietly' or 'use your inside voice' since they are starting to do that now. It's cute, the things they can say." Quiet Hudson jab, mostly for her own benefit. "I'd love to do that. Maybe we can drag E.L. along and make a day of it. Have a picnic and bring sandwiches. Oooh Hudson you can make grilled cheese sandwiches." Her tone implies this is a thing he either likes to do or claims to do well. "Or grill out, He's a master with a grill. I won't spoil it for you but one time he even started the fire with a snack chip." Alvina's chin nods, face pulled back in mock surprise. "I know, I -know-, it's impressive." Apologetically, she threads her arms around him while students break away from the dance floor to follow up on other activities. It's gotten late but there's still plenty to do for those interested it seems. "I kid, but really a spa day would be wonderful. Maybe we could go before checking out dresses. I need to drag Meri, Khitti, and Pilar along too. I bet Jos already has her dress all picked out, sometimes it's good to be the Queen. Oh also, Brennia. Have you heard about that guy Fitz running for Mayor in Cenril? You should look him up, his wife is a marvelous witch who specializes in agriculture. I bet she could help add a bunch of exotic plants to the campus grounds?" It's a light suggestion, Alvina's just canvassing for Hudson's friend and her own. "Uma's very sweet, I'll introduce you at the wedding for sure." A wink, it's a promise.

Hudson chuckles at the mental image of the girls banging on some instruments, and grimaces a little at the reference to the things their children can say. NO comment. He does however want to hype his grilled cheese sandwiches, and his grilling in general. "Hell yes I can make you guys lunches, but in terms of attendance my mom might have a chilling effect. Anyway, let's make it happen." The crowd begins to disperse, and he looks after them, thinking about how much time they'll have before his mum returns to the house with their daughters. He stirs a hand against Alvina's back, turning on an easy smile as she mentions Fitz and his wife. "Great people," he tacks on to what she's saying. "Maybe we can make sure they're all seated together," he suggests to Alvina, before glancing at Brennia to confirm. "Anyway, it was great seeing you, Brennia, thank you for a wonderful evening, you're a great host. This was great."

Brennia would of course abide to any and all, “I just adore children.” To be perfectly honest she’s been feeling a little emptiness with Ava-Marie and Artia gone from the castle. A surprised look at Hudson, “I must try one of these grilled of cheeses. Sounds fancy!” She wouldn’t care if they aren’t, she adores these people now and No, there is no going back. “That is a wonderful idea Alvina. A sort of bachalorette party. Yes? I would love to meet one of those ladies,” Khitti, “Oh?” This person sounds interesting indeed, “you think? I’m down. Whatever you guys choose is cool with me.” A mention of EL Landon being chilling and that dimple inducing smile spreads across her plump lips, “I sometimes am able to warm up some rather chilly people in my day.” Quite the convincing one, but when you have to try and goad servants ordered to watch your every move to do the simplist of things - you just get good at the art of persuasion. “Well, thank -you- guys for coming. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help out with the wedding preparations.” She of course would follow her VIP guests out the castle and to their carriage while they say their goodbyes.

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RP:End of Term Promenade

Smyth College of Bardic Arts