RP:Finding A Place

Part of the On Stranger Tides Arc

Summary: Brennia helps Khitti figure out her place in the Bard's Guild.

The Goth Garden, Cenril

Brennia has been in the highest spirits lately because her most recent, and hopefully last, surgery went swimmingly along with the recovery. She cannot remember the last time she truly felt optimistic. Usually she’d always greeted anyone with a smile and helping hand if they needed it, but these past few weeks she has really felt the connections between all bards stronger than she has for a while now. On her way to find Khitti, she crossed paths with a homeless drunk on the street as he was staggering his way past the bakery, but when she stopped a moment and offered him a fresh snack from the bakery and some tea to sober him up, it is the woman’s smile that warms the man’s heart. Most people wouldn’t, Thedez would have suggested Brennia moving along, but the naga bodyguard is no longer with the bard. Maybe, just maybe, the poor drunk will be kinder this day and not feel so alone in this world. After leaving the man better than she found him, she walks the familiar path to the gothic stylized garden and meanders in a slow saunter within to take in all the handpicked flora complimenting each other. There is a light that shines from within the avian as a content smile rests on her lush lips and she finally stops to marvel at the statue. Though Brennia is in better health, she still looks quite thin, but she hides it well with loose chord knit sweaters that hang past her thighs somewhat and by pulling her hair up tight so her long wavy hair doesn’t accentuate how thin her facial features have gotten, people haven’t really been asking her if she’s feeling okay as often. The avian's skin isn’t as ashen, but the dark feathers to her wings are still quite dull. In time she will look healthy once more, patience. The garden is so beautiful that she’s completely lost the reason why she came here in the first place, but she allows the moment to wash over her with an openness she used to enjoy.

Khitti || From the moment Khitti opened her eyes to even now as she gathered herself a pot of coffee downstairs in the bakery’s kitchen, she was cursing not only Alithyk Caluss’ name, but anything else having to do with the demi-god as well. The chill that’d come over Cenril in the past few months was murder on Khitti’s joints and bones. It didn’t matter how often she did yoga or exercised or anything of the sort. There was no point in avoiding it: Khitti was getting old. The more she put her body through on a daily basis, the more stress she put on everything. And yet, here she was, with her tray of coffee and several slices of Stollen and all the fixings needed for the coffee for her Yuletide season breakfast, taking it all outside to eat in the garden. In the cold. So maybe it wasn’t as cold to her as it was for other people, but that didn’t matter. Khitti was very much wearing her black, fur-lined parka that was usually worn in Frostmaw, for obvious reasons, as well as a pair of knit gloves. But just as she was headed out the door, the redhead spied a certain “chicken lady”. It took her freshly awakened mind (she has a rather bad habit of sleeping in some days) a moment to process it all before she’s turning around, grabbing another mug for the tray, and then headed outside finally. “Hello again, Brennia,” she said with a faint smile. “Want some coffee? ...And some Stollen? They make it in my home country this time of year and I had nagging craving for it that just wouldn’t go away.” She set the tray on a table and sat down, the tray pushed in the middle for both to take from, if Brennia wished to. The sweet bread’s insides were littered with spices (things like cardamom and cinnamon) and candied fruit and walnuts, while the top of it was coated with a thin layer of white icing.

Brennia blinks out of her little daze when a familiar voice reaches her long tapered ears. Her solid teal gaze finds Khitti and she smiles anew which brightens the bard’s face while also poking dimples in her caramel toned cheeks just before she greets, “greetings, Khitti.” The smoky alto timbre doesn’t sound as strained as last time and even has just a hint of her native accent. The avian accepts the offer to join Khitti and she makes her way over to also take a seat. “Stollen?” The curiosity is piqued as she gently plucks a piece of the bread to inspect it and smell it in order to make sure meat isn’t an ingredient, “oh, that smells heavenly.” Brennia has been enamored with food all over again now that she can actually eat without pain or getting sick, so when she takes the first bite, her eyes roll closed for a second and she lets out a little hum of enjoyment. The bard still chews thoroughly and takes her time because she doesn’t want to disrupt her new stomach. With a soft and short chortle, she covers her lips during the chewing, but after swallowing her bite, Bre blushes a little while apologizing, “I’m sorry. I just haven’t been able to actually enjoy food for nearly two years now.” Pacing herself, she gently sets the bread down and inquires, “how have you been?” Last they talked, Khitti seemed to be spread too thin while missing sisters and brothers, of which Brennia can very much relate. “Hopefully you haven’t added more ‘hats’ to your collection,” she calls back to their recent conversation about the many things Khitti was leading at the time.

Khitti grinned at Brennia’s reaction to the stollen, “It’s a sweet bread that’s usually made around Yuletime in my home country. Some people put dried fruit and candied citrus peels. Others put nuts. And some even put in rum-soaked raisins. But, my mother always threw in the whole lot of it. A little bit of each, of course, so they’re not overpowering one another. Just enough so there’s a little bit of something in each bite. She’s the one that taught me how to bake.” The redhead finally took a bite of her own piece of stollen and chewed it thoughtfully. “Some of the recipes I use here at the bakery are hers. Like the custard-filled doughnuts and the carrot cake.” She poured herself a cup of coffee, then offered some to the avian as well before she set to adding sugar and hazelnut flavored creamer into her own mug. “I’m alright, I think. No more hats really. Lionel was found and brought back and put back in control of the Warrior’s Guild, so I don’t have to worry about that whole mess now. Still doing a bit with other guilds too because I’m an overachiever, but things are definitely a little better. And you?” Khitti eyed the woman for a moment, taking in Brennia’s appearance. “You -look- better. Healthier, I mean.”

Brennia’s solid teal gaze watches as the woman’s expression shifts while she speaks on where the recipes come from. It is a touching story that softens the bard’s expression further, “that’s lovely, madame Khitti and what a special way to honor all your mother taught you.” The avian is unsure if Khitti's mother is still on the living plane, but she wasn’t going to pry today or make any assumptions. Brennia wishes she could share anything her mother had taught her, but it was her nannies, tutors and maids that did everything for them. Royal life is something she was happy to leave behind. After swallowing down another small and well chewed bite of the stollen, she sets it down and excitedly clasps her hands together, “that’s good news. I’m glad Lionel is well and safe,” it’s odd to speak on someone she barely knows even though she had met him a few times, but she will never forget an ally and how bravely he fought by her side when she destroyed that damn jar. “Me?” Her cheeks warm to a pinkish hue as she grins sheepishly, “thank you, I am well on the mend and soon I will be returning to Schezerade to bid farewell to most of the students at the bard’s college for winter break. Before the next semester gears up, I’ll be on the lookout for more Bard’s Guild members as well.” The avian gives pause as she finally remembers why she ventured this way, “speaking of which. Have you given any thought on joining our ranks? We could always use more Therapists or Guardians. Therapists aid others through music while guardians use their music as a weapon. There are also Thespians, who act in plays, and Wordsmiths, who write scripts, songs or poems.” With a shrug of one of her shoulders, “there are even what we call Preliminaries. This is an experimental task force that tests the boundaries of the bardic powers. We can send someone to slumber with a lullaby, manipulate emotions with a powerful ballad and lend strength in the heat of battles. Is there more to it? If the right lyrics and notes lined up, could we manipulate the elements around us?” While reaching for her piece of stollen, she grins across the table to Khitti, “does any of that sound particularly interesting for you?”

Khitti let out a ‘hm’ as she listened to the several classes of bard that the avian listed off. “Well, I do write songs. I’ve never acted in a play, but I’ve made use of my talent during missions where a disguise was needed. But, I don’t actually fight using my abilities. Not like I’ve seen someone else do. It’s been a long time, but if I recall, he could project his voice and use it… sort of like a mix between air magic and telekinesis.” She set her cup down finally, eyeing the coffee in it that remained, a lengthy pause given before she spoke again. “Several years ago, I was fused with a being from the Shadow Plane. Her soul--essence--whatever you want to call it. It was the reason I was made into a vampire at one point. Long story short, I was eventually fully given her magic to have as my own. And after an even longer wait, only just a few months ago, I was more or less granted free reign of it, to use alongside the light magic the god of Freedom and Independence had given me. I’ve since learned that this being, Amarrah was her name, that her and her people were herders of spirits. The Shadow Plane acts as a sort of purgatory some times. Souls, whether they’re from that plane of existence or not, lingers there. For some time, I’ve been able to soothe spirits with the violin that once belonged to my sister. I thought the violin was enchanted… but maybe it just boosted the abilities I’ve had this entire time. During the mission to rescue Lionel, something happened to a lot of us there. We were either gifted with new abilities or some of us had our current abilities strengthened or fully unlocked. Even before this happened, I felt a pull to the spirits there… but when we left, I felt a great sadness because I couldn’t help them. I thought it was just because I didn’t think I’d ever be able to use my abilities together at once and then it finally happened, but over time and much dwelling on it, I realized it was because of that. Because there are millions of souls trapped on this archipelago and I can’t do anything to help them.” Khitti fell silent again, crimson brows knitted together as she looked up at Brennia, “I have the ability to soothe people, somewhat, as well, but it’s not as strong. Perhaps if my destiny had been to become a paladin of Cyris, it would be but… I’m not a squeaky clean person, which is definitely expected of people that follow that path.” The redhead smirked, then almost immediately frowned, “I’m sorry. That’s… a lot to let loose on someone. Fact of the matter is, I’m not sure where I belong in your guild. I definitely want to join--and perhaps showing you my ability would be easier--but even then, I am so many things at once that I don’t know which is right for me.”

Brennia seems to have forgotten about the stollen in her hand as her attention is fully drawn to Khitti and the intricate story that mirrors her own background in small parts. There is an understanding deep within Brennia’s gaze when the woman across from her mentions being fused with another being. The bard remained silent and thoughtful while placing the food down for the last time so she could rest her chin atop the back of her sleeve covered hands after propping her elbows on the table. When being a paladin of Cyris is brought up, Brennia’s shapely lips curve into a coy smile as she softly mentions, “ah, yes. My love, Zahrani, is a paladin of Cyris.” When Khitti apologizes about oversharing, Brennia’s smile shifts to a warm one and shakes her head only once before saying, “not at all. I’ve found our little talks therapeutic in a way and background knowledge makes up who we are today. It is hard finding a place to fit in, no matter where you go, but with bards, it’s more so because we are sort of like nomads. We follow our hearts and our muse, we adventure to find what drives us, what drives others. I believe there are many things we can be and we get limited unfairly. So,” she lets her gaze linger on the redhead’s facial features before her, “why should we limit anyone? If you’d like, you can place yourself in two or three categories. Perhaps you would like to be a trailblazer and set your own title within the guild? We all sort of run things by adding in our own ideals or new ways of thinking because nothing is set in stone while none of us are above the other, Alvina and I just recruit and attend stuffy meetings.” A nonchalant shrug causes her sweater to give up its position on her thin bony shoulder and brandish her tattoo covered caramel skin some. “I’m not going to tell you where to place yourself,” her grin spreads, revealing pearly perfect teeth and poking dimples in her cheeks, “something tells me that no one can tell this fiery strong woman to do anything she doesn’t want to. If you’d like to play something, I’d be much obliged. I think you know what you want,” there is a confidence in her smoky timbre added to that last statement.

Khitti || “Oh gods, no more titles for me please. I’m drowning in them and I didn’t even ask for them,” Khitti said with a laugh and a bit of a smirk. “People in the other guilds I’m in tend to address people by their rank. The only title I’ve truly put any effort into getting is from the teaching position I have in the Necromancer’s Guild, but even then... “ She shrugged. “I dunno. I’m not one for social politics. Your love can confirm that--and last I knew, Zahrani agreed with it too. I only have ranks in the Devout’s Guild as a means for people to seek out others that might be a bit more trained in various things. It’s the same for the titles too. It’s purely a matter of organization. It’s just what works for guilds like that, I suppose. The Warrior’s, Necromancer’s, and Mage’s are the same, but they all take themselves a lot more seriously than I do for my own guild. I’m very… go with the flow with some things and I’m all about equality and all that.” The redhead paused a moment and thought things over, “But the Bard’s Guild? I love what you and Alvina have done with the different categories you’ve created. It’s enough to inspire me to rework my own guild, honestly. Back to the matter at hand though… Another group could be added? Something for those that don’t fit into just one category? Or maybe hasn’t fully found their calling yet? I would certainly love to help with the Preliminary testing. I’ve yet to find someone else that can control spirits with music. It could be called… I don’t know. ‘Multifaceted’ maybe?” Khitti let out a ‘hm’, then offered a “give me a moment please”, stood up, and shadowstepped up into her apartment, leaving a wisp of smokey shadows in her wake. She soon returned in the same fashion as she had left, with her violin case in one hand, and gave Brennia a bit of a grin. “There’s an area down at the beach where spirits frequent. I can take us there if you wish? You wouldn’t have to walk or fly and overexert yourself.”

Brennia lets out a short raspy giggle when Khitti also laughs after such an exclamation. As the redhead recaps what the other guilds are all about, the avian nods here or there with that content smile constantly resting on her lips. When a compliment is paid to herself and Alvina, Brennia does blush again and it even reaches those long tapered tips to her ears. “Could be multifaceted. Could even be called Renaissance bard, one that doubles in a little of everything,” but then she’s being asked to wait as Khitti stands and Brennia is happy to accommodate. It’s the shadow stepping that caught her off guard! Khitti has spoken of the shadow plane and her powers, but it was just now that she is reminded that this isn’t the only person she’s met with such abilities. The memory doesn’t sully her mood, but actually enacts a start to a chuckle just before Khitti returns. “Oh?” At the offer to be taken with Khitti, Brennia stands as well and pulls her sweater back up proper, “sounds lovely. I’ll go with you, I’m no stranger to the ways you travel.” She takes a step closer to Khitti, bringing with her that typical avian trait where anyone smells their favorite scent on them. If she remembers correctly, traveling through the shadows requires physical connection to the one with the power to do so, but Brennia doesn’t go assuming that’s how this particular mage does their magic. So she simply stands there and awaits instruction or is open to holding a hand or whatever else.

Rocky Shore, Cenril

Khitti looked confused at the mention of Brennia understanding her magic. But… how could she? When the two first met, Khitti’d been cut off from her shadow magic. It, of course, never occurred to her that Someone-Who-Will-Not-Be-Named (ever), that had sired Khitti, had also come in contact with Brennia long before Khitti ever did. Still vaguely concerned about it, Khitti tried to shrug it off and took Brennia’s hand. Within an instant, the two shadowstepped their way from the bakery, down to the seaside, where a destroyed ship--and its dead crew--had long since lingered from before Khitti even set foot in Lithrydel. In reality, Khitti’s magic had opened instantaneous portals to the Shadow Plane and back to Lithrydel, but it was so fast, that it was naught but darkness.

Khitti || Eventually, they’d arrive, Khitti would release the avian’s hand, and would take a bit of a breather. After a moment or two, she’d nod her head in the direction of the spirits, “Gotta rile them up a bit first.” Khitti frowned a little, then summoned up a few small balls of shadows, and tossed them into the area the ghosts occupied. Once those had been sent off, it was just a waiting game. Well. It wasn’t much of a waiting game. They sensed Khitti rather quickly--it wasn’t her first time here, after all. Too many times she had pacified them when all they wanted to do was rip her apart. Unfortunately for the spirits, they wouldn’t get the chance today either. Khitti brought the stark white violin with black accents up to her chin and put bow to string. A somber melody found the air as she began to play, and despite its bleak tones, it was rather calming in nature. It took only moments for the music to take hold, but once it did it plucked at the ghosts’ heartstrings and tore them from their malevolent mood. Khitti watched them, then turned her attention to Brennia briefly out of the corner of her eye. A faint, mischievous grin appeared as the melody shifted, this time to a slow waltz. ♫ I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam. And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you'll do. You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream… ♫ The redhead sang as she played, her lyric mezzo-soprano voice just high enough to be heard above the violin without interfering with the instrument’s own sounds. The music compelled the spirits to waltz, pairing off into twos and keeping in time with the tempo.

Brennia made an expression that said 'mistake of an ex' all over it when she noticed Khitti's confused expression, you know the one, that tight lipped slight grimace with the life leaving the person's eyes. That was a time where the both of them were using each other to get past someone else and Brennia has long forgotten that Khitti was that someone else. Obvious regret of that time and entirely willing to participate in never-ever-ever mentioning it. The avian's hand within Khitti's feels warm and silky as she grips back confidently without hesitation. It has been quite some time since she's traveled that way and when they step through, her ink appears to twitch on the bard's caramel skin after they appear on the other side, but it could be easily missed as Brennia doesn't even realize as she also takes a breather. Looking to the direction in which Khitti nods and then her soft smile returns as she nods in excited anticipation. Once the specters appear, Brennia's solid teal gaze doesn't move from them as an expression of concern eventually morphs into delight when they begin to dance and revel due to the melody provided by Khitti. Brennia catches the mischievous grin aimed her way and she grins right back before Khitti has taken the avian's focus entirely. It is a complete joy to watch someone tap into their passions and she just sits there quietly in awe as Khitti plays on. Brennia almost feels compelled to take Khitti up by the hands and waltz with her if she wasn't the one playing, but she just hugs her massive dark wings close to her own frame and sways to the power of the music. Oh how the bard misses being back to lighten the spirits of people this way, but ever since the surgery, she can only simply play without the addition of baric power. She patiently waits for the song to end even though ache fills her when the pleasant melody is taken away, "thank you, Khitti. You are so talented," stepping close to the woman and placing her hand on the woman's elbow, "you have to be a performer. All beings across Lithrydel must be able to experience such talent," the words wholeheartedly honest and her warm smile genuine as it pokes dimples in her near gaunt cheeks. "That is how I feel, anyway. How do -you- feel?" Those teal hues search the woman's beautiful face for the answers.

Khitti || The music played and then the music stopped, the spirits somewhat tamed and returned to their sunken ship. Khitti listened to Brennia and let out a chuckle, blushing a little. “I actually -am- a performer. I have a band called the Sound of Sirens. I’m the lead singer for it and I play violin on occasion when one of my bandmembers takes over on singing for a song or two.” She shrugged. “But, sometimes I feel like my abilities are more than just for entertainment, which is why I couldn’t quite decide on an area for you to place me in. It’s a wonder I can do any of this, really. I didn’t have the ability before I died. But, when I came back, amnesia-me was convinced she wanted to be a singer and it just sort of went downhill from there. We typically play in Cenril’s theatre or Vailkrin’s cemetery, but we’re trying to branch out a bit.” She carefully held the violin by the neck and the bow within one hand, letting them hang at her side. “I used to work for Hildegarde, up in that ruined city on the west side of Frostmaw. I was basically a spirit herder. Much like these ones, they were prone to malice at times and I was tasked with keeping them calm. Aside from the music aspect of being a bard, I’m an artist too. I work with watercolors mostly and pencils.” Khitti took a moment and looked towards the sea, scrunching up her face a little in thought. “You know, maybe I don’t need something all-encompassing. I think I’d be alright with being in multiple areas, if you’re fine with that. That way, if someone needed me for something in the guild, they’d know what I can do and provide for them.”

Brennia's jaw drops, "really?" She has heard of them and even heard them perform a few times, but she must have been too caught up in the music to remember the performer's faces. "I am sorry to sort of fan girl over here, but I love the Sound of Sirens. Brilliant!" Oh, jeeze. Would it be too awkward to ask for an autograph? Is she blushing? Her cheeks feel hot again. The conversation is moving on and Brennia has to refocus, "of course, yes. So much more." Yes, Hildegarde, she knows the Queen. "Diplomatic as well? I think you will fit in quite well with the bard's guild and our scouts help procure proper rooms for all of our entertainers along with anything you might need for the stay. Heck, take the traveling coach if you need it," (it is basically a tour bus that looks like a simple carriage, but is much bigger on the inside.) "I would be honored if you came up to the college one day and gave a painting lesson or even put on a concert at the Schezerade Amphitheatre. The students would be in awe of you madame Khitti," with that, she holds out a hand for a shake while smiling warmly at her new comrade, "welcome. That little instrument I accidentally left behind will grant you entrance into the bard's guild headquarters." She looks out along the shoreline as she says, "I am going to go hang out at my home away from home, the Isran Collective and hopefully Zahrani will also be there, I'll be seeing you Khitti," those large teal hues find the woman's face again as she genuinely says, "thank you again. I know you've also lifted my spirits tonight."

Khitti blushed even harder once she noticed Brennia doing it as well. “I uh… yeah. I could, you know, maybe try to get them to play in Schezerade someday. We haven’t been able to branch out as much as we’ve wanted thanks to twenty million doomsday scenarios going on at once that’s been taking up a bit of my time. Gorey Taelyr can only do so much on his own without me.” She cleared her throat and looked down at her violin awkwardly, the redness still rather present in her cheeks as Brennia continued to compliment her. “You’re welcome. I hope you feel better soon. And tell Zahrani I said hi. It’s been some time since I’ve seen her,” Khitti said, before offering a goodbye wave to her. “If you need me, you know where to find me!” And if she couldn’t find Khitti well… someone would. She was practically everywhere nowadays, which was very much the opposite of when the two first met. Once Brennia had left, Khitti laid her violin and its bow on the ground and sat in the sand beside it, so that she could watch the tides for a bit longer before she too went home. This is a Bard's Guild RP.