RP:For Brennia Smyth
Part of the Vakmatharas' Jar Arc
This is a Bard's Guild RP.
Summary: Raven gives in a tells the truth, but lets the people of Schezerade know that she is only to serve them.
The Fountain of Wishes
A marble fountain takes up the majority of Schezerade’s central square. In its centre, a ring of golden fish peek their heads out of the water, spewing streams of water from their mouths. Stacked on top of that ring lies a platform with a ring of majestic eagles, wings outstretched, chests puffed out proudly as jets of water shoot out of their beaks, into the sky. In the very centre of this beautiful fountain, placed on yet another platform above the eagles and fish stands a marble statue of Schezerade’s founder, a beautiful avian woman sporting a metallic arm. Passersby's stop to watch the living fish swimming in the fountain and the statue of the powerful woman with wonder. Some can even be seen tossing coins into the fountain as well, in hopes that their wishes will be granted.
Raven had been properly informed on what’s been taking place in Schezerade as of late and was slowly coming to grips with reality that this is now her life. Stuffed into one of those chic women’s suits specially crafted to withstand most of any attack and she watches as a small crowd had gathered, most of them reporters. Corvo stands behind her along with Counselor Dewfoot-Barrows from the bard’s college while she stares down at the speech before her, but those are just not her words and the more she thinks about it the more it is just not right. Taking a deep breath teal eyes set on the group of civilians before her, “thank you all for coming back so we can try this again.” There are whispers of where she is getting that Veretian(French) accent again, ‘can’t you hear it? It’s subtle, but it’s there.’ She pushed the large round gold rimmed glasses up her nose, “such unfortunate events sent Evanescenz to recover with family back home - as you all know, but she is doing well day by day and our warmest wishes go out to her and everyone affected by the horror that his my opponent's Hotel business, the Homicide Hotel,” the establishment has been nicknamed. “As this campaign goes on I want all to know I am here to help. Remember Brennia Smy-” Raven stops and takes a deep breath… Her monotone voice comes back, “I apologize… I just can’t.” Corvo goes to step up to the podium, but Raven’s hand motioning for him to stop and the hobbitess’ hand on his did halt him. “Good people of Schezerade. None of you are stupid for we are highly intelligent creatures and I will not continue to stand up here to try and fool your eyes. As you can tell I have not been the same for a couple of weeks now, but I do hope to shed light on the very real threat on what took place.” Corvo looks surprised by this, but keeps his cool. He trusts the hobbit woman next to him because she cares about what is going on just as much as he does.
Raven looks confidently on out to those gathered, “we can take all of the precautions we want and I dearly thank the man who protected this journey for so long, even risking his life, but no matter how well we prepare we are never really ready. So, I must shed light on the darkness where they hide. Brennia Smyth de Vere was attacked a couple weeks ago by a beast that was released by the Flewminati, but I couldn’t let her vision die with her,” her eyes catch sights of horror, sadness, disbelief while whispers of the organization stir, “and yes, the Flewminati are behind the Draft Homicide Hotel Incident. They have you under their thumb and many of the senate under threat, but what they want for your future is damaging because we will surely die out if we continue to alienate ourselves.” Passion and fire is seen in this woman’s eyes for the first time since she woke up. She may not be as charming as Brennia was, but she was confident and cemented in her beliefs, “and why not welcome diversity into our fine city. Should we not learn and grow from others? There is a whole other world out there beyond our marble and gold gates that is just rich in something more valuable than money… It is friendships… Connections and the sharing of cultures. Please, let us open our minds because you know if we do not we will not be known as one of the most intelligent races any longer,” she plays into avian arrogance a little there and this seems to open a few eyes in the crowd. “It is what Brennia would have wanted and I will not see her vision be insulted by closing ourselves off from the world… My name is Raven Cadenza de Vere and I am only to serve you fine people of Schezerade.” A genuine and powerful look about her during her wise words as she seems older somehow.
Eirik is not a citizen of Schezerade and had no means to even argue any words spoken by this.. Raven. Silver eyes flick amongst the crowd and reporters. Of course he had heard of the Flewminati. He even had a run in with them before meeting with Brennia. The Lycan doesn’t like the taste in his mouth or the thought that this silly hidden society sought to control things from the shadows. What group that acts that way, has your interests at heart? The warrior comes to a stop near the edge of the crowd. Lana probably nearby him as well. For she’s the reason why the Northman is even here. Otherwise, Constantine was keeping to his duties and protecting the bards. His attention turns to find Lanara and see what she has to say about this.
Lanara stands by the fountain, watching Raven give her empowering speech, though it’s obvious she’s not Brennia, not in the slightest. Sure, she held a hint of her accent, and there was the fact that she greatly resembled the Avian. But if one were to truly know the real Brennia, they’d spot this imposter a mile away. Where were her markings? Those liberty blue hues? The elf sighs, and scans the crowd, searching for familiar faces and finding none, other than Corvo and Dewfoot, of course. Since finding out, only last night, that Brennia was gone and Raven had taken over, the young woman had been beside herself. Those big brown eyes are rimmed in red from crying, and upon hearing about the gathering, she had to make an appearance to see Raven’s stance on what Brennia held so dear. The Bard’s Guild. The College. And most importantly of all, her campaign for Schezerade. At least Raven seemed on the same page regarding those facets of operation. The elf lifts her gaze to catch the silver hues of Eirik, and she gives the smallest of smiles. Her lycan knew that she was fond of Headmistress Brennia, and the fact that he was here to show his support meant the world to her, though she’s unable to muster more than a small smile. Taking his hand, she gives it a gentle squeeze as the speech ends, and her gaze settles on Raven. She would support this woman, as she had Brennia, and perhaps her old friend would resurface, in time. If not… Well, they would cross that bridge another day.
Thamalys stood tall right at the very edge of the marbly circle, still as dead. The Wind only dared to play with the velvety clothing that wrapped the whole of his shapes - albeit nothing would ever be able to conceal the silvery shadows of those ridiculously huge wings. Blue as the very sky, the fabric managed to cover most of the ink covering the Spellblade, presently intent to capture each and every one inflection of those peoples’ speeches. So many words… much to be learned, even more to be feared for. No need for the Healer to get closer - besides, the sight of the Gossamer Halberd, casually laced on his back, would have probably been enough to stir a bit of a mess. No, those were times made for silence, so there the Winged Beast stood, the knotty mass of his dreadlocks swaying happily into the murky air, a cascade of ivory white fighting gladly with the embroidered blue that otherwise stole the scene. “What in the name of the Wind…” would have muttered the Avian a split second after the last echo of Raven’s speech vanished. || It has been too long, o’ silly, one… just shut and listen, would ya? Also, look at the crowd… some familiar faces, aye? Care to do something about it? || inquired the Ageless Black, way too eager as usual to plunge into the throng. The only answer to that already silent plea, though, was utter silence, mingling oddly indeed with the thriving, if diverse, bunch of onlookers standing just a few feet away.
Kanna winds up having to climb onto the bottom edge of the fountain to be able to see the podium where the Dean stood, pointedly ignoring the dirty looks cast her way for stepping all over of the city's landmarks. Really, there was no other feasible way to see over a crowd made mostly of creatures a full foot taller than she. She listens to the Dean's speech, and looking around the crowd to see how others were reacting. This was the first she had heard of such a building. Odd, why hadn't she heard of such a unique place, yet, or overheard any of the students speaking of it? The idea of this secret and dangerous Flewminati group threatening Schezerade, if one could pardon the ill-timed pun, flew over her head. "Who are the Flewminati?" She asked quietly to a nearby avian, who simply frowned at her curiosity and moved away. The bardess scrunches her nose in confusion, then wondering if she had met Brennia or Raven on her first day. Come to think of it, Counselor Dewfoot-Barrows had mentioned something of the Dean not quite being herself when the human had first come by. The announcement means little to her, but Kanna decides whether or not Raven is the 'real' Dean or not, that she is still the winged woman's student, and will go along with... well, whatever it is that is happening here.
Yoshika stood in the back behind all the people there to watch the speech that Brennia was giving. It was just the other day when he first showed up here that she was trying to do the same thing. Hand firmly holding onto the tsuba of his katana as it rattled during the speech. There was something off about her the day they met but Yosh couldn’t place exactly what it was. Almost as if she was someone else in Brennia’s skin. The many times she “almost” misspoke and used her real name, seeming so disinterested and new to what she was doing. Despite the fact that she was supposed to have been running a campaign and a school and didn’t seem to know what she was doing. Yoshika listened as she revealed herself to be Raven and all his suspicions seemed to be correct. This didn’t do much from his perspective she still could prove to be a help to him with his quest. Hearing the audible gasp from people in the crowd surprised him a little, How could people be so unobservant.
Raven allows the bustle of the crowd to die down at the shock of the information they have just been given and gently clears her throat, “it has been a tough day. And I urge you all to stay safe. Through the darkness we shall see the light.” Her wings with the sash draped over the gap of her own large wings still unmoving due to her discipline, “please, hold to your questions and think on new ones. I will answer any and all inquiries at the DeVere College of Bardic Arts. Thank you all, merry part until we merry meet again.” She bows her head and the secret service with her gathers around her to lead her away.
Lanara narrows her gaze on Thamalys as he speaks beneath his breath. Who was he? He looked like some sort of authority figure amongst the avians. Next, her gaze shifts to Kanna, who is given a bemused smirk. The girl was petite, like herself, and she knew all too well how intimidating it could be in this city, amongst six foot tall, winged, beings. Was she the new student that Miss Dewfoot had said wished to enroll in her dance class? She’d be sure to speak with her once this ceremony concluded. And finally, those dark hues rest on Yoshika. He also didn’t seem familiar, though his hand upon his katana is noted, and she quirks a brow. Lay a hand on Raven. I dare you. The intent within her gaze is obvious, and if he were to look at the pretty elf, he’d notice that she doesn’t have resting bitch face, but that she’s serious about protecting Brennia, whether it’s really Brennia, or if Raven is the new Brennia. It was all so confusing. And the urge to protect the young girl is surprising. Sighing, Lana peeks up at Eirik to see him scanning the crowd for familiar faces, as well. She’s about to say something, when Raven speaks again, though this time she departs. “Oh… That was interesting.”
Eirik looks to Lanara and those red rimmed eyes - giving that hand of hers a squeeze. He’s there for her, if she needs to talk, but he is pretty sure that most of that is behind her. The lycan presses a kiss to her forehead, “That was odd.” His voice low and grainy, like rocks being crushed beneath a weighted boot. Inwardly, his heart breaks for Lana, but he had a few concerns of his own. Firstly, what happened to Brennia, Ava’s godmother? Does Artia already know? Lana had told him about the ordeal she had gone through the other night. Secondly, he needed to know if she still wanted help with that ancient jar? What the heck is going on here? Truthfully Eirik doesn’t understand the whole situation, but he’s determined to find out. Silver hues watch Raven move from the stage and vanish. “I suppose I can talk to.. Raven, back at the college right?” His attention moves back to schezerades dance instructor. Apparently they all had to save their questions. Eirik had plenty.
After her first true experience of college life, Raevyn and Baelok were finally on their way out of the city of Scherezade. They had planned on leaving a bit sooner, but Raevyn was insistent that they needed to stop by those large bookshelves they had seen the day before. She really wanted to see what sort of material there was to select from. A large crowd gathered at the fountain they had passed by a few times now, and of course, Raevyn was curious. Baelok really didn't give a damn, and urged the girl that they needed to start training. "We will, we will. Please, Baelok. Have patience." It was the voice of the Dean that halted the undead guardian's protest, his interest in the avian presented as he listened to every word that fell from her lips. A mystery she had been and he liked that sort of thing. She was still a useless meatbag, though. During the speech, the young necromancer found herself invested, although a little lost. She didn't really understand what was going on, but nonetheless, those powerful words left an impression. Baelok was a bit more indifferent, although he did see a little more into the Dean's personality, which helped to paint a better picture of the woman he was speaking with earlier. While Raevyn applauded, the undead stood stoically, simply watching the politician until she took her leave from the stage. "Alright. Fun's over, kiddo. let's go." A gentle nudge to the necromancer's shoulder and the guardian turns to leave, with Raevyn not too far behind.
Lanara returns the squeeze to Eirik’s hand, and shakes her head. “No. You go on ahead… I’m going to run to my room to get a few things before I start the ritual. I’ll catch up with you in a little bit.” She gives the lycan a small smile and drops his hand, before heading in the opposite direction. A lot was weighing on her mind. She needed a minute to breathe. And so, while everyone is off to interrogate Raven, she plucks a copper coin from her pocket, mentally makes a wish, and tosses it into the fountain, before heading for the dorms.
Thamalys , eventually, made a move, sleek as water pouring from the non-edge of a smooth stone. No need for the Spellblade to elbow his way to the crowd. The latter simply flowed around him, each of one of the onlookers shifting only that much needed for the Blue to cover in not-so-many strides the distance separating him from the Lycan. As stranger even that the queer speech which just left Raven’s lips, the presence of Eirik within the Flying City did not necessarily add up - at least not for the battered rationale still harbouring within the Avian’s mind. One step more, a tiny flicker of those silver-clad feather, and the Healer would have devoured the last foot keeping him out of the sight of the Cursed One. “Lycan…” sort of whispered the Blue boasting the flattest of his tones. “Since when do we own the honour of counting you amongst the Scherezade tourists, if I may? Ah, here goes the flock…” hastily added the Avian the moment he noticed the small crowd was indeed trying - at least in part - to reconvene at the College. || Of all places… || wordlessly complained the Black, silent witness to that seemingly innocuous salutation. Not far away, the tiny - or not - features of some far less familiar bystanders seemed to implicitly require some attention. Whatever the answer of the Lycan, the Avian would have ambled toward the College - some questions needed to be answered, by whoever dared make such hefty claims…
Eirik nods to Lanara, “I’ll see you soon.” Though as he turns, his attention moves to Tham, an Avian he has met a few times. It had been months since the last he had seen this man, and honestly, Eirik has a terrible memory. His eyes narrow their sights, settling on the man for moments. “The honor?” He nearly laughs at Thamalys jabs. Obviously this man knew him. “I’m not sure whether to laugh or hit you.” Either he was being an uppity birdman or he was just being himself. If he could remember, he would discern this of his own accord. “Most birds don’t like when predators play.” The warrior is unflinching in response, totally unaware of who Thamalys is. “But if you must know, I’ve business here. A few of my friends are running protection gigs for the bards.” A single digit points off into the direction of Raven, “And I once had family here.” It’s odd calling someone he doesn’t know as family - well, it is a strange family. Brennias relationship to Artia and Ava made things odd. Mostly because they were odd for him as well.