RP:Headmistresses
This is a Bard's Guild RP.
Summary: Brennia asks her dear friend for help.
Grand Amphitheater
The first thing one will notice upon visiting the massive amphitheater is the amount of detail carved into the stone used to construct it, down to the pillars that hold up the highest seats. The images show various plays that have been performed or may be performed here in the future, along with various musicians and poets, even decorated warriors and elected officials that have come and gone. Stair rails leading to the rows and rows of seats are gilded in gold and the circular stage below is illuminated by a series of small gold lanterns floating overhead and a few more fastened into the stone floor. The stage appears to be set, and elaborately costumed men and women begin moving toward it from behind the painted backdrop made specifically for the play. The audience gathered goes quiet. It looks like the show is about to start.
Brennia is seated in the empty rising stands of the Grand Amphitheater and if it weren't for those marvelous large wings she would be miss-able with the action going on stage. Her silky black as black can be hair was pulled into a high sort of messy bun as to keep it out of the way of what she was reading; and what she is reading was a large manuscript for a play. Which play are these Bards rehearsing today - you might wonder. Why of course 'Romeatte and Julius' by 'Shakespoke' and it came to the near end of the play where the female protagonist finds the male dead and she arrives at the choice of killing herself in order to join him. Brennia takes out a small lead writing utensil to scribble in the blocking notes of the script as she followed along in the play and when she was done with her thought the lead gets placed back in it's place, tucked on one of those long pointed ears. The captivating moment came and Brennia's large blue eyes lock to the stage to catch the emotion. Romeatte takes the fake dagger from Julius and 'stabs' it through her chest cavity with a riveting performance which cause Brennia to become a little misty at their execution. She quickly wiped the tear and went back to writing in the script.
Raphaline had been out here in the western region for some time, and with no real need to head back to Frostmaw after her journey to Chart’s End, she chooses instead to visit a friend. The avian city is a bustle, but quiet as she makes her way through the streets. At first she had thought to head the woman’s house, but she had caught wind of a play being practiced in the amphitheater and could not help but stop to watch. She comes in just as the dagger pierces the actress’ chest, and cannot help the small round of applause that echoes from her hands. With herself full of interest and joy, she moves her gaze over the area, searching for who might be the director. It is then that emerald eyes fall upon the tall avian, causing the half-elf to smile. With a few quick movements, the bard is in the same row as Brennia, still grinning ear to ear as she says, “I did not know you were into plays as well.” She moves between the seats until she seats herself comfortably next to the other woman. “What made you choose this play?” She asks, gaze once more focused on the stage to see if there would be more.
Brennia nearly did not notice Raphaline enter as she was so very buried in papers and books around her. Suddenly there was something next to her and she moved some items out of the seat next to her for the stranger to sit, "Merry mee-" Those large blue eyes look up to see Raphaline now with a warm smile to greet her, "Yes, welcome, Raphaline." Her gaze was stolen to the stage once more at the end scenes wrapped up and a sort of proud smile came across her plump lips. "I've recently discovered a love for them since I turned my castle into a Bard's College of sorts and a few of the members shown talent for writing scripts. They had quite the poetry slam last night in their dormitory common room." Her black onyx wing hovered behind Raphaline to allow her to get comfortable, "I am not sure, really. I found one of the students fiddling with some old scripts and he really wanted to put this play on." By this time the Bard's stopped and bowed as Brennia clapped loudly which caused them to titter happily among each other. They made their way up to Brennia asking for critique's and bowing graciously to Raphaline as Brennia introduced them, "I would like you all to meet, Raphaline. I would ask you to show her the same respects as me as she is a fellow bard and a fierce leader, I am sure. The display was grand, we need a little work in act two, but how about we take a refreshment break?" The fellow bards agree and descend on down to where they had baskets set aside with snacks and plenty of water. A few of them idly play their instruments as well as Brennia mentioned, "By the way, I've been meaning to ask you something… Firstly, how did the battle go that you were involved with? Everything turn to your favor, I hope."
Raphaline graciously accepted the introduction and bows, but had not been prepared for the question about the fight. She struggles a bit in her seat, trying to find the right words to describe what had happened. She turns to the avian, her own lips pursed closed as she answers, “I don’t know if favor is the correct word, but I did make it out of there alive.” That was all she could say about it, given there were a lot of people who had not been able to make it out of the battle of the bridge safely. So, to turn the conversation elsewhere, she instead inquires with Brennia, “What was your other question?” She rises, wanting to join the other actors. “It seems like I have been getting a lot of questions recently, actually,” she says, laughing a bit to herself as she moves down the stairwell, taking in the sight of the theater completely.
Brennia had placed a gentle and caring hand on the woman's shoulder, "I am quite overjoyed you are intact." She offered a sympathetic smile and sad eyes as she remembers wars or battles and how you may walk around intact, but not fully okay. Brennia had already started to shift the pile of papers and books and scripts from atop her lap when Raphaline stood to take in the sight of the amphitheater. Brennia stood to walk beside her as she wanted to keep their conversation to themselves and not shout her questions, "Well," that silky alto timbre of her's swims on the air between them as she started, "Over this past month or so I have been gathering bards or those with that creative inclination. I rearranged my home for those without one, but lately I have been feeling like I cannot do all of this alone. It is a lot to do being a head mistress and all -and- trying to resurrect a guild. I was wondering if you could find it in your heart to help me revive the Bard's Guild once more and give all of these beautiful wondering souls a purpose, a place to eat and sleep and over all a place they can be themselves." The last part said a little more carefully and directly as if she is speaking of more than just the guild.
Raphaline listens carefully to Brennia as she explains what she has done with her home recently. She could hear the undertones of her voice and the truth of what she was trying to build. Smiling, the bard cants her head slightly, indicating her respect for the avian. “I would be happy to help you restore the guild,” she states as she moves closer to Brennia, placing a gentle hand against her right bicep. “It is a daring goal, but a beautiful one that I would be happy to be a part of,” she finishes, her emerald eyes alight with new prospects. Despite her role in other places, she cannot help but answer the call of those who live by their art of song. “Where do we start? What can I do for you?” She says, casting her gaze towards the actors gather around the table, speaking with one another.
Brennia allowed a rare and genuine smile to beam back at Raphaline causing little stars to glimmer in those deep blue eyes and dimples to poke in those caramel cheeks. "I am glad to have you to work with." She pauses a moment as their steps lead to the stage, "There is a Bard's Guild headquarters near Vailkrin. So, that will be our base of operation and we will send talent either to the college or to wherever a bard is needed. For the wondering bard the college will be a place they aren't required to stay, but have the option for their own space where they may rest." She fiddles with the knife prop left on stage, "I am working carefully to acquire all we need such as food and drink. Plenty of parchment, ink, and writing quills. I imagine those who are in the way of music, writing, or performing will find a way to us weather they posses the bardic powers or not. I want out guild to hold no judgments and accept all creeds." She sets the prop down, "All I ask of you that if you are on your travels and you meet those akin to us, you light a fire under them as you did me and point them towards the guild. You may wish to help with any performances you see fit, like directing or orchestrating. And I would hope you would be open with me in this as I will disclose anything you wish to ask me." Those blue eyes stayed steady on Raphaline in pure honestly and sincerity.
Raphaline finds it odd that the guild headquarters is close to the vampiric city, but more so favors the idea of it being here in the avian city. She nods, taking in the information that Brennia is providing with a true, genuine interest. As for the offer of helping with performances, she nods, “Any musical ones I will be happy to help with. My gift is not for acting or plays or writing scripts. I will be happy to help any bards that come here with their musical talents. It has been a long time since I have taught someone to play or read music, but I don’t think it would be too difficult, right?” She grins, genuinely so, happy to be a part of something important once more.
The two bards walk off to converse on their ideas to expand on what is known of the bards and how to prove that the Bard's Guild can be so much more than just a group of people with a pretty voice.