RP:Musical Meetings

From HollowWiki

This is a Bard's Guild RP.


Rynvale Amphitheater

Not all remnants of Archomsia's tyranny in Rynvale were destroyed. Where there was once screams and death, there now is laughter and life. The imposing arena where gladiators battled until their last breath of life has been retrofitted into a majestic amphitheater where actors entertain both the wealthy and impoverished. Funded entirely from the coffers of the restored government of Rynvale, all are welcome to experience the rich cultural gifts the various societies of Hollow have to offer. Taking seat in the interior of the vast oval structure, your eyes take in the exquisite environment. Grand tapestries along the walls hang overhead while laurels and wreathes of beautiful flowers have replaced the macabre decorations that once stood when blood flowed freely in the arena below. Your senses are pleased and pampered from the spectacular sights and sounds of everything from High Elven operas to Lycan tribal dances. Truly, this amphitheater stands as a testament that the life can never truly be extinguished.




Brennia is seated in the stands, spectating, as she is on sight with a troupe of fellow Bard's Guild members along with poorly handmade props. They were projecting a play of sorts as everyone has a pack of parchment in their hands. Brennia stands and her wings span out a bit, feeling happy she has all the space needed to stretch them out slightly, but other than that the woman would be hard to miss standing at six two in her flat leather boots and tattoos covering her unique mixed skin tone. Those striking deep blues stare down at the rather large screenplay in her hands while taking out a thin stick of charcoal from its tucked away spot in her elongated pointed & pierced ears. She scribbles something while she was intently listening to this gruesome part of the seventh scene in act three of King Lear by Shakespeare. For this part there only need to be a short handful of actors on the stage and the rest of the small group are elsewhere in the stands idly playing their handheld instruments. The scene ends much less dramatically than anticipated and the Avian easily swooped down before them to offer advice and assistance for a moment until she slowly backs away from them so they man try the scene again. The male actor in the chair (Gloucester), visibly strapped by the arms puts on a façade emanating pain while squinting one eye closed. An actor play dead before him while the standing actor (Cornwall) stomps over to the restrained one and starts to pretend to pull at the open eye while reciting, Cornwall: "Lest it see more, prevent it. Out, vile jelly! Where is thy lustre now?" The actor in the chair captivates all by this point screaming in such agony as if his eye was being removed for real and Gloucester continues his line in agony, "All dark and comfortless. Where's my son Edmund? Edmund, enkindle all the sparks of nature, To quit this horrid act.." Upon improvising he gutturally shouts out, "Edmuuund!" Brennia claps with a large smile upon her plump lips exposing perfect pearly whites.


Valen would make his way into the Amphitheatre, hoping to be able to catch the wonderful stylings of an orchestra, an opera, or even one of those Lycan tribal dances, but was quickly delighted that instead it seemed he was going to be sitting in on a rehearsal, as well as the fact that it was one of his friends...it looked like. He would also be wearing a new dress he had just commissioned from Kreekitaka. The dress is long and flowing. Its color moves in constant ripples like the waves of the ocean, with a deep red being the “valleys” between the waves and a bright ice blue being the “peaks”, and along the “slopes” of the waves the colors blend along the spectrum like a rainbow. The ripples move upward along the surface of the fabric, starting all the way down at the base and moving slowly all the way up to the neck. As light passes over the dress, it highlights a scene—a deep ocean reef with all types of coral, various fish and other creatures, one shark lurking somewhere near the top, and a trilobite on the hip, all embroidered in near-invisible silver thread which can only be seen in direct light. The dress has no shoulders or sleeves, but does cover the chest completely. Tight around the hips and waist, a little more relaxed towards the top. It isn’t backless, but the fabric running up the back is transparent. Attached to the back is an iridescent dorsal fin—not wings, as Kree had considered, but something to fit more with the oceanic theme of the dress’s changing colors. And not the aggressive fin of a shark, but the graceful fins of an angelfish. The dress comes with bracelets which attach to a pair of long, drooping loops of fabric which grow more transparent the closer it gets to the ends, to simulate the long, thin pectoral fins of the same animal. Making his way to an open seat in the back, he would simply sit back, and enjoy.


Pilar and Alvina arrived in Rynvale on the backs of two very different flying creatures. Alvina had her Pegasus, Pilar had her dragon girlfriend. Said girlfriend had been the one to convince her to take this trip. Pilar had been reluctant to leave Larket while it was still in need of healers, but Cassy had insisted they could handle a couple days without her. Then Cassy had to verbally backspace and clarify that she didn't mean Pilar wasn't vital, or anything, but like, she needed a break, right? And so they soared to Rynvale from Cenril, after meeting with Alvina. Upon landing on the island, Cassy suggested Pilar and Alvina go do their thing and she would just relax at the inn. Pilar was, again, reluctant, but Cassy assured her it was fine. She needed a rest after the long flight anyway. And so, Pilar and Alvina found themselves at the local theater, hoping to practice with the old piano there. Pilar blinked in surprise when they found a play going on. This was unexpected.


Alvina agrees that finding people in the theater is a bit startling, all things considered. She hadn’t received any word of any practicing or rehearsals...but it seems to be going well so she doesn’t opt to interrupt. She nudges Pilar to the back row, alongside Valen and his magnificent dress to watch the rest of the performance play out. Alvina doesn’t recognize any of the members of the cast, or Brennia who is now directing them mid scene. Maybe Ranok saw fit to put someone else in charge of the theater? Yet another conversation she’d had to have with him...in due time. For now, she can’t think of approaching him and there’s still so much to do. She studies the Amphitheater, remembering the time it was coated in dust and dirt and had to be cleared back up to it’s more pristine condition. It’s a bit of a flash back, and she grips the armrests of her chair to stay tethered to the present. When an opportunity presents itself, the bard will stand and offer a loud round of applause at the appropriate junction. “Well done!” She’d encourage the actors and actresses, and the director in turn.


Eilyo wouldn't be able to tell you why she decided to visit Rynvale on this particular night if you were to ask her, but there she was on the island anyways. It was a place she didn't visit as often as she once had, considering the history this place held for her. She did once marry here after all...But that was neither here nor there in regards to this particular night. Perhaps something called out to the bard in her, telling her this was the place to be...She did have that wake up call, after all. After a stroll along the island, the woman found herself coming upon the amphitheater, and was pleasantly surprised to find a rehearsal in full swing. Even more to her delight was the presence of her fellow bard and friend, Brennia. Tonight the woman was clad in a slightly loose, light blue, silk poets-style blouse, a far cry from her usual corset style tops or dress. Her long, slender legs were clad in a pair of skin-tight black leggings, lace-up, black, heeled boots coming up to her knees. Her long, thick, burgundy locks were not loose and flowing tonight, instead tied back in a simple plait down her back, the few shorter strand framing her slender, beautiful face as always. Strapped to her back was her latest instrument of choice, her mandolin. The woman opted, instead of for the stands, to head towards the stage, her gaze fully focused on the scene before her. She waits for the appropriate moment before she too claps, a bright grin on those full, rosy lips of hers. "Ah, bravo! Very nice. Now all it needs is a touch of blood, eh?"


Brennia had taken note of Valen's arrival with a sweet smile and cordial wave. Brennia's ears pick up on the arrival of two more people as those royal blues turn up to them, recognizing only one with a warm smile. Then, suddenly there was a familiar woman next to her and once the scene ends, Brennia agrees with Eilyo, "Very much so!" Her giggle came nervously and she did not know why… "Shall we take a small break guys? You all are doing so great," she turns her attention on the acting troupe of bards with her as she motions to the stands. They bow then softly smile from their praise from Brennia and the small audience before retiring to the stands with the other bards to partake in the soft music playing and refreshments they brought with them. Brennia did not know why, but she asks Eilyo, "Madame… Will you come with me?" before she flutters her wings a few times and it easily brings herself to Pilar and her guest, "Merry meet again, Madame Pilar!" That contagious smile beams at her and her company, switching the attention to Alvina before offering a regal curtsy while her fist is placed over her own heart, "Merry greet to you. I am Brennia Smyth." Once she rights herself to her six two height she would extend a tattooed hand out and at such proximity Alvina would notice her most favorite scent emitting from the Avian. Those massive onyx wings fold tightly to Brennia's curvaceous form now as to not seem imposing. "Apologies you entered on such a gruesome scene… We were only adventuring and passing through today."


Valen would take note of Pilar entering, remembering the two instances that they had met rather fondly, a smile coming upon his face as he would give her a silent wave. He would also take note of the woman that accompanied her and instantly remembered seeing her at the wedding event, though for the life of him could not remember if they had exchanged pleasantries or not. A thoughtful look would now replace most emotion, though the smile remains, and a nod is given to Alvina as well. Were he not trying to be polite, even in rehearsal, he would have stood and introduced himself but the fact was he would be rather nervous to do so. Plenty of time afterwards, after all. Hearing her cheer and applause at the appropriate parts however, he would do the same and if the Avian female happened to look up at them, he would even blow her a kiss. His mind thought on Zach now, that wonderful chef of hers, and hoped he was getting along...In his mind he would make note to visit again soon, if only to just make himself known. The arrival of the Vampiress would actually earn a different response than the other two, one of curiosity. Just who was she? What was that instrument on her back? Just what in hells name was her story? Seeing how the Vampire was naturally quizical when his mind was set, nothing could kill it. Still, a respectful nod would be given to her as well although during all of the applause and cheer, his mind was also focused on one other thing. At the conclusion, and at seeing Brennia fly up to greet them, he would stand and offer a small curtsy before simply remaining silent, and listens as she introduces herself to Alvina, and would wait before speaking to allow the woman to give Brennia -her- name, as well as learn the name for himself. It was then though that he recognized her face, at the least, had he seen her dance with Lionel? No, no that didn't sound right...Either way, he would wait.


Pilar also applauded the actors, though she did not shout or cheer. Ever quiet, was she. She caught Valen's eye and blinked. She wasn't used to seeing men in dresses. Still, he was killing it. She nodded to him, though smiling was a bit too much of a strain today. She had her ups and downs, and today was a down day. As Brennia and Eilyo approached, she stood. "Ms. Smyth. hello. Ms... Montrosine, right? I'm sorry, it's been awhile." And they'd only met the once. Though Eilyo might notice that Pilar's right leg was now made of metal rather than flesh, if she remembered the young vampire at all.


Alvina watch Eilyo appear near the production. She strikes a familiar chord with the bard but she can’t for the life of her recall why...Was she not a member of the bard’s guild previously? Surely they had met once before, in another time, during another life. Still, she was beautiful and a powerful presence. They all were. An odd but warm cast of characters, non scripted but smiling. The avian approached, smelling very much like old books and warm tea, which spells immediate relaxation for Alvina. She offers a slow bow of her own, trying not to bend too quickly. The Cesarean scar along her stomach still burned if she bent or twists too much. The silver skin hidden beneath her high necked navy dress and cloak, pinned back with a single silver clasp. She too wears matching gloves, extending up to her elbows. Gold metal, etched with roses can be see on the higher portions of her left arm, where flesh most certainly should be. Her and Pilar make a fine pair of metal pieces. “Good morrow, Lady Smyth. A pleasure!” Alvina looks to Valen, offering the same small bow at the waist. “And you sir, in the beautiful dress.” Then she turns to Eilyo, holding the previous bow and a smile. “M’lady.” Finally her gaze settles back on Pilar, an encouraging hand on her friend’s shoulders. Alvina did not mind doing all the talking. “I am Alvina, The Silver Bard, Manager of this theater and so pleased to make your acquaintance. This is more action than this poor theater has seen in ages. I’m so pleased performers are breathing life back into it. That’s just what it needs, a little theatrical love and care. Marvelous performance. Would you be interested in performing here sometime in the near future?”


Eilyo nods to Brennia at her request, a soft, "But of course," slipping past those lips before she sauntered after the woman. Though she did not possess wings, she did have her speed, and so she reached the group in the stands at the same time as her fellow bard. It was then she finally acknowledged the other people present, offering them all a polite smile as she studies them. When those soft, light, mossy green eyes settled on Pilar she grinned broadly, not even bothered that her name was pronounce incorrectly; it was difficult name after all. "Monternine, dear. But please, that's too formal. It's Eilyo." Her voice, as always, was a low, soft alto, the tones melodic, almost like a song as she spoke. "How have you been, Pilar dear?" The woman's friends were few and far between and so she tried to remember them all. The vampire's gaze drops to her leg, causing a frown to pull at her pretty features. "I take it not too well?" With a soft, sympathetic sigh, her attention then turns to Valen a moment, her eyes wide at the sight of his dress, before a smirk plays on those rosy lips. "Fabulous dress, love." Finally her attention then turns to Alvina, the woman nodding her head in acknowledgement to her introduction. "Eilyo Monternine, former Head Mistress of the Bard's Guild. I feel...don't I know you?" Her head tilts to the side then, a thin brow arched as she considers the woman. It was long ago, but did she add this bard to the guild? If she did, she was different then, most certainly not as metallic as she is now. The vampire made note of her careful movements, her gaze flickering towards her stomach briefly, though nothing is said on the matter. Instead, after posing her question, she falls silent, waiting for Brennia to respond the question posed at her, Eilyo taking that moment to glance back towards Pilar, carefully watching over the girl with a slightly worried gleam in her eyes. Being one who suffers from boughts of depression she can get a sense of when someone is having a down day.


Brennia also remarks about Valen's dress, "It is quite striking… I think that is a KreekiTAH!ta's design, no?" She regards Pilar a moment with a soft cant of her head as she can sense something different about the woman, "How are you Madame Pilar?" As she realized they just asked the same question that smile was now turned on Eilyo, "Eilyo you say?" Those oceanic hues slowly trace the woman's face and further down almost suggestively, "I believe we met in a tavern long ago… You and another woman helped me discover my powers." Flashes of the night flicker through her foggy memories and possibly her cheeks darkened with a soft blush. "It is an honor to meet you once more… Eilyo." Her own silky alto timbre swimming on the air between them before offering Eilyo a regal curtsey as well. Her attention was quickly taken back to Alvina, "A fellow bard?! I swear, I am having a day and it's only getting better. This area is absolutely beautiful, they wanted so badly so come and asses the acoustics. Being a fellow Bard's Guild member, this must be a dream to manage." She just now recalled seeing the name in the Bard's Guild Headquarters. Brennia glanced over to the small troupe of bards currently in her charge, "Their muse is satiated for today…" Brennia would hug Alvina for her suggestion if she had not just met her, "I wager they would love that. Are you sure you wouldn't mind us using this space?" That contagious heart warming smile beams to Alvina while pushing dimples in those caramel cheeks.


Valen would take note of Pilar's apparent mood and offer a warm but very slight smile, as if to let her know it was alright, that he would not ask. "Its good to see you again, Lady Pilar." He would certainly be looking much more the picture of health since her last visit. At Alvina's introduction his eyes would widen in realization "You are the one who is with Hudson. Him and I met once in Cenril!" With a smirk he would add "You are very lucky, he is quite the looker. Unfortunately though he had to run off....something having to do with an itch. Poor dear, I think I scared him off when I complimented his looks. Oh! Forgive me where are my manners..." Spreading his arms wide, he would instead of curtsy, bend at the waist slightly, arms outstretched at his side "Valen Veldair, at your service ma'am." The introduction of course would be to Eilyo as well, and he would right himself up and look between everyone, blushing at the compliment on his dress. "Thank you Miss Eilyo, and you too Brennia! Yes, It is a Kreekitaka Original, commissioned by myself." Finally, to Brennia with a bright smile "Brennia I have to say that was extraordinary sight just now, I knew you could perform music but this! It makes me sad I arrived so late!" His voice was that usual melodious lilt, happy, high toned but not too much, but sounded almost as if made of solid silver. "You will of course forgive me I hope." And then with all the conversations that started, a flush would come to his face ever only just, social anxiety of course, but he would keep a handle on it.


Pilar blushed slightly at the correction. Embarrassing. "I'm so sorry Ms. Eilyo." There, perfect compromise between formal and familiar. When Brennia asked how she was, she looked down at her feet. "I'm... I'm fine. Just a bit tired." A half-truth, at best. After all that had happened to her, it was a miracle she had the energy to get out of bed in the morning. To Valen, she said, "Your dress is lovely. As to be expected of Mister Kreekitaka." She then fell silent again. She hadn't been prepared to interact with so many people. It was a lot, sometimes, forcing yourself to be friendly when you didn't really feel like it. But she wouldn't ruin the mood for the others by being, well, moody.


Alvina waves off the offer as if it was nothing. “Of course I wouldn’t mind. It’s a bright space, it needs love, just like we do. Art, even dismal scenes, are full of such love.” Alvina has no issues with personal space and indeed is likely to hug strangers for smaller reasons. Physical contact is important, even upon meeting new people. Hugs are the handshakes of people like this particular bard. Then Eilyo speaks. “Y-Yes Ma’am, that is correct.” Her smile holds true and she nods her head instead of bowing again. It’s a bit of a hassle to bend so. “It has been a very long time.” The thought conclude pleasantly though. Nothing bad in the past to recall with the bard’s guild. It’s been her privilege and pleasure to call herself a member. It was high time she used that to fulfill the duty of all bards and perform more. So much had happened. It would be nice to clear her head with the lyrics and cantor of the theater. That’s just why Pilar and Alvina had come here today...to throw themselves into their own impromptu performance. To lift their spirits in song. Instead they find some new faces, and one older but still eternally youthful and beautiful one. When Valen mentions Hudson, she quirks her head in his direction and laughs. “Quite the looker indeed.” Though she doesn’t say it, it’s still difficult to talk about him with others. There’s still the secondary thought of ‘what if they know he’s had an affair or that we were engaged to be married once’? It’s petty and it shrinks in due time, her smile refusing to waver. “Itching was he?” A clear sign of his lycan aggression, but she wouldn’t make mention of that either. She wonders privately if Hudson is just a secret she likes to keep. The thought passes. How silly of her. Of course not, he’s the father of her children and they are quite inseparable and happy together. “Oh, Kree made your dress? I should have known!” This compliment is sent towards Valen. “You know, he punched me in the face once.” She sighs, as if this is a fond memory. “On accident of course of course, he’s so marvelously sweet and you wear it well. I should ask you the next time I need a dress made! You have splendid taste.” A beat, and she rotates her emerald optics to all present. “Stay as long as you like, Ms.”. A tilt of her head at Brennia. “I do think I will be heading out, with my associate now however. We flew a long way to get here today and it seems I’m not the only one exhausted.” Alvina’s fleshed hand rests lightly on Pilar’s hand, to reassure her it was all okay. “Ms. Brennia? Can we meet tomorrow, to discuss schedules and the like? It’s been a pleasure to meet you Valen, and see you again Ms. Eilyo. We’re staying at the Barrel. Please send word there and I will promptly reply. We won’t be in town for too long but I’d like to see this place liven up.” With that, she’ll let Pilar excite the row before her and follow suit, offering all present another nod and smile. She was too polite, it was a bit repetitive but still. It had been a long time since she’d had the pleasure of being in a theater and it called to her heartstrings as it did before. Once a bard, always a bard she supposed. The tip of her crimson braid swung against her shoulder blades as her and her Vampire companion departed for bed and drink.


Valen offered to walk Pilar and Alvina out, after excusing himself.


Eilyo gently nudges Brennia, arching a thin brow at the woman. "Have I really been away that long?" She looks thoughtful a moment at the mention of Kreekitaka before her face lights up with understanding. She remembered who that was. "Ah yes! Kree is an interesting fellow indeed. I met him when he first showed up, actually. Helped him with writing a post for the board in Kelay..." She was mumbling mostly to herself by that point. With a shake of her head she instead grins at Alvina, nodding at her words. "Aye, take care, dear. Both of you." This was directed towards Pilar, who's addressing her as Ms Eilyo did not take her by surprise in the slightest. There were plenty who gave her this title. She turns to Brennia once all of the others have left, frowning ever so slightly. "Is my face truly that forgettable?" She of course, was controlling the urge to grin, the bard putting forth some acting skills of her own for the moment.


Brennia bowed shortly to all departing, "Merry part until we merry meet again, all." She starts to get addressed by Eilyo seeing as they are alone now and Brennia slowly starts to remember their more recent encounter… First the Hanging Corpse then she showed off her castle to Eilyo. Those cheeks darken once more in embarrassment, but she hides it well by pulling the vampire in for a tight hug while her velvety wings follow suit to envelop the fellow bard in her most favorite scent. "I do rightly apologize… At that time I was going through some tough things and I was mostly under the influence of herbs or spirits." She would softly pull their forms apart once more while taking Eilyo's hand, "Won't you come play with us, Eilyo?" The back of her hand reaches out to caress down her friend's cheek as some sweet apology, "And no, a beautiful face such as yours is not very forgettable for I was remembering a… Different meeting of ours." And with that she would lead Eilyo hand-in-hand down to where the other bards are practicing.


Eilyo lets out a merry sounding laugh as she is hugged, the embrace returned in kind. She shakes her head at the woman's apology, smiling warily at her. "Don't fret over it, love." The smile then momentarily falters to a frown, her brows furrowed together briefly. "Tough times? I do hope things are better now though, eh?" The woman reaches up to gently touch the arm of the hand that touched her cheek, a smile returning to those rosy lips. "Ah good, I was beginning to worry I was losing my charm." She chuckles softly as she nods, allowing herself to be lead down to the other bards. "But of course!" The mention of the other memory was left without a comment, though the woman did herself recall the meeting. Reminiscing on that right now wasn't a good idea, however. Not when there was music to be played! The woman found herself itching to join in on some good natured creativity, of any sort.