RP:Post Schezerade Summit
Part of the Vakmatharas' Jar Arc
Part of the The End's Not Near Arc
Summary: After the meeting with the other Area leaders, Reginae hangs back in her male form to approach Brennia for a possible alliance.
OOCLY NOTE: This RP started before Brennia’s death.
Grand Ampitheatre
The first thing one will notice upon visiting the massive amphitheatre 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.
Reginae is still shifted when the outburst happens. Brennia’s opponent is promptly jettisoned from the area and the other leaders go about their business and private discussions. Most of the other on lookers move out of the hall, the air thick with sound. She’ll wait, legs cast over the arm of his chair to watch as people mill around. Hildegarde is the only true focal point besides Brennia and she’s surrounded by a woman she doesn’t know (Leone) and the Knight-Commander she’s only briefly met. Never in this form, so might as well write that one off for the moment too. The Cenril council is noted but not approached - Hudson and Fitz don’t hang around long after things wrap up. Who does that leave? Daermon is given a smirk while the rogue’s hazel gaze follows the Senatorial candidate in her pants suit. Normally, nagas didn’t get along with Avian’s, but Regi has heard rumors that her elder sister had been the best of friends with an avian once upon a time. And this Brennia woman appeared well put together and reliable. No harm in probing the field right? After the drone of the crowd dies down and fewer people occupy the hall, the male throws his black booted feet back to the floor and stands. The look of mild boredom leaves his face as he trails the path that might bring him to Brennia. If he’s greeted by Daermon before he reaches her, he’ll hold up his tanned palms and introduce himself proper. “Alithryian representative.” He’ll say again - just in case the man with the icy gaze missed his introduction. If Regi’s male form finds Brennia first, he’ll offer her a charming smile and his hand to shake lightly. Respectfully, though his fingertips linger on her palm. “Can’t help but admit, I’m impressed by you Miss Smyth. I’ve never been to this city but I can tell you, this is the most promising thing I’ve seen.” His jet black hair is still smoothed back against his skull, errant pieces finding freedom against his ears or cheek. His jaw is cut handsomely. Reginae never skimps on details when she shifts, so he’s even started to grow a thin line of dark stubble.
Brennia and Daermon share a look once the rogue human approaches, but the bodyguard allows the gentleman on through as if silently commanded to. Brennia smooths out the black blazer over her sapphire colored blouse before meeting his hand in her own supple one. “Merry meet to you… I do not believe we had the pleasure of learning your name.” Striking blue eyes rest confidently within the strangers gaze and even when Corvo leaned in to say something to Brennia her attention doesn’t waiver. She heard him though, he was going to their next destination while she finishes up here. Daermon stays, but at a respectable distance away and silent - one could almost forget he was there. It is one thing watching the charming senator from a distance interact with people and witnessing them become awestruck - some of them, but another to hold her entire attention and feel in their heart that her words are just for them while their own words are genuinely taken into consideration… To some it could be intoxicating and addictive to feel so important in her presence when the opposite could be said for most avians. Large onyx wings behind her shift slightly in order to fold closer and tighter to her curvaceous form as if trying to be smaller or shorter - trying to fit in, but doing so naturally shown how navy blues and forest green hues reflect in the blackness of them. How naturally alluring she could be and then the bard smiles, it’s so simple and sweet, but adorable because it pokes dimples in caramel cheeks and softens how angular the tattoos on her face makes it.
Reginae | The male scratches at a shadow of stubble and ponders what his name should be. Had he ever offered it to anyone? Had he even constructed some false name to move around the world in? He laughs, after a moment of thought and nods his head. “Terribly rude of me, I’m Nicolau.” Pronounced nee-koo-LOW. It feels like a bad joke, he’s grinning too widely. What even is this name she’s picked? Had it been someone she’d met in passing or maybe even a pet from when she was young? In any case, the conversation is moving forward and the rogue aims to move with it. Reginae herself had little experience with avians, but she felt the natural allure of Brennia’s attention. The rogue’s hazel eyes watched carefully as her wings shifted to hug her frame and his smirk remained. Daermon was easily forgotten, without a second thought. “Damn.” He mutters boldly before forcing a low chuckle through his lips. “I was supposed to come up here and not make a fool of myself. Let me try again.” Even though he’s quoting as himself foolish, his stance is relaxed. Shoulders loose with no tension to line them. He’s at ease and wears a mask of carefree but polite indifference to most things. “I came by request of the Queen.” He’s careful, at first, to neither mention Jaize or herself by name. “The curse makes it impossible for any Naga to leave Alithrya but she’s interested in meeting with you. Word travels, even to our little corner of the world.” He grins, exhales through his nose in a jovial manner. When he takes his hand back, it moves again through his uneven hair, pushing back the slick ebony strands habitually. His eyes close, chin tilts to show off the cut of his jaw. “I’ll downplay how beautiful you are, so she doesn’t get jealous.”
Brennia’s shoulder rose up slightly at his mention of being rude, “no worries in the least, Nicolau.” It was always other people’s names in which her subtle Veretian(French) accent bubbled up and added an allure to the syllables as if she was speaking some powerful cantation. This probably won't matter much to the rogue for that is not really his… or her, name. Brennia continues to smile warmly to the stranger as he seems to got a little lost there for a moment and watches him patiently with those deep blue eyes. When he mentions a Queen it is visible there is a sadness there, but then it slowly becomes suspicion, “Queen?” She remembers what happened at the coronation before her and her bards ‘noped’ right out of there. Her own jawline tensed because, yeah, she only met Reginae for a brief meeting to discuss the song set for the event, but she became quickly attached to the woman because she always had a thing for snakes and let’s face it, Reginae was a total babe. She could tell they could have been quick friends given the chance, but Jaize took that chance away. It was at this time Brennia realized she wasn’t saying anything for a little while and her face became a bit serious, but she slowly blinks once to bring herself out of it, “I am so sorry… I just- Do you mean Jaize?” She was obviously apprehensive, “I guess… I just preferred the late Queen Reginae,” now this name was said in the same fashion as before and sounded even more beautious… Okay maybe Brennia had a mini girl crush on the naga, but as said before we can’t blame her. She takes a hesitant step back in case this rogue was a henchmen for Jaize or something as she continued with a slight sadness and disappointment laced in her timbre, “but I guess I could meet Jaize?” She’s still not putting Queen before that, “I mean… I guess I shouldn’t judge someone just because my first encounter was watching them kill Queen Reginae and give them a second chance.” Typically the avian was able to control the emotions her face conveyed, but it was obviously something she was having a tough time with. She nearly lost his flirt in her own emotions and even thought she wasn’t visibly blushing because of the make-up, those elongated pointed ears turned a little pink, “oh? Thank you for the compliment.” A soft and short chuckle as shes not usually set off so easily so she tries to offset the flattery with a light hearted joke, “do what you must.” It was sort of a poke at how arrogant most avians typically are, but most who know Brennia know that she isn’t that way.
Reginae’s male form holds his smile while Brennia talks. He doesn’t feel the tug on his heartstrings when she says his ‘name’ but it is felt when Brennia mentions Reginae. Ah. To hear her own name on someone else’s lips as if she wasn’t dead. It wouldn’t be too long now. “Actually...If I can be honest with you miss.” And she trusted her, for reasons indiscernible at this moment, “I’m actually working with the supports of...the aforementioned Queen, if you get my drift.” A bold wink ensures they are on the same page. “She’s, uh, remembered fondly and some of us would rather not see her…’memory’ go to waste.” He couldn’t outright TELL Brennia that she’s alive, or that the male standing before her WAS Reginae. In a place with so many eyes and ears, it’s dangerous enough to mention Reginae at all. “Jaize is a monster that needs to be stopped.” His serious demeanor has it’s own allure, if only because of the stark contrast from his bored and boyish charm. “And I aim to see justice served. The late Queen’s rag tag group could use your can do attitude. A woman that takes action is no joke and I think, with you and that hot dragon queen over there -” Cue a hooked thumb pointed over his shoulder at Hildegarde in the distance. “We’d make a reasonable force to be reckoned with. Granted, I know that’s a lot to ask a practical stranger but I get a good vibe off you Senator.” No need to wait for the election to start addressing her by her god’s given title. She dressed and worked just like it. Why not start now? “But I can guaran-damn-tee that we’d be able to strike a deal of some sort. I wouldn’t be asking ya for support just for Reginae’s memory’s sake. So, name your price and we’ll work it out yeah? If...we can count on you?” He chuckles here, touching his hair again like a nervous tick. “Of course, feel free to turn me down. You’re way out of my league anyway, so I won’t feel too broken hearted if you say no.”
Brennia relaxed and let out a soft sigh of relief, “thank someone’s gods,” avian’s don’t worship the gods. Her wings shift to be more laid back and comfortable and doing so showed how the deep dark color reflects those beautiful colors once more. She tucks a loose curly tenril behind a pointed ear, “I have to fake a lot of things recently and I am glad I do not have to pretend to want to meet her after becoming so…” She was struggling to find a word other than ‘visually pleased’, but why not? Nicolau is a guy and would also appreciate the playfulness, “visually pleased with Reginae… I had high hopes of becoming fast friends with her. We seemed to get along the one time I met with her…” This stunning eyes trailed away in thought for a moment, “I still remember the song she wanted me to play after her coronation, very unique piece…” She was softly smiling and if this rogue human even mentioned the song she would know it was someone that was close to Reginae, but it wasn’t a test or anything, just a bard reliving their glory moments. She glanced as Daermon was showing the last group of people the smartest way out of the amphitheater, but it is just essentially an open hole in the ground and the exit is all around you? I guess what the writer is trying to say is that this rogue human and Brennia are pretty much alone. “Price?” She shrugs, “what are material things. I value more friendships and fair trades. I like to share backgrounds and cultures,” her hands go up slightly, “I know it sounds like some cheesy campaign line, but I do believe that diversity makes this world go round and we should all be more open.” When he mentions of being turned down in a playful manner she smiles once more, that stone-heart melting, dimple-inducing smile, “I wouldn’t dare. You remind me of a good friend of mine,” her blue eyes playfully narrow, “leagues? That sounds like something in a game… I am far too old for those,” she jokes back with a short and soft chuckle - is it too soon for a playful wink?
The male lofts a brow, appearing curious and encouraged. “It’s easier for me if you don’t fake it.” He laughs, Reginae feels so -corny- for saying that out loud, even if it wasn’t her lips that said it. “And yeah, she was a pretty fine snake lady. Pity she was with that Muzo fellow.” Surely news of his involvement with the Larketian crown would reach Brennia (If it hasn’t already, Reginae’s writer can’t remember the entire timeline here). He’s careful to make sure her bodyguard is elsewhere while he’s dropping dope lines on this lady. “Ahh, yeah. I remember she debated between a few things for a long time. Decided she didn’t want it to sound too stuffy.” She couldn’t recall the title but the moment remained burned into her mind. “I think she was fond of you. She mentioned how nice and beautiful you were after she spoke with you.” All true compliments, just offered to other palace staff. Not to ‘Nicolau’ personally. “I was hoping you’d say something like that. Not that I don’t have money for things I need but I much prefer...experiences and friendships. The exchange of ideas and the power to make positive change in the world around us. You’re never too old to learn, right?” He laughs dismissively, realizing he’d started to move closer. “At least, that’s what I’ve heard.” His shoulders shrug, displacing his inky tousled hair. “How good is your friend though? Like, who’d win in an arm wrestling match?” He flexes his left bicep into a curl (that’s meant to impress) before letting it fall back to his side. His entire body language reads relaxed and fluid. A go with the flow guy. It’s a little liberating to not have to worry so much about what random strangers think of you. Brennia isn’t a random stranger and she already likes Reginae so hard to fall out of the black on that one. “Damn, you know I’m on official business right? Shining those eyes up at me like that with these dimples in your cheeks, man.” He points his index finger along her jawline but doesn’t touch her. “Tell me this friend is just a friend, please. You’re killing me here…”
Brennia let’s out a rare raspy giggle at the turn of phrase the human made which made her seem youthful and innocent in contrast to her attire. “Oh?” She adds to the new information about Muzo, she didn’t have the faintest idea and then there’s a hopeful glimmer in those eyes, “really? She was?” She’s nearly fangirling in front of a perfect stranger, the type of fangirling she’s done for a certain erotic novelist, mother and mother-in-law of a pair of good friends (one of them her bestest friend). Oh, and the blushing on the tips of those elongated pointed and pierced ears, obviously, the bard is flattered to pieces! Brennia imagines Nicolau and Sidd in a fight and smirks, “my friend is one of those where it doesn’t matter who wins or loses at the end, he’s buying the drinks after and proving how sweet he can be deep down.” Then Nicolau is cursing and concern furrows her brow, but she’s grinning again at his flirting, “official business?” She fakes an adorable pout, “I like to think we are just two people having a chat.” She did notice how he got closer, but she matched his steps as if they have started some ultra slow motion waltz. “Sidd? Yes, he’s a dear friend of mine, that is all… I’ve was effectively friendzoned.” It’s true, he friendzoned Brennia and then she got back with her ex, who’s lurking somewhere in the amphitheater masked as her bodyguard, but it somehow it still just felt like her and Nicolau here all alone. “Well, if you do die - I know a song… So, I can fix that.” For just a moment the world felt like it slowed and time lagged while Brennia didn’t feel like some Candidate in a rat race and Nicolau wasn’t some stranger standing before her. It was an intense moment possibly shared with the ‘rogue human’ via eye contact and she wasn’t sure what this was, but it’s different. Snapping herself out of it she blinks a couple times, “apologies, Nicolau. Um… What were we talking about?” Her wings always betraying the emotions she’s trying to convey seem to shift and preene before this male human, who doesn’t really seem like a male human to her. It eventually dawns on her, “oh, right! Unity, the sharing of cultures, and a friendship with our nations. I agree entirely, walk with me,” she demands and holds her arm out for the human to link his own through it so he may escort her to her next destination, “I am due for a dinner at the Schezerade Tavern. I beg of you, join us and we can continue our conversation?” She gives that smile at him once more in hopes to further convince him.
Reginae’s masked lips tug up in a smirk. “Two people having a chat.” He repeats in agreement while he keeps pace with her movements. Not lunging but circling, shark like. Enjoying the chase, as it were. “I like to think you are a little bit of trouble.” He remarks before being satiated into keeping a proper distance. This mention of Muzo has a bleeding effect on her heart. “I’m not surprised she didn’t tell you.” He starts, sounding a little less cheeky. “She was stupidly in love with him.” Stupidly. Brennia’s remark about her friend encourages a lighter mood. “Sidd?” He repeats. Had he heard this name in the crowd? “Sounds like a great guy, except for this friend zone business.” It says a lot about a person if they don’t care much for winning or losing. Only the game matters. Experience, growth, change. All prizes in the end. If he’s aware of her relationship with the body guard, he’s paying no attention. His hazel eyes are focused on Brennia. The moment begins where time slows, and in this brief moment, Reginae feels like Nicolau. Just some scuffed up rogue making a move on a curvaceous and powerful woman radiating warmth. Kindness. Passion. His hands reach out, sluggishly as time passes strangely here, to touch her shoulders but then she blinks and the spell stops. While Brennia asks what they’d been talking about, he shakes his head, dazed. Reginae’s lucky that she didn’t get so lost in the moment that her shifting failed. Damn, that was reckless. The male runs his hands through his hair before resettling his gaze on Brennia with more professionalism. Still that charming smirk remains on his lips. “Yes, exactly. Friendship of nations.” He casts a glance around the room to see if someone else was here and messing with him. No one that she could see. Ah well. His arm extends to link hers, happy to escort her but lofting a brow at this mention of ‘us’. “You had me at ‘I beg’,” He replies with a tease and allows her to lead the way to the tavern as Reginae’s not yet had the pleasure.