RP:Rumors & Offers

From HollowWiki

Part of the Vakmatharas' Jar Arc


Summary: Brennia attends the Chamber of Raan senate summit on bills up for vote. Seeing as most of the proposed bills will harm her home, her students and eventually her own college she goes to speak her peace about the issues. Corvo Alteir makes his acquaintance with Brennia when he finds himself impressed with what she has to say. They agree to work together to get Brennia elected as Senator.

OOC NOTE: Corvo is being Written by Daermon


Chamber of the Raan

Upon entering this most majestic of chambers, one can immediately take notice of several large seats upon a raised platform, situated at back of the room. These chairs, wrought in fine stone -- white marble or ivory, gilded with shimmering gold -- and laced with hints of silver, perhaps platinum, hint that this place is most definitely frequented by ruling powers of sorts. A level lies beneath these two seats, to each side of the stairway, allowing room for more seating places; not as fine as the topmost seats, but elegant all the same. Another level gives way to yet more seating of the same finely crafted nature, small wings of gold embellished upon the white carved stone. The aforementioned stairway leads upward to the highest chairs, carpeted in the finest of fabrics and though this chamber is obviously in use, not a torn thread nor sign of wear shows upon the dark carmine material.




Brennia sent a message to Wisax through their mirror notes, ‘I’m really nervous. Help. CoR.’ Which mostly anyone knows as Chamber of Raan. She had told him about the town meeting before and he had told her he would come if there was time and it was one last plea for him to offer support, but that was nearly four weeks ago now. Adjusting her blazer which is over her blouse and high waisted pencil skirt, but the back as a slit for wings to fit through. She looks mostly like she usually does when she’s in her professor costume except for the formal blazer and her hair pulled up into a twist making her look very professional. Other people dressed similar start filing in and those liberty blues were glancing around for Vi with a knot in her stomach. Seeing as he didn’t show and the last few people were filing in she sighs and follows them making sure the mark on her neck was adequately covered up by a smart high colored blouse, but she idly fiddles with the necklace holding a masculine looking ring about her bust. She takes a seat along with the citizens to await the proceedings as the council takes their place on the seats within the row above them. Vermillion Draft, at first, looks surprised to see Brennia here, but gives her a snide smirk and a wave before turning his nose up at her.


Corvo walked into the hall as one of the citizens, for that was all he was in this place. He’d been keeping a careful watch on the recent proceedings and it was getting down to the wire. His predatory gaze raked those already seated, falling upon one in particular. Brennia, the dean of the new college of bardic arts. Certainly a looker that one, even in her librarian apparel. She’d been making a name for herself here recently. For now though, the man moved to an empty seat and sat down, smoothing his suit as he sat, folding his large black wings behind more comfortably, sharp grey eyes taking in the assembled room. They were nearing the starting time.


Brennia is cordial enough to wave back, kill them with kindness, before she watches as the seats of the senate are being filled except for the centermost chair reserved for the senator. One of the more elder looking avians seated above begin, “we request all wait until the end for any questions regarding the new bills to be put forth and voted on. If you cannot contain yourself until the allotted time then we will have our security escort you out and a temporary ban will be placed upon your name from this premise. All in agreement say ‘aye’,” A mumble of many people saying ‘aye’ and Brennia included as she smooths her skirt over her tights. Liberty blue eyes glance to a man with grey eyes and a quick twitch of a smile offered in his assessment of her. The elder continues, “bill CC-43 proposes to add sales tax to those outside of the cloud community in the shops and vendors, but also for events and tuition to the University and College.” Brennia bites her bottom lip between perfect white teeth nervously, “bill CC-45 security detail hire amount raised at the concerts in the Grand Amphitheater. Bill CC48 building permits require approval from the Chamber of Raan and a community signed petition among proof of citizenship to the cloud community. Bill CC-51 any healing services to be provided to non cloud community members will be taxed double for the inconvenience…” The list goes on and a lot of people seated in the citizen’s sections are having a bit of trouble biting their tongue. A few men are whispering between each other until they are in a low rumble of arguing, but quickly taken out of the chamber. After another twenty minutes or so of listing off very unfair, businessmen biased and near cruel to tourists agenda was laid out the elder finally said, “now… Quietly line up before the podium there,” he motions down to it. “And make your appeals.” Quietly, but quickly people rushed to the podium provided to voice the unjust the senate is trying to do to the city of Schezerade. Brennia folds her large onyx wings closely to her curvaceous frame and stands near the back of the line looking deep in thought while filing through a folder of papers.


Corvo perked up as Brennia moved to take a spot in line for the podium. Now that was interesting. Not only was the woman already active, but it seemed she disagreed with something, unless she was lending her support to one thing or another. It might prove interesting to say the least. Perhaps she would be useful in his newest venture, if she proved to be as interesting as he hoped. He sat forward, watching with those storm grey eyes. He’d been nearly asleep in his seat before that. He’d tried his hand at the forefront of the political and had not enjoyed the limelight. He had found himself to be adept though at helping those who were in the limelight to achieve mutual goals.


Brennia glanced over her shoulder at the gentleman who joined into the queue behind her before sliding her spectacles back on her nose in order to read the papers in hand up close. A lot of what they were proposing was going to hurt the future of her students and ultimately her college, but she wasn’t ready to let go of this little dream of her’s. She was shifting some papers before some others, of which seem to be statistics she put together on her own, but at this opportune moment a man was shouting at the podium which causes her to jump slightly. It was just enough to send her papers tumbling to the floor and spilling in different directions, but no one was paying no mind to her as they watched that man get escorted out as well. She knelt down while under her breath she mutteres in Veretian, “merde!” She starts gathering the papers quickly, but a woman was standing on one and she gently tapped her on the calf before whispering, “Excusez-moi.” The woman looks down in aggravation before recognizing Brennia and they smile at each other, “merry meet Miss Windgate.”


Corvo hadn’t left his seat. He had no intention of speaking before the room, as they wouldn’t listen anyway. He loved the Avian race, yet, for the most part, they were xenophobic bastards the lot of them. For the most part. When Brennia spilled her papers onto the floor, he rose and gathered those nearest him, reading a few lightning quick before he returned them. There was some good stuff there. Progressive. He rose to his full height, holding them back out to the woman in line as she rose back up as well. “Here you are miss.” he says, smiling in what most would consider charming.


Brennia and Miss Windgate were discussing her son, Hinder, and the avain was praising the other on how Hinder looks up to her. This causes Brennia’s cheeks to darken a shade, “well he’s a bright young man. Excellent Bliztball soaring back as well. The college is lucky to have him.” This flattered Miss Windgate to pieces and her and the husband went back to waiting their turn as they were next. Brennia is distracted by a gentleman handing her some papers back and a tattooed hand reached to to retrieve them, “thank you…” Liberty eyes study the man’s face for a moment while she moved up a space in line, “I don’t believe we have ever met, Brennia Smyth. Dean of the bard’s college in town,” her hand extended after filing the papers back away while she opted to not say the official title of the college ‘Smyth College of Bardic Arts’ because she likes to keep it humble.


Corvo extended his own hand and shook hers. “Corvo Alteir. I work in politics. I am well acquainted with your work though Miss Smyth. I think you are doing good things for Schezerade. Though I think you could be doing more...but I’m reserving that for after you speak. Curious to see what you have to say.” he says, following her in the line. “Excuse me.” came a louder voice, one of the security men. “If you aren’t in line, you need to be seated.” he says a hint of threat in his eyes. “Of course, of course.” Corvo says, holding up his hands. “Well Miss Smyth, it was a pleasure. I look forward to your turn. Good luck.” he says, the smile once more wide and charming before he moved, returning to his seat. Brennia was nearly to the podium by now.


Brennia furrowed her brow as if concerned for his well being when he said he works in politics, “I’m sorry to hear that.” She attempts at an awful joke, but probably mostly because she’s nervous and one last glance behind her in case she could catch a last minute Wisax. When he said she was doing good things she smiled kindly, “thank you-” But now he was saying she could do more and he gets a quirked brow of curiosity, “oh?” She smiles at the security officer sweetly, “Colin, how are you?” The man smiles in return and dips his head at her, “Miss Smyth.” When Corvo says he’s waiting for her to speak she nods once, “of course, no pressure or anything.” Again, attempt at joking, but probably not the time or place as she was ushered to the podium. A few seconds of silence while all those senate members were looking down at her and she takes a deep breath thinking ‘it’s just like performing, where is my starting note?’ she looks down at her folder and places it upon the wood of the podium before opening it, “merry meet everyone.” Her voice projects easily because of her bardic talent, “I hope you all are well,” that warm and friendly smile shines up at them and a few of the old timers fall for those adorable dimples in her cheeks. “I stand before you today as a professor. Everyday I put myself before bright young minds thirsty for knowledge and each one different than the other. The issues highlighted in bill CC dash 43, CC dash 45, CC dash 51, CC dash 55 and CC dash 60 will all impede my ability as a professor, as a fellow citizen, and as a patron of the arts. I understand your desire to acquire more funds, but I fear you will be pressuring those that spend their time and money here the most.” Quickly and efficiently filing through her notes, “I have seen an increase in application to attend the Bard’s College double this year and over fifty percent are students not from the cloud community.” She shuffles another paper, “of those students all of them have thrived not only within the college, but playing around the taverns and inns in Lithrydel. They earn tips from these tours and I’ll tell you where they are spending their earnings… The bazaar,” she was counting on her hands, “the concession stands at the amphitheater, the boosters and admission for Blitzball games… And, of course, at the tavern.” She moves onto another paper, “I’ve done the math and if we lose these students, even half of those students because of a hike in tuition Scherezade will lose.” She pushes her glasses up her nose when she reads the number, “over one point three million in gold alone if these students leave Sherazade.” She finally glances up to see only a few stunned faces within the senate before she lowers down from the podium area after saying, “thank you.”


Corvo sat, listening intently as she laid out what many of them knew was the case, yet, so few seemed to want to oppose or to want to change it. Again, most were ok with the taxation as it affected primarily non cloud residents. He nodded to himself, her having confirmed what he had already suspected. He would wait for the answer from the senate, as they were sure to give something noncommittal. Things didn’t make it to proposed bills if they weren’t already set to be passed. Democracy at it’s finest. The thought made him snort. He was jaded by years in the business of politics and anyone who thought that politics weren’t a business was a fool. He left the hall, waiting outside, smoking a hand rolled cigarette for the young Miss Smyth. “You impressed me.” he says as she came out, him falling in beside her. “You’re right, though I doubt they will listen that easily. So tell me Miss Smyth, have you ever thought of doing more? I know the college is relatively new in the grand scheme of things, and it’s wonderful, but have you considered how much good you could really be doing?” he asks, being purposefully vague. “You’d have to give up teaching of course, as you’d be too busy, at least initially, but the college would make a good headquarters.” he says, flicking the ash from the end. “I think you should run for senator, against Vermillion Draft.” he finally says, letting out a puff of smoke, those grey eyes fixed on hers.


Brennia didn’t mind the smoking as she could really go for one herself, but she refrains for now because she doesn’t know this guy. She looks a little surprised when he said she’s impressed him, “really?” Then he’s asking if there is much more she could be doing, “me?” She was giving him a look as if he’s crazy, but studying his hands, his arms, anything she might spot on his neck in the most casual way. She’s looking for the mark. During this time he’s talking if headquarters and then his last words hit her. It’s all a little too coincidental, first the Flewminati bring it up after she’s joked about it. She didn’t know what to say or do at the moment, but she would continue to walk with him and put him to a test of sorts. If they were attacked it would be less likely he was Flewminati, but if he was able to see her castle then it would even be less likely… Although both could be nice. “Oh! Why me?” She’s got to keep him talking and walking with her while she thinks up a way to check if he’s with the secret society. The hot springs?! No he’d think something else probably, plus there might be students in there. Her eyes locked on a hooded figure walking to pass around them and this might be normal during the day, but it’s night so the sun isn’t a threat at the moment. When did she get so paranoid? She starts to fiddle nervously with the ring hanging on her necklace.


Corvo, as most, wouldn’t know that she’d been attacked. Or if he had heard whispers, didn’t know what to believe. The woman certainly seemed a bit out of sort. He shook a cigarette to the end of the pack, offering it to her. “Why you? I would have thought that was obvious.” he says, seeming inclined to walk and talk. Grey eyes also tracked the hooded figure. “You are a force for change in the cloud community. You’ve been around. We all have heard different stories, even before the college. Rumors of a beautiful avian bard who resided in the city of vampires for a long time.” he says, saying it off hand, as though he was merely talking about a rumor and not her. “One who finally came to live among the clouds, yet, still had an interesting mix come to her castle. A mix she was seen in public with, including a vampire. I’m better informed than most, but yes, you, because you don’t fear the change that is necessary to the survival of our race. Do you know what happens to a race that keeps itself away, apart, from others? History shows that usually, they will die out. I have no interest in seeing that happen to ours. We have been apart too long. It’s time to show our people that the other races are not less than us.” he explains, flicking his cigarette to the other side of his mouth as he turned his eyes to hers.


Brennia smiles up at the man holding onto the folder with both hands, “thank you, but I’m good.” She declined the offer to smoke. She tucks some of the free hairs behind elongated pointed ear and listens to the man, but when he speaks of her time in Vailkrin, “not a rumor. I was trying to make the dead feel. It was good practice…” he wasn’t looking for an explanation, but his further admission of following her story and the vampire, she had to make sure to keep her cool as rage boiled inside her. Surprisingly, she does and beams that ice-heart-melting smile up at him, “I don’t ascertain how that is anyone’s business.” A subtle shrug as her wings shift even closer to her to make sure they didn’t give her away, “there are many dedicated young vampires in my care. I do not let that antiquated, small minded, and bigoted way of thinking dictate my relationships.” It’s always a touchy subject for Brennia, but she continued in their path with a glance over her shoulder as they are being tailed by the same hooded figure now. “Or what happened to Armantium,” she adds to his astute assumption on dying races. His last words hit home for her and she nods once, “I entirely agree.” There was a quiet moment and it might appear as if Brennia merely shifted to hold the folder under one arm while the other went behind her back under the cover of her wings. She was listening, waiting…. “Mister Corvo, where do you come in?” She quirked her brow up at him when blue meets grey, “I’m sure you aren’t taking your time to pay me these compliments for nothing.” She glances ahead where the impressive castle begins to glitter into view for her, but she watches him to see if he can see it, too.


Corvo could see it, though he was working hard to not show that he was on edge. He’d noticed as well the way the hooded figure had fallen into step with them. “It is not anyone’s business, no, but the rumor exists. Fact confirmed by you just now.” he says, hands moving to his pockets as they were approaching the castle. He wondered if he was about to learn of her attacks first hand. “As for myself, with my political ties, years in the business and well of knowledge, I was thinking I could be your campaign manager. You’ll need someone you can trust, and while I doubt you’d trust me now, I’d like the chance to prove that you can trust me.” he says. “I have some ideas about the rumors we were talking of as well. For if you are going to take the political stage, your personal life will become a beacon. I would recommend rather than trying to hide or deny your previous exploits, or relationships, you should embrace them. Many of the younger avians feel as we do, yet it is the older ones that hold the power...for now.” he says, tilting those storm grey eyes towards her. “What do you think?” his feathers puffed slightly, tensing for a potential attack, though, the hooded figure really could just be someone looking for some privacy rather than being hooded for nefarious purposes.


Brennia was quiet for a moment and even stopped in his last words, but it’s uncertain whether she was stopping to think or wait for an attack. They are getting sloppy and the last attack on her actual castle has made her easy to anger toward them - they’ve poked the bear a little too much. She heard it, the rustle of clothing and the sound of metal scraping against metal, but just when she looked to the hooded figure their aim was not at her this time, but to Corvo and the Flewminati mark was shown on the back of their hand they are using. Blue eyes widen at him at the same time her hidden hand extended gripping her Sai dagger and the ninja star that was headed for the space between Corvo’s eyes hooked around her blade until it fell to the walkway. When wide eyes turn to a glare back the hooded figure they were sprinting away, cursing, but when she sent her Sai dagger soaring toward them she lost the heart to commit to it and it stuck in the ground where the attacker once stood. A soft hum at the object and she curves the wind to bring the weapon back to her hand before putting it away again. “We better get inside before they try to blame that attack on me as well,” it was obvious they were going to attack him and frame her for it, but she started toward the glass bridge, “and about your offer.” When she looked back to him he might see it, that determined fire within deep blue eyes as if the ocean was ablaze, “it looks like I’m going to have to if I want to keep myself and my students safe.”


Corvo had been a split second behind Brennia, the hidden throwing dagger in his hand ready to fly as she stopped the ninja star from skewering him, but then, he decided instead to stay his hand. Sometimes it was better not to reveal what you could do if enemies were watching. He appeared unruffled as she turned back to him, the hooded figure getting away. “Let’s go then.” he says, following her into the castle, half a step behind her. “Seeing as attacks seem to be regular for you, as the rumors had suggested...do you have someone you trust? And by that I mean someone you trust implicitly, someone you trust with your life? You’re going to need someone around to guard you. And yes, before you say anything, I can tell you can handle yourself, but it’s going to be hard to keep an eye on your back while giving a speech. I would prefer someone low key and skilled, but we can surround you with bodyguards if you’d prefer. My suggestion of a trusted friend or whatever was more for your privacy sake. Bodyguards can be intrusive when contracted strangers...plus we wouldn’t be able to guarantee they aren’t part of this group after you.” he suggests, having fallen into manager mode, already speaking as if she’d agreed. But then, he knew she would. She would agree because she must. She wouldn’t let herself do anything else. He could tell.


Brennia went to go open the door but it swung open with impressive force when a large muscular man nearly as tall as Corvo, but adorning a kilt and leather wrapped shoes barrels through to door and onto the walkway. His skin was covered in tribal ink and his disposition was that of an attack dog, baring teeth. Brennia jumped back slightly, “Aevo! You scared me.” The man gave a wolfish grin, “aye, lass. I saw'im… Where'd th' bastard go!?" She replies in a near bored manner, “there,” she motions south, “then to the right.” He gives the avian a wink before taking off in a sprint and she addresses Corvo, “I am so sorry you just saw that. Campus security,” she gives a half smile before walking into the college. “As for someone I trust…” she thought for a moment, “he probably wouldn’t be welcome in Schezerade. It would actually probably make us, or me, more of a target.” She shrugs, “because he’s a vampire.” At this moment counselor Dewfoot-Barrows came up to Brennia, “do excuse me Dear. I’m just now headed home. I just wanted to let you know you’ve got some messages left for you. One of them an urgent personal one.” Brennia smiles down at the woman, “thank you, Mary-Anne.” Deep blue eyes look back to Corvo, “let us retire to the offices?”


Corvo was shocked at the appearance of the burly man, but moved aside when he showed no interest in him. He watched him go for a moment, then turned back to Brennia as she addressed him. “I had assumed that, that particular gentleman might come to thought. As I said, rumors abound of this man, and the times you were seen together here. I actually think it would be a fine idea. After all, what better way to show you want a new, brighter future for Schezerade than making amends with the vampires? They are just like us, having both good, and bad qualities, and like every race I have ever met, there are good and bad individuals. But that is your call. Think on it. Besides, if you were more of a target, and if you trust this man enough, then certainly he would see you safe? But as I said, that is your decision. Our options are him, or a full detail of bodyguards.” Which from the rumors Corvo had heard, this mystery vampire with the glacial blue eyes would be a far better protector. And if he died defending her, a vampire, dying to defend and avian, all the better for the new public image and relations with the vampires. Corvo followed her to the offices, looking about. It was his first time in the college and he didn’t want any students to overhear anything of import. With how accurate her attacks were, he was certain someone was informing on her, someone close.


Brennia made her way to the staircase that hugs the curve of the oval wall to follow them to the walkway until they end up at the opposite end of the oval shaped main hall on the second floor. Seeing as it’s nighttime the presence of students is minimal and the offices seem abandoned for the night. She picks up another folder from a mailbox as she walked passed the hobbit’s desk and came to a locked door to the left which says Dean Smyth on it. Other doors say Professor Lanara, Professor Valios, Professor Shurzuf etc. It seems she likes to keep things rather equal as the doors and rooms seem to all have the same specs, “so… You’re telling me that an assassin has rumors about him?” Now that they were alone they could speak freely and a shrug at his suggestions, “I can ask him, but he seems to be on a different path these days. Not sure he can go around chasing some bird,” the last words sort of fade away as she unlocked the door to her office and set the folders down, but not before slipping a piece of paper from one of them. It was a sketch of an eye within a wing and the world for the iris and she held it up for him to see, “what does this symbol mean to you.” She really had no time to mess around anymore and her other hand was behind her back once more under the cover of her wings.


Corvo stopped with her. “An assassin? Ah...no, no rumor I’d heard had suggested he was an assassin.” Oops, she’d given that bit away. “No, the rumors circulated when you were first seen with this, and I quote, tall, darkly handsome drink of a man,” he coughed politely, hiding a smile, “Then circulated again after you opened the college. Rumor was he was a vampire, powerful and old, in with other elders, and that you two were lovers. Now of course there were plenty of other rumors, some silly, some more...scandalous, as rumors go, but it was enough to piece bits together, things you yourself have confirmed.” he says, offering a smile. “I didn’t know the bit about him being an assassin. Now I endorse his protection even further. But again, your choice, as is my role in the coming days.” He wasn’t blind or stupid and knew her hand had gone back to that sai, or more likely, sais. He looked at the picture and made a distasteful face. “Officially I know nothing and it means nothing. Unofficially, it’s a symbol that has been popping up more and more. Some have said they are a secret society, though, not very secret if their symbol is getting out all over the place. Some society of rich and wealthy avians who want to see the world turn to benefit our kind and screw everyone else. And I hear they have a silly name, though that could be a clever ploy to make them a joke when they are very real and dangerous. Why? What does it mean to you?” he asks, turning it back on her.


Brennia set the sketch down and that free hand now fiddles with that ring dangling from her necklace once more, “he is a vampire, he is well seasoned and he is powerful.” She almost wants to ask the fellow avain to take his top off so she may look for the mark, but that would send a signal or irritate him. Even if he doesn’t have the mark on him doesn’t mean that he isn’t one of them, “did you not just see that symbol, say, on the hand of someone throwing a weapon at you?” Heels click their way around her desk so she may have a seat and she motions to the couch behind him so he may sit. She leans her elbows down onto the desk, “I’ve had confirmed suspicions that this ridiculous organization has been targeting me. Two nights ago they somehow breached my castle walls and attacked my students while they simultaneously attacked me and two of my guests in the hot springs next door. And I am done. I won’t be standing idly by while the senate and Flewminati keeps the citizens under their boot.” Most people are too scared to even speak the name out loud for fear of being looked at like a nutcase, but Brennia ain't scurrd. Now she relaxes back into her seat while crossing one leg over the other, “where shall we start? What is it you will need from me?”


Corvo watched the woman, appraising her anew all over again. “You see, this is why I decided to approach you. You have fire, drive, commitment.” he sat across the desk from her. “Yes, I saw the symbol and no, I don’t have one, though I could see my timing as being peculiar. I’d let you check if you like, but that would prove nothing really.” he admits, waving a hand. “If you prefer, I can wait to be alone with you again after this until we’ve arranged some protection. Though, if you suspect me, then anyone I hire would also be suspect.” he points out. “I could give my word, but I know that when your life is on the line, someone’s word is not really adequate, especially when dealing with thieves and liars.” he says, crossing his arms and studying her. “What do I need? I need everything from you. I can help make you senator, but you must do the actual work. We will need a space to work, people you can trust to help with the campaigning. It’s an uphill battle, and I can’t promise a victory, but I can promise a hell of a fight. We need to study our opponents, look for weaknesses. We need to address your safety first and foremost. If you have been attacked in your own castle, then you will need someone with you constantly short of the bathroom.” he says, serious in his measures. “And you must be willing to commit to that life for the foreseeable future. You’ll be a target even if you win. At least for a time. You won’t be able to leave alone or come and go as you please. You will give up much, in order to serve your people and to do what you know is right.” he says, stormy eyes piercing her, his wings settling around him. “What kind of campaign would you like to run? Dirty? Clean? A mix of the two. I am a lifelong politician, so I’m morally...flexible.” he admits with a wolf’s smile.


Brennia smiles again and the hint of kniving mixed into it, “we can speak now. I can have my protection here in an instant,” she slyly glances to the shadows within the room as if he’s apart of every one of them. “Even if he doesn’t appear right away I have a failsafe and you will not like her. I don’t even like her,” she actually had to do a little bit of body cleanup because of her from the last attack. Listening and taking everything this man has to say into account he has some valid points, “I am barely alone as it is with the duties I perform for the college. Replacing one busy schedule with another is nothing new to me.” She could go on and on about her training days as ruler to be for the land of legend, Vere, but he didn’t ask so… A glance to his own black wings as they shifted, were they just preening? If they were that was a blatant flirt in their culture of ‘Wing Etiquette’, but she looks confidently right back at him, “I just want to be honest. I have gotten some information regarding Vermillion Draft and his affiliation with the Flewminati, but I will need the proof. I’m not going to lie about what I can and cannot do for Schezerade, but they need to know the lies they’ve already swallowed down with the champagne.” She thinks on Fitz, Hildegarde, and Josleen, “I am going to have to meet with some friends and acquaintances I know who I can ally to on the ground and garner some support… Your thoughts?”


Corvo tilted his head, steepling his fingers. “Good, I’m glad to hear it. Because it will be busy, and busier so since you are already a target and we haven’t even started. We will have to step twice as fast and be more diligent. Trust will be our best currency.” he looked to the shadow she stared at. “So...that rumor is true as well.” who was this man that had such intimate knowledge of her and her dealings. “Shadow walking. A nifty trick. And I had heard of another that protected you as well, though I must admit, that tale was more fanciful. True though, isn’t it?” he asks, tapping his first two fingers together. “If I meant you harm, I’d have attempted, and likely died. You have weathered all so far, and my meager skills are just that, meager. No, I think the best course is for me to be honest with you, to help where I can and admit when I can’t. A honorable campaign, I love that. And already ties to the ground, I really feel that that will be the best platform. We can snag the younger demographic there.” he met her gaze firmly again. “So is that a yes? You want to be senator and you want my help?” he asks, formally, standing and holding out his hand.


Brennia gave a shrug when he assumed the vampire’s powers, “could be. Or the way the darkness casts and grows over where it was once light just reminds me of him.” She watched the avian carefully and listened, but when he questions about what she thinks is Raven all she does is quirk a brow and purse her lips. A smirk changes that though when he admits he would have been in trouble if he meant her harm, “I don’t know what you mean, I am just some helpless little bard.” It was sarcasm and by the look on her face he’d know it. She stands when he does and walks back around to the front of her desk to shake his hand. She takes his hand and gives it a not overly firm shake or two while her opposite fist went over her heart, an old island Vere custom. “Corvo Alteir,” her Veretian accent plays with the name upon her gilded tongue, but there was a glint in her eye as if she were reading his soul like sheet music, “we will be doing business.” With her fist weighing the collar of the blouse down a little he might be able to peek those bite marks within the ink pattern decorating her dewy skin from his vantage point.


Corvo shook her hand, smiling that same smile and nodding. “Excellent! I will do my very best to make you senator. Senator Smyth...has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it?” he asks, then catches the still healing bite, the one that Brennia had insisted Daer leave upon her rather than healing as he normally would. “For now, I would cover that. But perhaps in the future, that too could be a show of how staunch your own beliefs are about joining together with the vampires. Or at least being friendly.” he says, releasing her hand as she released his. “You have much to think about, and I have much to prepare. Give me a day, two at the most. Have a room here prepared for campaign headquarters.” he says, taking charge of the end he needed to. After all, she would lead and he would follow, but there were areas he would know how to navigate better just as she knew some he didn’t. “Think on security and either sort it, or inform me when I return. Then the real work starts.” he says, smiling a bit wider. “Exciting isn’t it? I always get a little giddy with the prospect. No need to show me out, I know the way.” he says, turning to go, thoughts and plans already whirring thru his sharp mind.