RP:Schezerade Campaigning

From HollowWiki

Part of the Vakmatharas' Jar Arc


Summary: Corvo calls on Brennia after she informed him that she made a decision on who she wants to protect her round the clock. First things first, the candidate and her constant protection must look the part and be fitted for extra circumstances. You just never know with these attacks.

Avenue Of Business

The first thing many notice about this avenue is not the neatly trimmed hedges orderly lining the marble-stone road, or even the masterful sculptures of famous dignitaries that stand in niches within the shrubbery. No, what catches the attention of most is the endless hustle and bustle that permeates the air, a constant movement of bodies that, despite an almost frantic sense of rushing, manages to retain the stately demeanor appropriate of the avian people. Bankers hurrying westward do not pause in their travels as they politely greet passing merchants headed south toward the nearby bazaar, and the soldiers that march proudly toward the armory northward do not falter once in their swift movements. This is more than a place of business, this is a place of pride as well.



Corvo Altier had successfully talked miss Brennia Smyth into running for senator, but then, it hadn’t taken much. He wasn’t certain if his other attempt, the one of having her recruit her vampire as a bodyguard, would be as successful. After their talk, he’d done as promised. He’d begun to gather what they would need for this uphill battle and had delved into a bit more rumors about the illustrious dean. He’d learned a few things. People did love to gossip after all. He’d left her a message to meet him here, having a surprise in store for her. Hopefully she was not alone. But only time would tell that. He clicked open a pocket watch, checking the time as he waited.


Brennia arrives a little early wearing something similar to what Corvo saw her in after the senate meeting, but the suit was a tab color with the blue accents, looking very striking against her dark skin. She suggests to Daermon that once they get out of the restricted wing he walk behind her looking purposeful and diligent because they both know they can’t think straight walking directly side by side. Spotting Corvo she gives a cordial smile until they are closer and she extends a hand for a handshake. “Merry meet Corvo,” dark blues confidently meeting the stormy ones as she steps aside to introduce, “Corvo, this is m- Daermon Nae’Bear. Daermon, this is Corvo Altier.” While they acquainted themselves she looks to the tall tower to the north of them, it’s Vermillion Draft’s hotel that houses shops on the first two floors. Food, clothes, salon & spa, armor outfitters - you name it. The next two floors are upscale rooms, but the penthouse at the top remains a mystery as only the elite of the elite get into Vermillion’s home. Her blue eyes eventually look down at her long pointy black nails, a couple of them chipped, but she’s just unsure of going in there to shop.


Daermon sized up Corvo as they both reached out to shake hands. Corvo put more pressure into his, that typical alpha mentality. Daer of course was never one to back down when openly challenged and applied pressure back. Then more, and a bit more until Corvo winced for a split second. “Nice to meet you Daermon.” he says, releasing hands, though trying not to shake his out from the squeeze. “A pleasure Corvo.” the vampire replies. “I have obviously decided to take the job offer.” he says, smiling easily. “Obviously.” the avian replies, a wolfish smile of his own splitting his face. “I know a bit about you, rumor mostly, but I was thinking that if you are going to be guarding a prospective senator, perhaps we could dress you in something more formal than that.” he says, indicating Daer’s leathers and duster. Daer frowned, but nodded. “Of course. I am rather...imposing for a campaign trail.” he admits. “Quite.” Corvo responds, but concedes, “But that is the point. We want you imposing, but not to stand out as much. I know a tailor who does impeccable work, and makes special suits weaving in magic and material to make them nearly as strong as armor. I suggest we start there to get measured, as I will be ordering some as well.” he looked to Bren, who was lost in thought staring at the tower. “Brennia, I suggest we see if my tailor can make something for you as well. Just to be safe.” he suggests, pulling her attention to them.


Brennia blinked at the two’s strong man competition, but boys will be boys and as long as they aren’t blatantly barking at each other she lets it slide. He’s mentioning things about suits and armor, all she mentions is, “Daermon in a suit?” There was that one dream, but that seemed a different time altogether and then through their bond while she’s looking him up then down she whispers, ‘I might like that… Woof.’ She made sure not to smirk when her lips twitch slightly, “all the time?” A quirk of the brow then she asks, “might want to get a formal one for swanky events? Like say… In a deep red shade.” She didn’t need to glance to Dearmon when she thought, ‘like the dream.’ Corvo mentions that she will need to get outfitted as well and this reminds her of being shoved into dressed for balls and the like, “just… No corsets, please.” She idly pulled gently at the high collar of her blouse, “if I’m going to be measured then I should probably get a necklace or put coverup on my neck.” She said in a near whisper before adding, “should probably cut down my nails, too - I look like a predator.” A glance to Daermon’s nails and then his scruffy little beard hair wondering if Corvo will also make him shave. Clean shaven and in a suit, she’d miss the beard, but… damn.


Daermon didn’t have nails so much as claws, but he could keep them short if needed. Corvo nodded to Brennia. “Sure, whatever colors you two like, and yes, one fancier, like a three piece, for formal events. And no, no corsets for you. We want you looking elegant and professional and your tits popping out of a corset is not that.” he says, to which Daer had to hide a smile. ‘I happen to like that look…’ he tells her, grinning to her woof and suddenly surprised as Corvo stepped close. “You’ll have to keep a more tidy beard. If you don’t know how to do that, I can help, or we can get someone who can.” Corvo says critically. “We don’t have to get rid of all of it, just...trim. Hair too.” Corvo explains, looking at the shaggy mess of Daer’s hair. “That’s going to be challenging on all fronts. My hair grows back very fast.” he explains. “I’m sure it does, hence why someone will have to do it for you.” he looked to Brennia. “I don’t suppose you know how to shave or cut hair?” he asks her, as she made the most sense. He knew where the vampire would be staying. It didn’t take a genius to figure it out. “And yes, we can get you a nice scarf or something.” Corvo scowls at the marks for a moment, then looked to Daer. “I thought vampires could hide their marks?” he asks. Daermon shrugged slightly. “She didn’t want me to.” he says, though that might not have been completely true.


Brennia does smirk when Daermon grins at her and she suggests ‘maybe you shouldn’t make it so obvious we can talk to each other secretly. Someone might catch on,’ if he hasn’t already with their pauses in conversation, certain looks and their easy comfort around each other. Then a question is posed to her, “yes, I used to help my brother keep his wild hair under control until he decided to just dread it up.” Her gaze went back to Daermon and then a thought, ‘nah, I like you hair short.’ She shrugs after a playful glare to Daermon ‘yeah throw me under the carriage,’ and then saying, “well they will heal quickly and in no time it will just look like another scar.” A glance to her bodyguard ‘or more of a mark of belonging.’ “Shall we?” She gestures to the wide doors into the mall in front of them.


Daermon gives a little growl for her, but nods. “Then we’ll have to pick up some stuff. I can shave myself, but the hair, for tidiness sake, would be better if you did it.” he admits to Bren. Corvo nodded. “Good, then we are in agreement. And we’ll find something to cover it until it does.” he seemed somewhat put off by it, but only because he didn’t want everyone knowing that she was with a vampire until the right moment. All about timing in the political game. “Yes, let’s.” he agrees and moves in with her. Daer trailed behind a few steps, as he would quickly begin to do anywhere in public. It was strange to be the weird mix of bodyguard and lover, but then, wouldn’t be the first time a bodyguard and client were like that. Just normally not before one becomes the bodyguard. “I’ll need a few concealable blades. Something I can throw yet inconspicuous enough to not looked armed all the time.” Corvo pulled out a small notepad and jotted it down. “Good thinking Mr. Nae’Baer.” he says grudgingly as they moved to their first stop.


Brennia was quiet for a long moment while having a her own conversation with Daermon through their bond. Only nodding here or there and smiling at this or that, but glancing over at Daermon every once in awhile. Between the two they were probably going over the most recent developments in their complicated relationship like, ‘I know I’ve told you to move on and form your own path… How are we supposed to now? You’re always so close and I like it that way. Especially since I’ve been alone, otherwise…’ Moving along silently and keeping to herself, or so it seems, but she started to nervously fiddle with that ring once more as it’s becoming a habit, ‘you never did tell me the other reason you gave me this other than protection.’ She pulled out something from the hidden space between her wings and pulled free a compact, one that looks a lot like the one she had before, but within it actually housed a plain mirror and some powder to cover her mark from Daermon.


Daermon smiled, giving a soft laugh and shaking his head slightly. ‘Is now really the time to go over it? You know how I feel. You know what I want. If you don’t, I’ll still protect you. I would hope you know that.’ he admits, then catches Corvo looking at him, no - them, funny. “Are you two...communicating somehow?” Corvo asks, looking back to Brennia. Daermon didn’t often spill the beans about such things, but…”Yes, we are. We have a vampire’s bond, from our time as lovers. It never really can be broken short of death so…” Daermon shrugged. “I see.” Corvo says, touching his chin in thought. “That actually could be rather useful. If you have anything else like that, I would hope you’d share it with me. I work best with all the facts.” he says, looking between them, then nodding and continuing on. Daermon spoke softly along the bond, ‘The other reason was because even though you said you had another, one who was with you most of the time...you seemed so lonely. I wanted you to have a way to call me if you wanted to even just sit and chat...we were friends before lovers and I know we both have been lonely of late…’ he admits softly, turning to scan a dark store.


Brennia got them caught just after she responds, ‘we haven’t really had a quiet moment since… But the way things are going it’s going to be tough for me to not want what you want, too. That’s not a bad thing either, is it?’ Her cheeks darkened slightly when they were discovered, but when she opened her mouth to respond Daermon took over and this got a quirked brow from her. ‘That was quick. You laying claim?’ Her gaze travels from the top of Corvo’s wings to his smartly dressed clothes and shoes wondering if Daermon actually saw him as a threat in that way. “It’s true,” she confirms before Corvo says how handy it would be and she awaits his lead on their shopping spree. ‘You’ve got it wrong. From the moment I saw you I wanted you. We eventually became friends, but we fell first.’ Her eyes glance to where Daermon was looking as she fell in step with Corvo and wherever he was taking them. “After this we should venture back to the college. We’ve set up a campaign office.”


Daermon merely offered a soft grin, that neither other would see as they were walking. ‘Maybe I am.’ he responds about laying claim to her. And while he didn’t find the man overly threatening, Daer was pretty confident in himself, it never hurt to let this stranger know where they stood. ‘No, it’s not a bad thing to want what I want. If that is how you really feel.’ she’d feel the smile that went with those words. ‘That’s funny, because I wanted you from that first moment as well, with you playing, singing in the corpse…’ he reminds, that rush of feelings through the bond, so warm and full. ‘It was lust then, but more soon after…’ he admits, then quiets as Corvo begins to speak. “Well Brennia, where do you want to start? We can start with measurements first, or…?” he swept his hand. After all, she was going to lead, so he was making her choose. “Excellent. I can bring what I have prepared so far over to the college.” Corvo says, flexing his wings slightly in excitement.


Brennia glances up at those wings, ‘not sure if I ever told you, when wings shift like that in avian culture it’s a blatant flirt.’ She smiles warmly up at Corvo and understands he’s not flexing his wings at her, but because of excitement and she would let Daermon stew for a moment before she adds, ‘or he’s just excited.’ A single nod, “excellent indeed. Outfits first, grooming second.” She continues to glance around at some familiar faces and offering a wave with a kind smile. Miss Windgate walks up to Brennia once more, “Dean Smyth, I just wanted to tell you,” the woman’s hand found Brennia’s to squeeze it lightly in her sincerity, “that I never knew just how much you cared about your students. Even though Hinder won’t have any issues with tuition hikes, I want you to know our family agrees and we will stand behind the Smyth College of Bardic Arts.” Brennia’s smile grew to show of perfect pearly whites while she blushes slightly in the flattery, “that means so much to me Madame Windgate.” Brennia’s fist went over her own heart with the bow of her head, but this caused the other avian woman to ask, “I’ve only heard of these customs you have and your accent in league with the mysterious Island Vere. If you don’t mind me asking are you from there?” Brennia felt nervous, Daermon could feel it and he only knows she’s a secret dipped in secret coating and wrapped in more secrets.”Must be a coincidence,” Brennia continues to smile as the woman says her goodbyes. When Brennia and Corvo walk into the tailor’s they are greeted and the woman sees Brennia, “Dean Smyth! Hey!” It’s one of her current students, but a few of the woman’s coworkers glance around, one guy asks, “that’s the head of your school!?”


Daermon growled along the bond as she told him about Corvo’s wings, then gave him another reason why. ‘If you are trying to spark jealousy, it is working. Though I would hope that you didn’t feel that was necessary with a man I am going to also be working with on a constant basis.’ he reminds along their bond, yet, she’d feel it lingering there, that possessive jealousy. Corvo was happy to see Brennia doing a bit of glad handing with some that she knew. At the shop, he ignored the women and their coworkers, instead spotting Darne. He moved to the older avian. “Darne, good to see you!” he exclaimed as they clasped hands. “Hello Master Corvo, always a pleasure. Have you brought me some new business?” the older avian says, eyeing the pair. “Interesting crowd you’re running with, eh?” the older man grinned. “Welcome Mistress,” he says, taking and kissing her hand. “And you Master vampire.” he says to Daer, extending his hand to shake. Daer took it, surprised. “I’m shocked you could recognize what I was just from looking.” he admits. “Oh nonsense boy, you’re pale, look fierce and your hand would have confirmed anything you might have denied. I have no prejudices, so you’ll get the same service as any avian, yes sir.” Darne admits, giving a firm shake before turning back to Corvo. “So, what will it be?” the older man asks, as Corvo explains what they were looking for. “Of course. Might take a few days with such a large order, but let’s get them into measuring.” he says, waving for his assistants.


Brennia thought a moment after greeting Darne and putting on her charm, “merry meet Darne, thank you.” Plump lips shaping up in a dimple accented smile, “about those hands… Instead of cutting your nails down, maybe we just get you gloves? You’re actually tall enough to pull off a wingless avian...” She suggests to both Corvo and Daermon and when Darne suggest moving to a more private area to get fitted she would feel worried to Daermon, ‘Vermillion owns this building. I don’t want to go alone. Request to get fitted together?’ Her quick glance looks him up and down ‘not like I haven’t seen it all before…’ she made sure not to smirk. Some customers walking passed Brennia definitely make no effort to hide their wondering eyes on her figure which go unnoticed to her…. After their fitting was over Brennia cordially parted from Darne, “pleasure meeting you,” political practice handshake, smile, confident eye contact, “merry part until we merry meet again.” This peculiar custom of Brennia’s rose another eyebrow and more whispering of Vere is brought up…. Maybe Corvo needs to learn a little more of his client, “off to the Spa?”


Daermon did as requested, asking to be fitted together as he and the lady were fond of each other and wanted to keep chatting. The older avian agreed as long as they kept their backs to each other for propriety's sake. ‘Gloves huh? I suppose if you find the look appealing.’ Daer agrees along the bond. Daer watched Brennia’s fitting through the mirror before him, enjoying her curves from behind. They were waiting for Corvo afterward, the man just getting to see her peculiar goodbye to Darne. “Yes, the spa.” Corvo agrees. “Brennia, you have some very...peculiar customs. Might I ask where they came from?” Daermon piped up, “I’d be more interested in where you came from Corvo?” he says, for really, neither knew anything about this man other than he approached Brennia. ‘Did you do any research on him?’ he asks along the bond, trusting his birdie, but she had been under a lot of stress, he knew that could affect judgement.


Brennia watched just the same and even thought of their more recent wildly passionate dealings knowing damn well he can visualize it as well. It was a tease and a testimate to keep his cool about himself in public but she thought, ‘you really have spent twenty years without me… You really did miss me, is that right?’ The way he’s been when they are alone had been physical proof to that and how he performs with her. Once they are done getting fitted they fell into a comfortable silence while waiting for Corvo. They are off and she almost went to answer before Daermon cut her off and she had force herself not to not smirk at him. She’s liking this protective trait he’s taken on. ‘No, but with my Bardic ability I tested his words when I showed him the Flewminati symbol and whenever we have talked of Vermillion Draft. His words rang true and his heart didn’t race… But do what you must, it will look better to him. Looks good on you too,’ he knows what she means and they pass a flower vendor, sort of nefarious looking and he holds on out to Brennia with a slightly shaky hand, “beautiful flower for the beautiful lady.” Brennia’s hand went out to take it, but something is off and she probably shouldn’t.


Daermon merely growled again to her words. ‘You know I have been and I did. Or, you could know if you wanted to test me with your abilities.’ he reminds, giving a little half smirk. They waited and left and as she answers him about Corvo, he nods. “Me? I’m from Schezerade. Born and bred. Father was a politician, but I found I wasn’t good in the limelight. Much better behind the power.” Corvo explains. The nice thing about walking behind someone is you get to see what is going on from a better view than if you were beside. Corvo wouldn’t see the sweat on the man’s face, or the shaking hand. Brennia reflexively was reaching to take the flower. Something about it smelled...wrong. Using a bit of that more than human speed, his hand intercepted the flower vendor’s, touching only the man’s hand, not the flower and blocking Brennia’s at the same time. “I wouldn’t.” he suggests, turning those cool eyes to the vendor. The man was sweating more now, but unable to even make a response as the poison coated flower killed him. As he went limp, Daermon released his hand, the man slumping over the front of his cart. “Is there a doctor?” he calls, though he kept his eyes sharp for another attack. “Don’t touch the flowers!”


Brennia was entirely impressed with Daermon and the smirk was well hidden when she raised her hand to fake a gasp then clings to Corvo making sure to put on a good show, “oh my! Someone help, please? Is there a doctor present?” She was able to project her voice about the floor without shouting and someone rushed over immediately. Brennia would make sure to stay and see to it they came back around for appearances sake. They get on with their appointment at the spa without another incident and leave with some grooming supplies for the both of them. “Off to see the headquarters,” she leads the way with Corvo, if he’d hold his arm out for her to link hers through like a gentleman should, she’d take it, but a again, only for appearances sake because mentally she would rather be holding onto a man of colder temperature.


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