RP:The Lock
Summary: Meri travels to Schezerade to show Brennia what she's sketched thus far.
DeVere College of Bardic Arts
Main Hall
After finding your way through the Topiary Garden it would only be fitting to come upon a building which looks like a section taken right out of any castle in the same style as all of Schezerade, in all it's decadence; marble forming the entirety of the large building accented with gold and platinum in which you'll have to cross over a glass bridge in order to reach it. The front door is welcoming for all shapes and sizes that are the citizens of Hollow and spans a great distance in it's solid French Door of a design. Opening it up one might be perplexed at the ability for the fortress to hold such music coming from the main hall there with all of the astute students practicing their talents. Once immersed, the eyes might be stolen by the gaping cathedral ceilings above, spotted by gold and platinum in which encircle mini glowing stones to mimic the night sky, but beauty is not what the ceiling is for; it carries one's voice in the most pleasing fashion. This main hall is quite a vast oval-shaped room, but the walls are shelves, carved into small diamond shapes. Each slot contains a scroll to nearly any song someone might wish to hear or practice in it's magic. Among the marvelous white-wood, gold-accented, concert grand piano in the middle of this large room there are a plethora of nearly every musical instrument imaginable, one just has to look.
Nearing further into the castle one's nostrils might pick up on the scent of mouth watering food being cooked wafting from the kitchen which is north of the main room and it also holds an elegant dining area containing a handful of small tables. In the corner of this kitchen there is a winding staircase which travels below where students are bustling to and fro. If you wish to stay, grab your favorite spirits from the well stocked kitchen and listen to the bardic magics, relax in one of the many luxurious sofas strewn about these to areas. Off to the east corner of the main hall, there is a locked staircase with an outreaching design in onyx stone overlay which is seemingly inking over into the pristine luxury you’ve found yourself in. It's as if the area above holds a darkness that's attempting to leak out into this little slice of heaven… Better just leave that door alone.
A white concert grand piano is here.
Zachaël, wearing a chef's hat is here.
Brennia sits perfectly postured at the pianist bench with her nimble fingertips striking the ivory of her concert grand piano before her. The gentle melody perfectly accompanies her warm alto voice, but her eyes stay closed even though most of the students have retired down in their dorms for the night. There was some red Cabernet wine sitting on the top of lid of the beautiful piano within reach and she continues to spill her bardic powers into the song. If anyone were to hear this they would be taken into the heart of it, possibly, as the song peers into the depths of the soul to figuratively caress it and make all of it's troubles gently fade into the background. Every sweet high note and warm low note bodes for those to come closer and closer to the serene song in order to beg for more, but before they know it the song gently comes to an end. Once it does Brennia takes a sketching charcoal from it's tucked away place on her pointed ear in order to scribble something on a sheet music scroll just before sitting there in the screaming silence while she falls into deep thought.
Meri had received Brennia's request to see the progress on the tattoo and had come in due time, as good of time as one can really make when traveling from Rynvale to Schezerade. Though the city was lovely, Meri felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb against the decadence of everything. No one had told her that this was a black tie sort of place, at least the artist felt like it was. At times, she was insecure about this vast differences in social standing. Dirty and scuffed up black boots are quick to carry her straight to the bardic college where she finds Brennia playing at the piano. The song is enough to at least temporarily make Meri forget that this place was as grandiose as the rest of the city -- music had a funny way of doing that to people didn't it? Rather than interrupt the song, Meri would make her presence known by stepping into Brennia's peripheral vision. She would let the bard play for as long as it suited her to play and Meri was more than content to listen to her play, art appreciated art.
Brennia could feel Meri's soul as soon as she entered and Brennia didn't need peripheral vision as she has been forced to perform and practice her art keeping her eyes closed for everyone's well being. Brennia finishes her quick notes while greeting, "Merry Meet Madame Meri." Say that five times fast. Those large oceanic blue eyes finally look up to the woman with that brilliant and contagious smile spreading across her plump lips; exposing perfect pearly whiles and dimples poking into her caramel cheeks. "Please, let us sit." She knows the journey is long for walking folk, "What shall I get you to drink? Water? Wine?" The word 'wine' drawn out a little more as she stood to her natural six foot two height to grab her own stemless crystal goblet from the top of the piano. She bowed halfly in keeping a careful mind to her drink before the glide-esque saunter takes her to the seating area of the second half of the vast Main Hall and motioning to one of the many plushy cushioned pieces of furniture. Meri could easily see this place was, indeed, made for creative souls with statues and pieces of arts everywhere there weren't shelves upon shelves of books and parchment. From there she might be able to spy the outdoor courtyard through windowed French doors where there are painting easels on one side and training dummies on the other.
Meri did thankfully have a horse, which was probably stabled somewhere in Xalious while Meri conducts her business up in Schezerade. Kadence helped with a brunt of the journey and spared Meri's legs much of it. Still, didn't need to tell Meri what to do twice, sitting sounded like a great option and Meri would follow after Brennia with booted feet. "Wine is great," though let's not get too technical with the questions. Meri is no connoisseur, it's just given the choice between water or booze she is going to pick the booze. "This place you have got here is real nice." It must have cost a dang fortune, Meri thinks to herself. "You ever hold any big parties here? I bet it would be a hit if you did." Yet very much not Meri's scene, as getting all dolled up in some ritzy gown was a rarity and once more, Meri is imagining that Brennia would host a very opulent party. None of these assumptions are negative, just her mind wandering over everything that she has seen so far. Into a seat Meri goes, trying to not just flop down like some unladylike fool. This place was instilling the need to try and behave herself. The second she is seated she is reaching into her satchel so that she can pull out her sketchbook, letting it rest closed upon her lap for now. "So I have done up several designs. And if you hate them all? That is perfectly fine. And if you like parts one bit pieces of another and want to see it combined? That is something that we can do to. That's kind of the point of these consultations, to make sure you are satisfied with what you are paying for. No need to spare my feelings."
Brennia does not care for attire and most days she would walk around in the stark if she could. She was even wearing something simple, another blue blouse of sorts and soft leather leggings; also barefoot in her own home. Really the only thing different about her today was that her hair is down, long and the blackest of blacks cascading about her. Her chef, Zachael, a very handsome Avain man who is also quite tall with high cheek bones and he gives the guest a smile after rolling out a small drinking cart. Brennia gives him a tankful smile before saying something to him in their native tongue, it sounds what we would call French. The language that pretty much sounds like sex, very alluring. He responds and bows before leaving, "He is such a sweet heart. Too bad he can't speak a word of common with that nice arse of his… The ladies would -love- him." She winks at Meri. What was this type of talk coming from a regal seeming woman like, Brennia? I mean, women don't usually subject men to that type of talk anyway. She picks some grapes off the cart, ignoring the cheese and motions to the card full of oaky wines, rich scotches, spiced whiskies; you name it - its there. "Help yourself." She seats herself next to Meri, bringing Meri's favorite scent with her, in order to look at the sketches. Brennia sets her drink down on a surface near them as she didn't want to accidently spill anything and handling it just as before. A quiet came over the Avian with a light, "Hmmm," after each flip and once she is through them she starts all over until she gives up, "Meri. These are beautiful." Her smile spread once more as her eyes met to Meri's in her sincerity, "This is a tough choice between a few of them." If Meri would lean in, Brennia would show the ones she likes best.
Meri tilts her head lightly to one side as she listens to this language that she has never really heard before -- and she has heard a few languages. The way this one just rolls off the tongue, it was more than melodic, at least to Meri. Brennia's words do indeed cause Meri to lift a brow in surprise but not the slightest offense is taken, blue eyes trail after Zachael in blatant appraisal of said rear. I mean if that was not an open invitation to check out Brennia's staff than Meri did not know what was, "Honestly? The ladies would probably -love- him regardless of his being able to speak common. He could probably get away with saying whatever he wanted as long as it was said in....whatever language you two were speaking." A smirk twists at red lips. Brennia flips through the sketchbook and Meri helps herself to that cart. Now that there is whiskey insight, Meri opts for the whiskey over the wines or the scotches -- like the classy lady that she is. A short glass is poured for herself, no need to get too sloshed in front of a client, right? Alcohol makes the tongue wag and while Brennia was proving that she was full of surprises, Meri was going to play things smart. "I like some of them better than others." One of them definitely looks more finished than the rest. It's shaped more like a shield, or even like the crest of some royal house. The lock itself looks like it is weighty and resound, like it would be impossible to just break open with some hand tool like a shovel or a pick. Despite the sturdiness of the design, the inside is filled with soft flourishes to give it a more feminine appeal. Color has been incorporated into the flourishes, blues as discussed with a bulk of the blue matching Brennia's eyes but some shades were lighter and others were darker. That is just the most finished pieced, there are some locks drawn shaped like hearts. Other locks are more delicate and feminine in design. Some locks incorporated keys, but the more finished product was sans key. Like Brennia did not want this particular lock to be opened via key or broken by any means.
Brennia may have scooted just a little closer to Meri, maybe it’s the wine making her bolder. She's had kind of a weird day and this is easily getting her mind off it. Brennia would have only chuckled softly at Meri's addition about Zachael and the checking him out. Brennia found herself starring more at the lock which has been decorated fully. Brennia could sing a song to death and spin a tale that could take someone to an entirely different space, but she was never able to create something quite like this. "I really just love this one. I think it would be perfect..." that sultry alto timbre swims in the small space between them before she adds, " I only have to wait on my alchemist to turn up with the mixing solution." Those large blue eyes settle on Meri once more, "Your work is just astonishing, madam Meri." Brennia patted the woman softy on the knee/thigh area before sliding her sketchbook back over to her with the page still flipped open to the chosen lock. She lifts her glass once more, but isn't really ready for the artist to part just yet, "You didn't skip supper did you? Zachael makes the best beef wellington." It was a clear invite to stay and eat something. A playful smirk now given as she adds, "Besides I can't let you drink and ride anywhere now. You may opt to stay in one of the many dorm rooms below." A wink is given.
Meri makes mental note of the one that Brennia ultimately settles on, it would be easy to remember as it was additionally the design that Meri most preferred herself. Then that will be the one. "There is no particular rush on working on things on your end. In fact, it is probably better that these things are not rushed so just send word to me whenever you are ready to proceed from here on out." They have at the very least settled upon a design. To stay for dinner and the night was not really a hard decision for Meri. The booze wasn't the issue was far as Meri was concerned, she found her mind thinking about how the sun was getting low, which meant more creatures were inclined to come out, and that she was in no particular rush to get to any meeting so....why not? "Beef wellington. I don't think that I have ever actually had beef wellington before." One more reason to stay. "And it would be rude of me to turn you down on your offer, no?" Red lips twist up into a proud smirk as Meri provides further justification. "And hey, maybe I will run into [[User:Raphaline . She runs around here from time to time doesn't she?"
Brennia nods, "Yes, she is actually the other Headmistress here at the college and of the Bard's Guild." A proud smile was given speaking of a friend of her's. She stands once more and offers her free arm out like a gentleman would to escort a lady, "Our table awaits m'lady." She gave another short bow with a soft chuckle at her own playfulness as she seems like royalty, but doesn't always act like it… Maybe that's what happens to you when you leave the stuffy society. Meri can joke around and take the arm or leave it if she wishes, but regardless they would leave the main hall to enter into the kitchen area. It was rather large and rectangular with the railed off opening of a winding staircase going down separates the large, well accessorized kitchen and the dining area which holds a handful of tables that seat between four and eight. Brennia chooses a more intimate table in a narrow backed chair to accompany her wings. Zachael brings over generous helpings of the food, being a filet steak coated with pâté, wrapped in puff pastry and baked. He said something else in their native tongue to which Brennia also responded with the lifting of her glass. He reveals a mouth full of perfect long teeth with a charming smile and a bow to the both of them before he retreats. Brennia waits for her guest to dig in first out of manners and respect for her company.
Meri chuckles at Brennia and her playfulness, playing right along into it by looping one tattooed hand around that offered arm. This was done after stuffing her sketchbook back into her satchel and dragging that along with them. Sure her stuff would have likely been perfectly safe exactly where it was but it was just sort of habit to not leave personal effects just laying around in the open. Meri's hold on Brennia's arm is kept loose and eventually falls away as Meri finds herself once more gawking at the architecture and décor of the place all the way into the main dining hall. Brennia guides Meri to whatever table that she deems fit and finds herself seating opposite of Brennia. Oh hai, it is Zachael again. After her banter with Brennia earlier, Meri can't quite look at the guy without smirking just a bit. Poor dear. Dinner was served and since Brennia was waiting for Meri to dive in first, the blonde would oblige and take first bite of the beef wellington. "Definitely good." As Brennia promised it would be. Rather than try and pester Brennia with further questions about her situation with the tattoo, a matter that Meri had been left more than just a little curious about, Meri keeps it respectful and opts for better dinner conversation, "So how long have you been running this place? I mean, I have been here off and on for a couple of years but it seems like things are really going well here lately?" If this College was even in place prior to recent, Meri wasn't sure. Thus, why she is asking. Dinner was consumed while she was not talking, basic table manners were definitely used.
Brennia started to eat shortly after, partaking in the delicious food and dry cabernet wine. She moaned a, "mmhm" in agreement when Meri said the food was good. She thought a long moment at the next question as she was chewing some food.. Where to even begin? Almost any insight would raise more questions anyway, which Brennia will have no issue and answering. "Well…" She swallowed her bite down with a generous swig of her wine, "For a good year I was mooching off the Hanging Corpse in Vailkrin because that was the only place with a piano and a place to stay…" Some fleeting memories of her ex flood through, but she ignores them. "Eventually I just got bored of it and wanted a place to call my own with a bigger, better piano. I thought, what a better place than next to a hot spring and surrounded by awe inspiring gardens, no?" She clears her throat softly, "Plus there is the Grand Amphitheater across the way." She was mostly finished with her helping as she didn’t want to stuff herself as she crossed on leather legging clad leg over the other, "A year passed and I just thought I could be doing more for all of those wondering bards out there or those wishing to learn in it. So, I reconstructed a little and turned my home into the Smyth College of Bardic Arts." Her tone wasn't boasting, but rather excited like a little child along with that adorable dimple poking smile on her plump lips. "Look at me prattling on," a soft short chuckle, "How long have you been a tattoo artist?"
Meri didn't seem to mind as she listened to Brennia's account on how she built and morphed this place over time, a time that those close to Meri would have known her to be missing. That was a whole different story and it didn't seem like Meri wouldn't be bringing it up tonight. The tattooed woman seldom spoke of herself on that level, which is perhaps why she was more than content to listen to Brennia's story. Meri didn't seem to mind at all, plus it gave her time to indulge in both food and drink liberally. "Well congratulations on your successful endeavors." And they certainly seemed successful to Meri. Dinner was a little over half done for Meri and the process was only slowed because it was her turn to reciprocate with some amount of information about herself. "Hm," is what initially slips past red lips, as if the blonde was trying to recall the details. "I have been drawing for the majority my life. I have been getting tattoos since I was about seventeen." A little younger but close enough, Meri was not seventeen anymore, so what is already is on that front. "Sort of worked in and out of parlors for a couple years prior to coming to these lands..." A beat. "And I reckon that I have been working out of SoulsKin for about....Three and a half years now. Off and on. Lita was kind enough to take me into the place." By the time Meri was done giving her answer, her plate was empty and it does not go without thanks, "Dinner was great, very delicious. My regards to the chef or whatever it is you are supposed to say." A bit of a lopsided grin forms on those red lips now.
Brennia returns the grin, "I'll let him know." Her large blue eyes find the liquor cabinet next to the wine rack, "Let us take our drinks and check out that hot spring next door, then?" She actually wouldn't care if Meri followed or not as she stood up to saunter her way to the wine rack to pull out her dry cabernet. She opened the window paneled door to the liquor cabinet and found the whiskey that Meri was drinking and tucks it under her arm with the wine. She pulls open a small drawer within the cabinet, "Say, do you smoke, madam Meri?" She gave a glance over her shoulder and between those massive onyx wings. She had pulled out a theater cigarette holder and stuck a cigarette at the end of it after igniting it with the strike of her match. If Meri had decided to join Brennia she was most welcome, but if she just wanted to roam the expanse of the castle she would be left to it as well.