RP:The Substitute
Part of the Vakmatharas' Jar Arc
Summary: Brennia has a gift and a favor to ask of Lanara, but because she’s accompanied by her bodyguard Brennia finds out some new information.
To The Pointe
Professor Lanara’s classroom is a beautiful mix of the marble structure of the college and her own unique taste. There’s a dance floor, some animal printed rugs with citations and furniture to match, Lanara’s own desk and a balance beam before a wall to wall mirror. Of course a piano and string instrument for live music, but one of the more convenient structures is a large crystal ball sitting within a gold base that seems to have intricate lines etched into it. This device plays back the large Crystalline Recorder ball that houses a large library of bards performing a plethora of genres for Professor Lanara to select from and playback at any moment.
Brennia had been quite occupied with the goings on outside of the college within the town of Schezerade as things were getting a bit sketchy. Especially with the recent attack on the college, bringing her to hire Aevo as campus security and if he hasn’t tried to hit on Lanara yet, he’d surely get to it. She’d been rather absent and when she wasn’t she looked as if she were miles away, lost in her mind. Being fed up with constantly being attacked by a certain secret organization she’s decided to fight back by running for Senator, but first things first. The Schezerade Cardinal Cheerleaders heard of a dance instructor at the college and the last time Brennia went to a game they approached her and practically begged Brennia to hook them up. They have a routine for Rijana’s “Work” song, but they want to spice it up a bit and work out their robotic and stiff kinks. With a group of tall, shapely, tattooed and winged women Brennia’s own tattooed hand knocked on the door to Lanara’s classroom in hopes she wasn’t already occupied with a lesson. The tall handsome vampire by her side leaned into whisper something to Brennia over her shoulder which caused Brennia to respond? “Oh? Did you pay her well?” A smirk was twitched his way, but he would probably look a little different from when Lanara saw him, hair freshly cut, beard trimmed to look cleaner and professional and in a well fitted suit - looking a lot like secret service. Even Brennia looked different, all of her raven black hair pulled back into a neat up twist and she too wore a very flattering women’s suit - with pockets! Her nails cut down and well manicured to a simple French tips and a high colored blue blouse. Lookin like a presidential snack.
Lanara is in a perfect center split when a knock at the door grabs her attention. Long legs are quickly tucked in as she slowly rises from the floor and approaches, a smile on her pretty face as she sees Headmistress Brennia through the glass pane. Immediately, the door is opened, and the Avian and her bodyguard are ushered into the empty dance studio. Lana stands before the pair in black leggings, and a pink sports bra, which is her go-to outfit when giving a private lesson. However, her appointment hadn’t shown up that day, and lucky for the cheerleaders, Lana would be able to teach them to ‘werk’ it to “Work” by Rijana. “Merry Meet, Brennia. To what do I owe the honor? Don’t tell me you want dance lessons! I know you have moves, girl!” A nervous giggle escapes the brunette, as her gaze shifts to the handsome vampire at the future senator’s side, and those chocolate hues widen in surprise. Daermon?! Is that why they were here? Did Brennia disprove of Lana giving the male lessons? They were pretty flirty, to be honest. But the past was the past, and Lana wasn’t giving a warning that she couldn’t date a student, let alone a full-grown elder vampire, at that. “I… I never meant anything by it. I know that you two were an item in the past, but he said that you told him to move on, at least in a romantic way. He’s handsome, but I value our friendship, and my employment, here. Please, know that.” Feeling as though they were going to take her out, as they both were even dressed somewhat odd, in suits no less, she takes a wary step back and gnaws on the inside of her cheek. Daer, for the moment, is ignored and her words were solely for the blue-eyed beauty at his side.
Brennia looks slightly shocked with the quirk of a brow and so do the cheerleaders behind her, “with a vampire!?” They were squealing with the good gossip. “Merde,” she mumbled before she looked at Daermon a moment and it’s as if they are sharing a private conversation. Daermon turns a charming grin to Lanara and motions for her to step with him over to a window and places a hand on her shoulder, “I’m just going to pretend we are having some engrossing private conversation, okay?” You see he was wearing a special earring to protect against Bard attacks or spells and if he were touching someone it would work for them too. If Lanara glances over her shoulder to Brennia she would hear and see that she hummed one simple melody and the Cheerleaders returned to normal with none the wiser having their memories just swiped of those words Lanara just said. She asks them to wait a moment in the hall while she requests Lanara’s precious time and her heels click closely to the pair, “no that is not why we are here.” She smiled brightly down at Lanara, “we have a history and it’s currently blurry at the moment, but he’s my bodyguard for now. I remember what I said and no, I am not so petty that this matters to me. I wanted to visit you so I can ask you to teach the cheerleaders a routine and give you a little gift… Possibly ask you a bigger favor.” She lowers her tone, “and I hope all of this information can stay between us. Even before Daermon left, we were on open terms, I am not the jealous type, Lanara,” she was smiling again while deep blue eyes seek the beautiful brown ones. “You’ve nothing to worry about. I just can’t go anywhere without him now with all the attacks going on.”
Lanara seems shocked as the troupe of cheerleaders enter the room, behind the avian and the vampire, and those eyes are as large as saucers. She hadn’t meant for the entire squad to hear their dirty laundry, though truth be told, she hadn’t noticed them as she was so shocked to see Brennia and Daermon, together, in her classroom, and both donning business-style suits. As Daer leads her to the far corner of the room, his arm resting lightly against her form, she instinctively sidles closer, as she felt safe near the man. Which is likely why Brennia hired him as her bodyguard, in the first place. Good taste! Lana nods in response to him, and as the Headmistress approaches her, she swallows hard, ready for the tongue lashing, though instead of getting reprimanded, she is asked for help. “Of course. Brennia, you never need to hesitate, you can always come to me… For anything! I owe you a lot.” A glance is given to the cheerleaders, as they toy with their hair and giggles amongst themselves, seeming to have forgotten about the newest gossip. “Of course I can teach them some moves! I can even help with a cheer or two, if you need it. And… I’m sorry, Brennia. I didn’t mean to just blurt it out like that. And Daer and I are… I’m not sure. Flirty friends? I don’t even know, anymore. I would never intentionally hurt you. Though… I am very very happy to have your consent, should anything develop. I wouldn’t want you angry with me, that would be awful… Without you in my life, it would be like a dancer without legs…” A fleeting moment of sadness sweets across her face, as she meets those blue eyes and rests her hand on Brennia’s shoulder. “Wait. Attacks? Brennia. What’s going on? What can I do to help?”
Daermon had stayed off to the side, giving them some room to chat a little. It was awkward a hair, but nothing too bad. He’d had a few classes with Lanara, finding her to be fun company, though their exotic locales would have to come to an end. He’d agreed to guard Brennia at all times, so right now, that was his biggest concern. He turned his eyes to the cheerleaders, always the first to appreciate fine form, then moved back to the two he was acquainted with. He smiled to the pair, falling into an easy parade rest while Brennia went over the what she had actually come to talk to Lanara about.
Brennia waves away the apology, “nothing a memory charm can’t fix.” When Lanara agrees to teach the cheerleaders Brennia nods once, “they’ve pulled together to pay your rate for a class their size. I had it sent and locked away in your office.” Mostly because it’s a great deal of gold. A shrug at their flirting,“he’s a flirty guy. And he’s good looking so he should be flirted with. Makes him feel good,” her comment on consent got a quirked brow and she suspects Lanara may of misunderstood her, but Brennia’s not worried about it simply because this was not at all why she was here to begin with. “It’s a long story filled with conspiracy and a secret society with a ridiculous name, I’m sure you’ve heard about the attack within the castle a week ago? A close friend of mine was kidnapped that next day, too and tortured for information. In order to keep my home safe, my students inspired, and this career I’m going to have to take a hiatus so I can run against Vermillion Draft for Senator of Schezerade.” She motioned for one of the ladies in the hall to come in with a wrapped gift. Within it Lanara will find a peculiar mask that looks thin and clear, like glass. “As a member of my guild you’ve proven your dedication not only to the Bardic Arts, but the college as well and I want to make sure you know you are appreciated, but also you’re close enough to me to make sure you’re protected. This mask looks as if you aren’t wearing one at all, but has a protective aura against mental attacks and some physical. It’s called Poker Face. If you will it, no one could read your emotions and if you focus hard enough it will alter your facial features if you need a quick disguise… Although I don’t know for how long that part lasts.” Her gaze went to Daermon for a quiet moment, again, looking as if they are sharing a private conversation. “The last thing I ask of you is entirely up to you, but seeing as I am going to replace one busy schedule with another I left my lesson plan for this semester and the next in your office as well. I made it quite easy to follow and even my notes on how to get the few hesitant students to participate. It’s a simple lecture and listen class where we review our own interpretations on poems, plays, concerts… If you don’t have time for a scheduled lecture every week I completely understand, but you’re the only one I trust to pick up where I left off for these students.” A hopeful look was now offered down to Lanara as a tattooed hand reaches up to meet the other’s on her own shoulder.
Lanara forgets that there is a room full of cheerleaders and a flirtatious vampire watching her, and squeals loudly as she pulls the winged woman in for a tight, quick, hug. “Oh Brennia! You are so wonderful to me, and I truly don’t deserve our friendship. Thank you for always looking after me and for giving me so many amazing opportunities. Of course I will look after your students and give weekly lectures. I actually enjoy reading poetry and such, and perhaps I can invite my sister here one day to give a small lecture. Talyara is great at doing sketches, and I bet it would be a treat for your students to observe and ask her some questions. I like to add some variety to my classes so they aren’t always so repetitive.” The mask is accepted with a hint of nervousness, but the elf is so touched that the avian cares about her well-being, that she graciously accepts it and places it on her desk with care. “Brennia. You need to be careful. I’m worried about you, and the school. If there’s anything that I can ever do to help, you need only ask.” A look is given to Daer as she extends her hand to lightly pat him on the upper arm. “You keep a close watch on her, okay? We can always continue our classes at a later date. Just work on the stretches and try to keep limber, when you have the time. But Headmistress Brennia is top priority!” Lana waits a beat to see if either Bren or Daer have anything further to say to her, before turning her attention to the cheer squad. The group of women are similar in size and stature to the Headmistress, long-legged, winged, and covered in tribal tattoo’s. All are exotically as beautiful, though not as lovely as Brennia, or Lana, herself. If anyone were to enter the studio they would think they had stepped into a beauty pageant, of sorts! Lana musters up her very own ‘poker face’ and approaches the women. “There will be no messing around, ladies. You are all here for a very important class, so first and foremost, I need you all to line up before me. I need the two ‘spotters’, to the right, please. I need the ‘flyer’ to the left, of the line. The rest of you, in the middle, please. Everyone get into the ‘arabesque’ pose. I need to see how flexible you all are, and to make sure you understand the basic cheer terms, before we add any flair to your routine.” Lana waits for the women to get into position and walks up and down the line of women, eyeing each of them closely.
Brennia lets out a short excited chuckle as the hug is returned accompanied by velvety black wings and when Lanara was already brimming with ideas. This gets a certain look from Brennia as if she thinks Lanara is one of the most precious beings in this world and she simply adores her, “these are all superb ideas, Professor Lanara. I’m so glad I asked you I know they are in good hands. I will still be in the grounds, but probably only in the restricted wing or the campaign office within the courtyard if you need anything at all. Write to me or leave me messages even if you don’t need anything - I would love to receive updates on how you are.” She nods once to Lanara’s idea of bringing her sister in as a guest speaker, “the more the merrier. The travel here is long, there’s a guest bedroom in the restricted corridor ready for any to use.” As far as staying safe, “well, that is why I hired a Lycan, Aevo, for campus security and as far as myself…” Deep Blue eyes travel to the vampire. “That’s why I asked the only person I trust to protect me twenty-four-seven.” Daermon smiles to Lanara with a single nod, “of course, on all accounts.” He gives her a wink before lightly squeezing the dancers shoulder with a cold hand and then moving to escort Brennia out of the instructors room as Lanara starts giving orders, but the both of them watch for just a moment at the threshold, murmuring about how talented she is and looking onto her with admiration.
Lanara smiles warmly at both Brennia and Daermon, and assures the dark-winged woman that she would give her updates every few days, via letter or by dropping by to see her face to face. At the mention of a lycan watching over the campus, the elf’s eyes widen slightly, and her smile seems to stretch just a tad more. “Ooh! I’ll be sure to introduce myself to this Aevo, that you speak of… I have such a fondness for wolves and their kin.” A fondness is an understatement, as the only three men that Lana ever had any real interest in, other than her first love, were all lycans. And they had blue eyes. The woman pauses, wondering if this Aevo had blue eyes, when she catches herself daydreaming and returns her attention to the cheerleaders. An appraising look is given to each of the avian’s and she even grins at their uniforms. They all were so eager to learn new moves, and she could tell that they were very advanced in their maneuvers. This would be an easy class to teach. Lana approaches the ‘flyer’ and the two ‘spotters’ and speaks to them in an authoritative, but hushed tone. The three women nod in response, and the two spotters lift the lightweight avian into the air, and perform a move which is referred to as a ‘basket-toss’ only to catch her again. The flyer falls effortlessly into their arms, and climbs up and places a foot atop each of their shoulders and raises both her arms in a v-motion. “Good work! Just like that! I think that by combining those two moves at the end of your routine, you will overshadow the opposing team’s cheerleaders. Most don’t combine the two moves and unite them as one… Alright, all of you line up again. Show me your routine.” Lana retreats to the rear of the studio, a quill pen and parchment in her hand, and rests her weight against the desk. The cheerleaders shout their cheer, ever-smiling, and perform a variety of jumps, handstands, arches, and make sure to use several ‘attack the crowd’ motions to get the audience pumped and full of pep. The women were attractive, attentive to the audience, audible enough even if one were to be high up in the stands, and they performed all of their acrobatic moves with ease. They all were in perfect sync, as well, though Lana hmm’s and quirks a brow, before scribbling onto her parchment. “Alright, Ladies. Nice work. However… I feel that your routine is a bit… Childish. Anyone can wave pom-poms, shout lyrics, and move to a beat in unison… I think we need to spice it up a little bit. Make your routine have some more flair, more sex appeal, and use some dance moves that incorporate more than what you’re all used to, what do you all say?” The women look at each other, some short of breath, and the rest merely eager to continue their lesson. After a group huddle, they all agree, and look to Lana for the next step. The ‘flyer’ from earlier, who appears to be the head cheerleader, takes a step forward, her long pony-tail swishing from side to side as she bounces when she walks. “Professor Lanara, if you please. We want you to teach us your moves that will take us from ‘acceptable for all’ to ‘parental guidance’ and we are ready to start now!” Lana grins, steps away from her desk, and gives a wink to Brennia, who is waiting at the door. This would be a fun class!