RP:Traveling Professor

From HollowWiki

This is a Bard's Guild RP.


Summary: Brennia gets back from the guilds play tour and shows Professor Alex her follow through of his demands. They even make a deal.

Grand Ampitheatre

The first thing one will notice upon visiting the massive amphitheatre is the amount of detail carved into the stone used to construct it, down to the pillars that hold up the highest seats. The images show various plays that have been performed or may be performed here in the future, along with various musicians and poets, even decorated warriors and elected officials that have come and gone. Stair rails leading to the rows and rows of seats are gilded in gold and the circular stage below is illuminated by a series of small gold lanterns floating overhead and a few more fastened into the stone floor. The stage appears to be set, and elaborately costumed men and women begin moving toward it from behind the painted backdrop made specifically for the play. The audience gathered goes quiet. It looks like the show is about to start.




Alex finds himself seated near the back of the amphitheater as the empty rows begin to fill with people. A play is set to start in only ten minutes or so, one the bard knew nothing about. In fact he hadn't even bothered to pick up the program while entering instead preferring to be completely surprised and immersed in the performance. Sitting in his lap is an open notebook with chicken scratch scattered about as though his mind expelled word vomit onto the pages, his pencil tapping rapidly against the surface placing even more needless marks as he waits for the start of the show. The seats on either side of him are vacant for the taking should a person of interest decide to show up and offer him a bit of company, someone like, I don't know, a wonderful Avian covered in tattoos for example.


Brennia is usually backstage for these performances as she helps direct actors and assist with costume changes or stage props, but seeing as this is the troupe’s last stop on the ‘King Leer’ performance tour it was more for them. The seating starts filling up with students, some of them sporting tans from vacationing over this summer and attention could possibly be drawn to the woman quite a number of them are waving to… Its Brennia making her way up the seating and offering a cordial wave to each of them. She sports a wrapped silk shirt of blue color with form fitting leggings which is much more casual than the last few times Alex has seen the headmistress. Her long black hair is tied up into a thick ponytail and her wings hug tightly to her curvy frame as to not distract anymore than she already was. She takes an empty seat next to Alex with a slight sigh before her usual sultry alto timbre greets him, “feels good to finally be back.” A friendly smile is spread across plump shapely lips to the man while those liberty blue eyes inspect him as if she could assess how he's been since she was gone. “Merry meet, professor Alex. How are you?”


Alex took notice of Brennia relatively quickly and his head tilted to the side as he watched her approach, a soft smile spreading across his features as she moves to take up the seat by his side. "Headmistress." He pronounces before following up to her question, "I'm well, thank you. Yourself?" The man sporting much finer attire and hygiene than when he originally joined the college, though it was still much more casual than most in the vicinity. The color of his eyes amplified by the light dark hue surrounding them hinting at a sort of exhaustion that could easily be explained by glancing over his open notebook, the left side covered in notes concerning his classes and the right with write ups of what seems to be trivia surrounding Frostmaw. Despite his tired appearance the smile remains genuine as he locks eye contact with her and awaits a reply.


Brennia isn't shy, she locks eye contact right back with confidence in her smile, “I'm a bit tired to be perfectly honest. A nice home cooked Zachael meal and good nights sleep in my own bed is calling my name after this performance wraps up and of course after the wrap party.” She glances towards the stage just as the troupe was setting up the stage for the first act, but when she looked back to Alex she did happen to spot his notes, “are you excited for term to start back up?” It was only a month away and she's been conducting interviews with more students this time around. She wonders if she should tell him that quite a number of new applicants are really intrigued by his class and lesson description, but maybe that would just make him even more stressed. “I hope you don't mind, but once every semester I like to sit in on my fellow professors classes to see how the students like it. You won't even know I'm there and I'll be as quiet as a mouse. I try to pick up on teaching tips by watching my colleagues in action.” She's rather new at the whole ‘professor’ gig as well, but she tries to put on a good show that she knows what she's doing.


Alex smirks and chuckles at the mention of classes starting back up. "Excited, terrified, stressed, exhausted... but yeah, mostly excited." His smile returns as he spots her glancing at the notes, his hand moving to flip back a few pages to show topics and ideas for the class. "That's fine. Maybe you'll end up in more than one and I can say I taught the headmistress, that'll certainly get me some brownie points. As for the extra kids, I'm happy to have more people to share music with but I'd be lying if I said I didn't fear potential conflict. Pilar has been my only student this far and the one on one time has been great but even she took some time to trust me." Alex was very different in his teaching methods, ignoring all practices and literature in favor of experience. He turns his notebook to a page detailing a potential field trip to Gamorg and he turns the book to properly display to Brennia. "Remember that waiver I had you sign? I'm thinking for a final I could bring the kids to perform for some of the Ogre's out above Rynvale. Misunderstood lot. They've given me the OK so long as they can bash one another during the performance. Surprisingly they pay well for a show, I think it could be a good experience to show that music affects all kinds of people - bumbling ogre's included. Besides, the coin could be motivation for those reluctant to try." He looks back to her to try and gauge her reaction, as said, Alex's methods are unorthodox.


Brennia continues to smiles kindly at all of his ideas, she loves different, that is why she asked him to work with her. “Very well thought out planning you have here. Have you had a chance to meet the other professors?” The castle isn't a maze by any means, but since the college is accepting of all races, classes and creeds it can be difficult to tell if someone works there or studies there. It seems something dawned on her, “oh! Um, do you mind coming with me?” She just remembered she had something to show him as she adds quietly, “... I think it's ready.” Another glance to the stage as the crowd hushed for the first act to begin so she leans into Alex to whisper, “If you were set on watching the performance though, we can stay?” She definitely didn't want to take someone away from a night of entertainment and relaxation.


Alex shakes his head as she questions if he'd managed to meet any of the other professors, but before he can give a detailed reply she's beckoning to show him something, the man's brow lofting in interest as he nods before glancing to the stage. "Sure and no worries, I'll catch them next time they come around." He says with a shrug and smile before closing his notebook and reaching to grab his satchel.


Brennia stands to lead the way and even though she didn't want to leave the troupe on their last show of the season she was confident they would have a smooth show. They pass through the nearly empty bazar and the square where the fountain of wishes are before they become emerged in the causeway of statues and gardens. All the while Brennia goes through his list he gave her to check with him on the details, “that reminds me, we must stop by your classroom as well.” Once they reach the entrance where the topiary garden meets it Alex may notice a sort of added on structure between the glass bridge and the castle. It's a stable and before it were six very large flying horses attached to a normal sized (looking) carriage that would seat four, or Pegasus and before Alex has a chance to retort, “now if you must prefer I can arrange for more average horses, but I would like you to check the carriage first. This way,” she leads him to the door to the carriage which looks small for the amount of people he wanted to fit in it, but large enough for four very tall Avians to be seated spaciously…. or at least it looks that way. For now the wood of the carriage is a mahogany brown as it's yet to be painted and Brennia puts a hand to the golden accented crystal handle of the door, “now this may look like an ordinary carriage and that is done on purpose. It is actually reinforced with a thin layer of titanium,” she motions to the six muscular horses before them, “this is why we need those.” Plus it was just quicker if you can fly, “let's check out the inside. Shall we?” She steps on up and in, but once Alex follows he can easily see that Brennia does not play around. Once inside the regular sized seeming carriage it was more like a long cabin and toward the back of the seating area there were those beds, fourteen of them, with curtains that one would see on a musician's tour bus or train. She hands him two keys, “these keys unlock the weapons trunk here,”she motions to a very bland looking cubby with a cushion top. It looks more like where someone might go to read, but when she takes her own key, pulls open a fabric flap and unlocks the hatch it shows a deep locker. It already has three crossbows, swords, axes, bows and still has room for more. Other than the trickery of the size of the cabin, the curtains on all the windows can be kept shut for those afraid of flying and she closes the hidden locker backup, “now, I've had this thing tested out. From in here you cannot tell you are in flight… what are your thoughts?”


Alex is already impressed, scared and confused by the winged horses. People with giant bird like wings on their back already took a lot of getting used too but now the horses have them too? Realizing his mouth is ajar he corrects his posture and turns to look at Brennia who is tugging on the handle to lead him inside. That bewildered expression he carries amplifies about ten fold as they enter the carriage. "Wha-... how?" he stammers out not really looking for an answer as he wanders around the space to examine it in depth. As she leads him to the weapons trunk he is astounded once again and suddenly remembers he needs to get in touch with his preferred body guard before executing any planned trip. He's speechless and lost in the moment until Brennia asks him for his thoughts, he shakes his head a few times and looks around to soak it all in. "It's... it's wonderful. Certainly beats the hell out of the haggard boat I rode in on." He exclaims in his thick Norwegian accent, a subtle reminder that the bard wasn't originally from Lithrydel. "What about the drivers? Do they need direction? Food? How does that work?"


Brennia nods along with his questions as she fully expected them and motions him to follow down the length of the caboose-like carriage in order to show off the beds. “Yes. Once you get an assistant they will take care of all of that. There is a vault within the castle to which professors can withdraw gold for anything they need for their classes. Your assistant will be instructed on how to go about the proper channels and filling out the proper paperwork once you’ve appointed one. Speaking of paperwork, I took up the liberty to sort of copy your waiver you had me sign and whenever students wish to travel with you then they need to sign it… But I recommend you show this carriage off first so they know they will be taken care of - just look at these beds!” She pulled open a thick velvet curtain and revealed a soft bed which is a bit narrow, but long for the taller races of the land and each dawning a touch activated lamp lit by fireflies. There was a sort of foot locker attached to each bed and a sort of step ladder to reach the upper bed. She leans over the bed to the wall, “and if the passengers wish for a view,” she slides the compartment open to reveal a window to see outside. She slides herself back out and leads Alex to a covered birdcage, “in here is a white winter owl to which you can choose whatever name you wish. If at any time you are in need of assistance or need a bit of gold on your travels, you will send her with a note and if you want you can also let your assistant worry about that. I want your focus to be on whatever it is you need it to be, unfogged by mundane paperwork and such…. On to your classroom.” She exits the carriage.


Alex continues to be astounded by the dedication and bottomless pockets of Brennia and her co-workers, "You really care about this college, huh?" A stupid question he already knew the answer to but the affirmation would be savored as he believes whole heartedly in positive reassurance. The owl is given a loving look, a new pet of sorts - something Alex is fond of considering Adagio and Rattimus, but before he can think of a name they're heading off towards his class room. It takes a few seconds to process all of the information but he finds himself stuck on the idea of the vault, "You know... actually... Well..." he's hesitant, Alex hates money. It was the root of all problems back home and the very reason he had to fight in a war that ended with his father's beheading. "Frostmaw. My home. For a while, I've had a sort of library for instruments there. By that I mean a blanket hanging over a small corner of the market where the locals can check out something they want to play... the giants often return things broken but..." he catches himself going off track and steers back on course. "I've been thinking about asking the Queen permission to construct something more sufficient. A shop maybe... b-but I still want it to be a place of teaching, to share music." Ever bold, the bard wastes no more time to make his request. "Would you be willing to fund it's construction? It could double as a second classroom for the times I'm needed back home." He asks just as they arrive at his classroom, the door opened to reveal the very humble room with minimal furniture and the levitating, glowing crystal structure in the center.


Brennia inspects the glowing crystal as if she’s already seen this thing and she offered an apologetic smile, “now I pray you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of ordering some more couches for this space and I’m having the desks removed entirely.” A glance given to the desks that were probably shoved out of the way against a bookshelf carved wall, but there was also something new in the room, quite a number of things that are new. There are twelve pristine guitar cases set upon the seats of the classroom, “I commissioned these before I left and on my way back into this side of Lithrydel I stopped off and picked them up. I also have the maker on retainer so there are a few more being made now in case we need it.” She motioned for him to check them all out if he wanted and he could see that each were specially made and painted an array of different colors, but we both know that won’t really matter soon enough. She made her way over to his desk which is a specially made one as it is new, but anything he was keeping within the old one is still within this one. Upon the desk is the carving knife he asked for and the quill and a stack of paper, “there are more in the drawers of this desk if you ever need it.” She demonstrates his cool new desk by trying to pull open the drawers, but he can see she is really trying to slide them open before giving up, “you try.” If he did he would feel a sort of magical click when he pulled the drawer open as if it unlocks only to him… Well it does only unlock for the professor.


Alex narrowed his eyes upon entry and seemed to second guess if he'd come to the right room before Brennia began to speak. The improvements are taken in with a slightly tilted head, his question of funding going ignored for the time being. "Wow" he says though it isn't quite as enthusiastic as the carriage, he's in the middle of turning one of the cases over when she beckons him over to the desk. Slender fingers wrap around the handle and the shift of pressure is immediately felt allowing him to pull the drawer with ease. "How did you do all of this?"


Brennia smiles warmly with that dimple inducing smile, you know the one - where she could probably sell water to fish, “I know a few people.” She looks as if she recollects something, “you said something about opening a shop in Frostmaw?” Once he would nod she would become silent in thought, “now… The bard’s guild puts on plays and performances. I could really use some help with that if you could. We do get paid, as you know, not much.” She really does want to help as she’s pacing about, “I would like propose that I will match whatever amount you raise on your own. So, say you have one thousand gold toward this shop, then I do as well and so on.” Her liberty blue eyes seek his own once more, “and I’ll tack on bonuses for guild things you do. Performances, posting, excetera and even more for recruits… Does this sound fair?”


Alex listens with intent and doesn't hesitate to nod in acceptance of her offer, "Deal". Sliding the drawer shut he turns to extend his hand to Brennia to shake on it.


Brennia takes his hand and shakes it, “I also want to show you the trust I have in my professors.” She points to the bottom drawer of his new desk, “open this drawer.” Once he did he would find a small vial of liquid with a dropper for a top which looks like a bit of medicine. “I had someone help me with this concoction, it is not an addictive substance and it doesn’t have any nasty after effects. What this is, is Delenchantment and one drop in a drink or the eye is enough to take someone on a spirit walk of sorts, but -only- if we come upon a ‘writer's block’.” She seeks his eye contact once more, “administer it at your own discretion and it should be only used one dose at a time.”


Alex is pleased with his contract between Brennia and himself and he happily followed her instructions soon there after, lifting the vial to inspect it closely as she goes over it's explanation. "Drugs?" he asks a bit louder than intended, an internal conflict triggering in the man. He'd been sober for some time now and still got withdrawals from the orc powder but as she discloses it's non-addictive properties his tense shoulders relax a bit though he's still conflicted over the concoction. "Thank you" he says earnestly before turning to hand to the bottle to her, "But I think I'll be fine without it." His smile is genuine as he awaits her to reclaim the substance, he knew the temptation would prove to be too much and would likely lead to him falling back onto other abuses.


Brennia nods once and takes it back, “I understand.” She slips the small vial between her bosom and starts toward the door, “would you like to meet the other professors?” She glances at the window to the outside in order to see the time of day, “they are probably in the educators lounge about now and would be delighted to meet you.”


Alex is thankful for Brennia's non-offended acceptance of his decision, something that made the man even more fond of the headmistress. It's odd really, that during his time at the school he'd managed to get away without meeting any of the other professors but then again, he did spend the first few months simply taking advantage of the free food before he decided to get serious about the title he'd been given. "Sure", he follows her out the door.


Brennia mentions, “if you need a lock and key made for your room, just let me know.” There are two stories in the oval-esque main hall and the second floor lets out to a sort of balcony that overlooks the first floor. She places her hand on the banister and glances below as they walk down the way until they are in the back of the oval where the kitchens are on the first floor. A sort of waiting room with large glass windows can be seen and when they enter through the double doors they are greeted by a female hobbit which is the secretary to the offices beyond. “Headmistress Smyth, hello dear! I organized all of your messages and they are in your mailbox,” the hobbits stubby little fingers point toward the hallway behind her. Brennia nods, “thank you, Mary-Anne! So nice to see you again.” She leads Alex to the desk and places a gentle hand on his shoulder, “this is our new guitar professor, Alex. Alex this is the Executive Assistant, Mary-Anne. She will contact you with memos or mail sent here for you and she handles gold requests, but more than likely your assistant will probably deal with the lovely Mary-Anne more than you will directly.” Mary-Anne waves from behind her large desk with a jovial smile, “hello there dear, so nice to meet you. Have a pleasant day,” she adds as Brennia was leading him to a door on their left labeled, ‘Educator’s Lounge’.


Alex smiles and waves to the hobbit woman, "The pleasures all mine Mary-Anne." To Brennia's assumption that his assistant would find themselves working with the secretary more than he he motions his hand in dismissal with a grin, "I'm sure I can make time to stop by and visit this lovely woman." The smile widening as he blushes only slightly with a dip of his head toward her before following Brennia further into the building. "These other professors, are... erm... are any of them undead? You know, not the rotting kind the uh, the teethy ones."


Brennia shakes her head, “I do not believe so.” She opens the door and allows him to follow so he wouldn’t be gawked at first. Inside the room is a very comfortable lounge with it’s own private bathroom and a little ice box for cold beverages and snacks. A bowl a fruit centers the room upon a coffee table with some literature strewn around it and another basket of snacks on a countertop near the ice box. A post board is stuck to a wall to which professors hang up adverts or news clippings that interest each other and even some teaching tips from Omry. “Hello everyone,” Brennia says affectionately and the small group within raise their focus to greet the Headmistress, “I would like you all to come over and welcome our new professor, Alex. He will be giving students lessons on that new guitar instrument.” This particularly interests Minerva who is a very pretty high-elf and is the first to sort of glide over. All of her movements are fluid and flowy in an almost ethereal way just so she may address the newcomer, “grreetings Alex.” Minerva has what we would call and Irish accent, but her voice is very gentle and soothing, “Minerva Valios, but you may call me Minnie. I am the Performing Arts professor,” a hand would be extended for Alex to shake it and once he did or did not she would move on so the other professors can introduce themselves. Omry Noetal is a short Elf with long slick black hair and black as black eyes to all match his black suit, he seems very uptight and strict. His words come quick and to the point in an evenly bored tone, “Professor Noetal, Omry is my first name. I teach history. Pleasure, Alex.” Instead of shaking Alex’s hand Omry bows shortly as Alex will come to learn that Omry is a germaphobe. Yadbguk Shurzuf, who is a half orc half elf so he looks mostly like an elf, but with the skin tone and some facial features of an orc. He’s actually kind of cute, but I didn’t say that - anyway! Zuf strides over with an attempt at a friendly smile, but the underbite makes it a little awkward looking before a booming, “hello!” He clears his throat not realizing how loud that was and gages his next words, “Yadbguk Shurzuf, but everyone says Mister Zuf for short. Fine by me. Drums.” He plays stupid, because that’s what everyone expects. Lastly, a jittery short woman with wild blonde hair, some of it looks like it’s been singed off by fire, makes her way over and pulls large goggles up off her eyes to look up at Alex. A shrill voice that speaks quickly berates him, “hi, hi, hi. Pepper Wittley, Scientist Extraordinaire! Witty, Pepper, Pepp or even Pepwit for short. Coffee?!” She holds up the pot she had in her hand as she was in the middle of pouring probably her eighth cup of the day.


Alex isn't nervous as he enters the room after learning none of the professors plan on sucking his blood, a phobia that had once been cured by a dear friend and later reinstated by the same. The exchanges go smoothly as he repeats the name of each professor and shakes their hand, bows or likewise performs a gesture of well meaning. To Pepper he smiles and shakes his head, "No thank you" he says before finding himself staring at Minerva again - the woman a beautiful sight that reminded him of his beloved Aira though a bit older. Finding himself on the verge of being creepy he diverts his attention to the half orc, "Drums are a very energetic instrument. The locals in Gamorg love them as do the youth in Kelay. Anyone can get a thrill from beating the hell out of them but it takes a true musician to make music. I'd love to see you play sometime." He then acknowledges the lot of them by speaking a bit louder with a clear voice, "As Lady Brennia has mentioned, I'm Alex. No last name. Jack of all trades, master of none though I do prefer the guitar. Human, boring and bland as we can be. I look forward to interacting with the lot of you and I'm happy to be apart of this institution." The look he casts to the headmistresses is one of gratitude and thanks for including him in this ensemble.


Brennia notices that Minerva was staring right back with an even smile, but as soon as Omry comes over to sit next to Minerva and clears his throat she looks down at the Elf, “Omry! you didn’t give him your nickname,” she teases. He clenches his jaw and speaks through his teeth at her, “Minnie, don't.” She was giggling lightly at him, “aw Emryboard, you are no fun.” The elf’s cheeks get red, but he doesn’t say anything and it could be assumed he might have a little thing for Minerva. Weather or not the feeling is mutual is not easily determined, though. “Alex,” she looks back up at the man, “I would enjoy to sit in on one of your classes and learn this new string instrument. I like to teach violin and harp on the side, you see. I love the strings.” A friendly smile given to Alex before Brennia addresses the room, “it was nice seeing your friendly faces again and if Alex needs any help around the castle, do be a pal?” They wave their goodbyes and she leaves Alex to get better acquainted with his colleagues.


Alex nods in response to the high elf, "Of course. You're all welcome to sit in whenever you'd like. I can't guarantee it will be interesting or standard but it will be something." He smiles and then turns to watch Brennia leave, he'd hang out awhile, he would be working with these people after all.