swords-and-lutes

[swords-and-lutes]

They found me... That’s just grand, isn’t it? Ash’s mind had, somehow, in this tense and frightening moment, decided to turn up the sarcasm to eleven. She wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse in disguise that she wasn’t completely overcome with concern and worry. While the woman appeared to want to take care of her either way, the man appeared uncertain. If she could play the victim for a little longer, surely something or someone would...

And as if the gods had heard her call for help, into their line of sight stepped a man who appeared as if he was out of a children’s fairytale or some epic romance story. He had a good face, strong and stern, it could be useful for any future... No, Ash, now’s not the time to think about taking on another face. Especially not one who might helping you here. Stop it.

The woman turned to the newcomer, sword brandished and a scowl on her face, which betrayed nothing but pure annoyance as she replied, “No.”

“Just some friendly conversation,” the younger man piped up, which earned him a glare from his partner.

Ash’s eyes widened, and she took one step closer, shivering and shocked at their words. “Friendly conv... You were threatening me! For no reason!”

“Shut it, you,” the mercenary with the sword said, pointing it at her once more. She looked to the half-elven man, looking almost bored. “Look, you should run along and no harm will come your way. This is between us, alright?”

Ash turned to the stranger, frightened in every sense of the word. It was played up for effect, but she was scared for what might happen if this turned hostile. She didn’t wish for him to be hurt. These people looked very competent, but at the same time, she wished to live...

A Blade’s Dilemma

Date: May 21 Time: Late evening Location: Sideway street in Khaggon

@efraincrayhorn​

It appeared to be a common occurence to have more shadow than light in a city like Khaggon. Especially in the less affluent parts of town, where the workers resided and the streets were less likely to be overrun with guards and other martial representatives of the law. Ash had seen more of the king’s soldiers lately on her journeys back and forth between Myrefall and Khaggon. It was the sort of travel that allowed her plenty of time to experience the goings-on that the cities and settlements might not be the most privy to.

Clad in simple street wear and a dark cloak, Ash had been meeting with a new acquaintance over a few drinks, and she may have overdone it on the drinking part of it. She wasn’t too bad off, just a little off-balance and… Oh, who was she kidding, she was obviously past the point of tipsy by now.

“You know…” Ash froze at the sound of an unfamiliar voice nearby. She turned around to see a pair of humans walk towards her, a man and a woman. “I was expecting the Liberator to be a bit tougher-lookin’ than this.”

The woman let out a dark chuckle. “It’s always the ones you least expect, isn’t it? Just ‘cause you look sweet and innocent like this doesn’t we don’t know what you’re really all about.”

Ash stopped herself from swaying too much and adopted as much of a confused face as possible. “I’m sorry… Do I know you?” She looked from the woman back to the man, playing the part of confused passer-by like she’d done plenty of times before. The Liberator… That was a new one.

The man seemed to buy it as he looked towards his partner. “Did… Do we have the right one?”

“You know those shapechangers.” She brandished the longsword at her side and threw Ash a stone cold stare. “Whether or not she’s the one, there’s no need to go back now.” The sword came out of its scabbard, pointed towards her. “You’re coming with us, or you die at our hands.”

“I… Please, I’m not who you think I am…” Her voice was shaky, partly from fear and partly to keep up the innocent act, but it seemed like they had made up their mind. “Help! Someone, please help!”

She really didn’t want to fight them and blow her cover like this, but that seemed to be what was happening here.

———

Efrain had had enough of people for the day. It had been dull and stressful and long and absolutely full of entitled, obnoxious, damnably demanding people. He marched through the winding streets of Khaggon and allowed his own muscle memory to lead him. He hadn’t gotten lost in Khaggon since he was a scared child attempting to hide from Eobald and his tutors. The nooks and crannies, winding side streets, empty buildings, and perpetual construction zones had served as perfect hiding spots. Before he’d learned to fight and to store his fear in little locked boxes in the back of his mind Efrain had hidden a lot across the city. 

He’d learned to tune out much of the city’s noises: the criss-cross of voices, the stamping of feet, the never-ending hum of life around him. What he’d never learned to ignore, or quiet, were calls of distress. Before the plea for aid even registered Efrain dropped his hand to the pommel of his sheathed rapier. He tracked the call to a nearby side-street and stepped into its mouth. The guards posted in this neighborhood were sparse this time of night. More often than not they were needed in the more populated areas. He hadn’t intended to play guard for the night, but even if his morals allowed him to ignore it, his knighthood’s allegiance did not. 

As he stepped forward, Efrain dropped his shoulders back and straightened his spine. He wanted to be ready to act, but not appear overtly threatening yet. “Trouble brewing?” he asked, tone dry and only mildly curious. 

He didn’t recognize anyone present, but that meant little. Their were two aggressors and one potential victim. His eyes glanced to each one in turn. 

[swords-and-lutes]

Ash tried his best to not let his concern show through his bright smile, although he could feel his throat becoming heavy at her words. Was he really about to engage in combat of this sort? It was a place of shady characters, including those that might be hunting him and those he had freed several months ago.

He flinched visibly at the sight of what appeared to be Zed beating his opponent into the ground. That was a big man with big muscles and probably more ego that he could ever hope to muster on a good day.

Still... he had become Darragh because he wished to do something different. This was certainly different, was it not?

He responded with a cheery grin and said, “That would probably be fair. For the sake of my opponent and all.” On the inside, he was screaming. Just a little bit. “Are weapons allowed in the arena? I’m afraid I’m not much for... the natural way of beating someone up.”

@rovasha​

aisling gwavas (darragh)‌,

“Straight to the point, I see.” Ash’s smile widened ever so slightly, but not to the degree that she had a cause to suspect anything nefarious. He was in a playful sort of mood, one of the reasons why he’d donned Darragh for the evening, and he was out to have fun in whatever shape it took. Fighting wasn’t necessarily excluded, but he wasn’t looking for it either. 

He gave her a quick, if slightly showy bow. “Pleasure to meet you, Ro. I am Darragh, at your service. Have I ever fought before?” He tilted his torso and hips slightly, showing off the rapier and dagger at his sides. “I believe, perhaps, that some experience may have found its way into my hands a some point. It’s for the experts to decide, really.”

He winked at her for added effect.

@rovasha​

“I find it’s better that way.” She shrugged. His smile and theatrical greeting only proved her initial impression correct. 

As he spoke, she watched Zed slam an opponent on the floor of the arena. He puffed his chest and growled as he searched the crowd for his next prey. Rovasha winced. “He does that every night.” 

She squinted as she returned his gaze with a slow nod, entirely unimpressed. “Right, yeah, the ‘experts’. We’ll see about that, Darragh. Maybe you should start with someone in your weight class so you don’t splatter…”

@swords-and-lutes​

[swords-and-lutes]

“Straight to the point, I see.” Ash’s smile widened ever so slightly, but not to the degree that she had a cause to suspect anything nefarious. He was in a playful sort of mood, one of the reasons why he’d donned Darragh for the evening, and he was out to have fun in whatever shape it took. Fighting wasn’t necessarily excluded, but he wasn’t looking for it either. 

He gave her a quick, if slightly showy bow. “Pleasure to meet you, Ro. I am Darragh, at your service. Have I ever fought before?” He tilted his torso and hips slightly, showing off the rapier and dagger at his sides. “I believe, perhaps, that some experience may have found its way into my hands a some point. It’s for the experts to decide, really.”

He winked at her for added effect.

@rovasha​

aisling gwavas (darragh)‌,

Ash had always found Khaggon to be a curious place. A city within a mountain, hidden from the outside world with the exception of not-so-secret entrance routes made use of by the local thieves’ guild and other unsavory figures. Of course, Ash did not see himself in such a way, but he didn’t exactly hold himself above them either. That would just be rude, after all.

His late night walk had taken him past a spot he’d heard of before. The fight club, a location where those who wished to settle their differences with violence and uncertain legality went or simply wished to have a good time and watch the flying of fists and the falling of blood and self-preservation.

He eyed the tiefling before him, taking her in slowly as he made an attempt to perceive the level of danger with this one. With a playful wry smile, he said, “You know, I’m not completely against the idea.” The sound of the crowd from inside the building was almost deafening to his ears. Still, his smile never left him as he continued, “By your words, this Zed sounds like someone who needs to be taken down a notch. I am all for that.” He took on a thoughtful face, tapping the side of his jaw with a finger. “At the same time, I think I might value my life more. Who’s asking, if I might inquire? I wouldn’t want to risk my life for just anyone, after all.”

“That’s right.” 

Rovasha nodded at the man who answered the call. She glanced him up and down, taking in his appearance. He wore flashy colorful garments, unlike those of the seedier parts of the city. He stuck out like a sore thumb, much more suited to wealthier districts than these. She never saw him before, but if she had to gamble on Tymora, she’d guess he was someone of the theater crowd, the acting sort. He was lanky like her. She doubted a man like him had a fighting chance. 

“Ro,” she spoke with a swiftness, cautious not to divulge more, and gestured to the crowded space behind them. “You ever fought before?”

@swords-and-lutes​

[swords-and-lutes]

Ash followed Orphea to sit down at the small alleyway restaurant. It was a quaint and quiet spot, one that she had come to a long time ago to get away from the hustle and the bustle of city life. All in all, she truly did enjoy a good time on the town, but she had never been the most exciting of the Gwavas duo. That honor, rightfully and respectfully, went to her parent.

“I can relate,” she said as she reached out to take the menu, giving the server a quiet smile as they left. “String instruments are very relaxing to the ear and the mind, but it tends to stick around for longer than most. In my experience, anyway.” 

She cleared her throat as she opened the menu to have a quick look at their options. The menu was small, yet the options within were diverse and curious to read about. It was rarely the case that someone else asked her to order in their place unless it was Joss feeling adventurous for the evening, and she often had a hard enough time picking for herself.

“Uh...” She hesitated, looking from the menu to the pallid elf and back down. “Hm... How do you feel about meat?” It felt silly in a way, but those things were important to some people, after all. “If you have no qualms about it, I think their braised beef and pears with ginger would be a fulfilling choice. It might go well with their Royal Ruby Red wine. It’s a little on the sweet side, but it might balance off the meal itself.” She paused for a second to skim over the menu once more, trying to tone that the redness in her cheeks. “Otherwise, they have a minted pea soup that I’ve heard good things about. White wine probably goes better with that, I...”

She allowed herself a smile as she added, “I really like the beef with their dwarven mead. It’s very sweet and helps me to handle the spices. I’m not really a spicy person-- I mean, you know, spices, not ... not the other...”

If her face could get any hotter, some might mistake it for a hotspot. “I’m not sure if it’s really hot out here or just you... I mean, just me. Not that you’re not attractive, y-you’re actually very attractive, I... I’m sorry. I’ve never done this before. I’m a little nervous.” Very nervous. “That’s all.”

ash:

Mairead decided not to linger any further on her awkward blunder. Instead, she wished to focus on Orphea. A good performance always involved a level of interaction with the audience, making eye contact, talking with them, pulling them and catching their engagement and cheers like a fish on a hook. As she began to lead the way down the street, making sure to keep close to avoid losing sight of her … date, was it? That thought brought a sort of tingle to her stomach and hands.

“I…” Did her name mean anything? “I’m not sure, but I think it might refer to a gemstone.” Ash had chosen the name from a book she’d read as a child, once she’d learnt how to pronounce it from Joss, and found the name very pretty. She wracked her brain for a proper explanation, but it was truly escaping her at the moment. "Oh, here it is.”

She stopped in front of an establishment that was very easy to miss from the outside. It was located in the alleyway of two buildings. From the outside, there wasn’t much to see, but once the two got closer, a door became visible along with a slightly raised platforms with an assortment of colorful furniture, planter boxes and small, dangling lights hanging above. As it was starting to get dark, the lights were on, and they reminded Ash of her dancing lights. Small, dim and cosy.

Just a good place overall.

She turned to Orphea, trying to take in her immediate reaction. “It isn’t much, I know, but their wine is unbeatable.” And she was saying that as someone who didn’t drink wine very often. She rubbed at her arm before adding, “And I thought… after your great display earlier, you might like something of the more quiet sort.”

Orphea hummed in acknowledgement at Mairead’s name explanation. She liked gemstones well-enough, but their beauty was played out. Gems were little more than clichés to her—give her the majesty of a mountain, the awe of a rockslide or an earthquake, or the just-there promise of an un-cracked geode just waiting to be revealed. Give her the quiet prettiness of a sea-worn pebble dotted with minerals and scarred by salt or the untamable potential of malleable clay.

She was broken out of her thoughts of earthy analogies by her amiable pebble of a companion. It took her a moment to take in the hole-in-the-wall establishment and when she did she cooed. She looked to Mairead and nodded with a wide, grateful smile. “You read my mine. My ears are still ringing.” She bounded ahead and got them seated beneath a bundle of hanging lights that cast glittering shadows across their small table. She stowed her pack and instrument beneath her seat. The menu the server placed in front of her remained closed and she didn’t spare it a glance. Instead she rested her elbows on the table, atop the menu, and her head on her fists, and fixed Mairead with an intent and curious look. “What’s your favorite here? What should I get?”

Opinions and judgements were things Orphea loudly excelled in. She protected her privilege to choose what she did, who she was, and what she consumed and she wasn’t afraid to vocalize those choices, but sometimes she liked making others do it for her. There was something intimate and thrilling in someone else deciding what best suited her, so long as she was the one telling them to decide. 

[swords-and-lutes]

A Blade’s Dilemma

Date: May 21 Time: Late evening Location: Sideway street in Khaggon

@efraincrayhorn​

It appeared to be a common occurence to have more shadow than light in a city like Khaggon. Especially in the less affluent parts of town, where the workers resided and the streets were less likely to be overrun with guards and other martial representatives of the law. Ash had seen more of the king’s soldiers lately on her journeys back and forth between Myrefall and Khaggon. It was the sort of travel that allowed her plenty of time to experience the goings-on that the cities and settlements might not be the most privy to.

Clad in simple street wear and a dark cloak, Ash had been meeting with a new acquaintance over a few drinks, and she may have overdone it on the drinking part of it. She wasn’t too bad off, just a little off-balance and... Oh, who was she kidding, she was obviously past the point of tipsy by now. 

“You know...” Ash froze at the sound of an unfamiliar voice nearby. She turned around to see a pair of humans walk towards her, a man and a woman. “I was expecting the Liberator to be a bit tougher-lookin’ than this.”

The woman let out a dark chuckle. “It’s always the ones you least expect, isn’t it? Just ‘cause you look sweet and innocent like this doesn’t we don’t know what you’re really all about.”

Ash stopped herself from swaying too much and adopted as much of a confused face as possible. “I’m sorry... Do I know you?” She looked from the woman back to the man, playing the part of confused passer-by like she’d done plenty of times before. The Liberator... That was a new one.

The man seemed to buy it as he looked towards his partner. “Did... Do we have the right one?”

“You know those shapechangers.” She brandished the longsword at her side and threw Ash a stone cold stare. “Whether or not she’s the one, there’s no need to go back now.” The sword came out of its scabbard, pointed towards her. “You’re coming with us, or you die at our hands.”

“I... Please, I’m not who you think I am...” Her voice was shaky, partly from fear and partly to keep up the innocent act, but it seemed like they had made up their mind. “Help! Someone, please help!”

She really didn’t want to fight them and blow her cover like this, but that seemed to be what was happening here. 

[swords-and-lutes]

It was rare that Ash was awake at this time of this. While he had certainly been up at odd hours back when he worked for Lord Grey, he had spent the last couple of months trying out the schedule of a normal person. Not that he really saw himself as normal by any stretch of the word. Bards had a tendency to be anything but, it seemed.

As soon as he entered, shaking off some of the earth that had hit him when someone from a floor above nearly dropped a potted plant on his head, he went straight for the bar, but something made him slow down. A woman sat in a booth, looking over a letter with a very upset look on her face. Something about that made him want to go over and comfort her, but doing that out of the blue would likely cause the woman - and himself - much unneeded anxiety. He needed an in.

The idea struck him, and he walked over to the bar to order two tankards of simple ale. The bartender was fairly quick, thank the Gods as they say, and he gave him the necessary coin and his winning smile as he made - sauntered - his way over to her booth and put it all down, drinks on the table and himself in the seat opposite of her. He leaned back in the seat, folded one leg over the other and gave her a friendly grin.

“Sorry for the sudden appearance, my lady, but I couldn’t help but notice you from the front. You appeared upset, maybe troubled, and I just can’t find it easy in my heart to ignore such a thing. Truly.” He put a hand over his chest, to show the genuine nature of his words, before taking his drink. “It’s not poisoned or anything of the sort. I know it’s early, but alcohol doesn’t really care for the hours.” He paused, took her in and gently added, “If you wish for me to leave, say no more. The drink is yours either way.”

date: may 19th time: dawn location: khaggon status: open

        The parchment crumbled up loudly within the tavern as clenched digits enveloped the letter written by her father; stress felt as though it had its own tight grasp upon her and was only getting tighter by the minute. How could she have been so foolish to have allowed her brother to slip through her fingertips? Petite arms crossed at her waist as her body leaned further against the booth, her eyes dropping to the wooden table. Disappointing Vigil was never a great feeling and usually the events that followed were unpleasant; even as an adult the anxiety of punishment brewed within her stomach and made her feel uneasy. 

          Her knees slowly were brought towards her body as Nethrali swallowed hard, her heart beating hard within the confines of her chest until shaken out of the anxious state by the beverage now in front of her.            “Huh?” She mumbled before light colored hues flickered up towards the other being. “May I help you?”

[swords-and-lutes]

Mairead decided not to linger any further on her awkward blunder. Instead, she wished to focus on Orphea. A good performance always involved a level of interaction with the audience, making eye contact, talking with them, pulling them and catching their engagement and cheers like a fish on a hook. As she began to lead the way down the street, making sure to keep close to avoid losing sight of her ... date, was it? That thought brought a sort of tingle to her stomach and hands.

“I...” Did her name mean anything? “I’m not sure, but I think it might refer to a gemstone.” Ash had chosen the name from a book she’d read as a child, once she’d learnt how to pronounce it from Joss, and found the name very pretty. She wracked her brain for a proper explanation, but it was truly escaping her at the moment. "Oh, here it is.”

She stopped in front of an establishment that was very easy to miss from the outside. It was located in the alleyway of two buildings. From the outside, there wasn’t much to see, but once the two got closer, a door became visible along with a slightly raised platforms with an assortment of colorful furniture, planter boxes and small, dangling lights hanging above. As it was starting to get dark, the lights were on, and they reminded Ash of her dancing lights. Small, dim and cosy.

Just a good place overall.

She turned to Orphea, trying to take in her immediate reaction. “It isn’t much, I know, but their wine is unbeatable.” And she was saying that as someone who didn’t drink wine very often. She rubbed at her arm before adding, “And I thought... after your great display earlier, you might like something of the more quiet sort.”

ash:

Ash felt herself becoming the center of attention once more, and she wasn’t sure if she was into it or not. It was always a bit of a strange oxymoron for her as she loved people yet had a tendency to shrink at too much attention. She was always one for the stage, but it also made her very nervous and almost shy. Having a persona to turn to made it easier to handle, but it still had its challenges and bad moments.

Orphea was truly a very pretty person. She was confident, bright, bold, everything a proper bard would love to be. Ash could be those things on a good day, especially when she slipped into the form of Darragh, but right now she was not the one speaking. She just had to stand, nod and be a good listener. A bit of a rollover from her days as a spy, no doubt. It had been some time since she’d actually drawn attention to herself like this, willingly.

“I’m Mairead. Oh…” She looked down, away, before running a hand through her hair. Knowing that it would be rude to leave the lady with no answer, she turned back to look at her. “That would be lovely. I, um, I know this place not far from here. It’s small, but it’s got an intimate feel to it.”

After saying that, she turned even brighter. Her cheeks felt like a pair of bonfires. “I mean, you know, it’s very cosy.”

Orphea’s laugh was like tinkling bells as Mairead blushed scarlet. She didn’t laugh in condescension or glee at the other’s awkwardness, but in delight. She liked to meet all kind of people and that included the shy, verbally bumbling ones. 

“That sounds wonderful. I do enjoy intimacy,” she said, her tone playfully teasing rather than lascivious or purely suggestive. As much as she liked to flirt and poke fun, and be intimate, she was also looking forward to some quiet. She’d been performing for the better part of the day and even though her skin still tingled pleasantly from all of the attention and the applause she recieved, her ears rang and fatigue dragged at her limbs. “Mairead,” she repeated to herself, enjoying the shape of the sounds in her mouth. She was happy to follow where the woman led her, especially if she led her towards food and drink. “Does it mean anything? Your name? It’s very beautiful.”

[swords-and-lutes]

Aisling Gwavas // Romtask 003: Modern AU.

Aisling is a regular university student, as plain as one can get. They stay out of trouble, they pass their courses and they generally don’t draw a lot of attention to themselves. If one gets to talk to them, it is plain to see that they’re a shy person, creative and a bit of a musical theater nerd. They’re really no one exciting, just a regular person like everyone else.

Right?

There has a new rising radio channel on campus, that students can listen in to when they’re getting fed up with studying and need to enjoy some good music, gossip and old-fashioned introspection. The radio DJ, known only as Ash, is charismatic, soothing, a fountation of wisdom and stories of struggle and inspiration. Sometimes it seems like they’re hinting at some shady goings-on at the university that have the students and the staff on edge. Higher ups wish to take down this whistleblower, but they always seem to evade them. As they grow more aware of the level of corruption and favoritism at the university, Ash appears to be growing bolder than ever before.

Meanwhile Aisling is just trying to survive their exams. Nothing special with them, right? Nothing. At. All.

[swords-and-lutes]

Aisling “Ash” Gwavas // Moodboard

Man is not what he thinks he is, he is what he hides. – André Mairaux

[swords-and-lutes]

It appeared that whenever Ash found himself traveling southward, he would always find himself at the Crossroads one way or another. The place was a hub for merchants, travelers and adventurers alike and, aside from Crowmire, was the most interesting in terms of what you could get. He didn’t have an awful amount of coin to spend at the moment, but maybe he would pop into one of the stalls in the morning to find something nice for his parent.

He had chosen this inn mostly because it was the only one that appeared to have rooms available. The Crossroads was always such a hospitable place, but it was also so, so small and cramped. He found himself almost preferring the sleeping quarters of the House of Meridian, where it almost felt like people slept on top of each other at times. The fact that he had managed to find a room and a table was a great win in his books!

Speaking of wins... He looked up from the book he was reading, having drowned out much of the noise in the room in favor of his own thoughts. While he could go up to his room and read there, he had a sneaking suspicion that some of his neighbors had gotten frisky after a little too much to drink, so he wished to remain on the safe side and wait until it was calmer up there. While the book was highly entertaining and saucy in the most tasteful of ways, the one in front him drew his attention much more.

“Oh, no, I do not mind it one bit,” he responded as he got himself into a more civilized and socially acceptable sitting position. He had originally been leaning his chair back, legs on the table and crossed at the ankles. After noting down the page number and putting the book back in his pocket, he turned his full attention towards the newcomer. “Have we met before? I feel like I would’ve remembered seeing a fallen angel such as yourself in the past.” He kept a straight face, but after the line, he couldn’t help the way his face crumbled into a bit of a chuckle. “Apologies, that one was bad.” He put out a hand towards her. “Allow me to introduce myself properly. I’m Darragh.”

date. early may location. the crossroads                                                             ━━     ﹡ OPEN TO ALL 、

Even after a day of being out hunting to trade meat with the local taverns, though fatigued, Alva wasn’t someone that would deny someone help. So, when a woman struggling to load up her cart called on her for help, she couldn’t refuse even if the day was starting to drag on her, lugging the furs and crates that she was hauling was even a task for the relatively strong young woman. It seemed like the the day was getting the best of her as she finished up the task, the sun winding down for the day to welcome a brisk evening. She had been hoping to cover some ground on the road by the time she was done hunting, but with the night fast approaching, even she wasn’t stupid enough to travel alone at night, so she made her way into one of the inns.

The inn she’d chosen was a little bit more packed than she would have liked, but her stomach grumbling was more set on her not taking the time to pick another establishment. After ordering some food with the keep, and taking a cold beer from them, she took a seat at one of the only seats she could see available - only after she’d sat down, she’d noticed her rudeness in taking the free seat at a two person table. “Oh! Ah, I’m sorry, I must have forgotten my manners,” Alva gushed, turning her head to the other, “Are you waiting on anyone or is it okay if I sit here?”

[swords-and-lutes]

“I... I wasn’t gonna say that, not really.” Ash pushed back some of the hair that had fallen in her face, trying to get a better look at the half-orc before her. “It’s probably, really, none of my business, but you appeared injured. I was concerned. That’s all.”

She repositioned her lute case, placing the band of it across her body with the case itself resting on her back. It wasn’t often she was out and about in these parts, especially with something as valuable as her musical instrument, but she had found herself unable to rest at the inn she’d been in. “Do you...” She raised her hands towards his face, then stopped and pulled them back with an uncertain look on her face. “May I heal you? The swelling around your eye looks...” She wracked her brain for a word that wouldn’t be insulting or too complicated to understand. “It looks like it might hurt a lot. It could become infected without treatment...”

Wonderful choice of words, Aisling.

Time: Evening Place: Khaggon Open

“If the question is ‘does your face hurt’, I’m gonna make your face hurt, so. Different question or go.” The vague threat the half-orc gave was accompanied by the point of a finger, a warning in itself. It wasn’t like the fight he’d just gotten in had been bad or anything, barely enough for the other guy to get hits in, but Grim just hated dumb questions when he wasn’t the one asking them. “So, what?”

[swords-and-lutes]

Ash felt herself becoming the center of attention once more, and she wasn’t sure if she was into it or not. It was always a bit of a strange oxymoron for her as she loved people yet had a tendency to shrink at too much attention. She was always one for the stage, but it also made her very nervous and almost shy. Having a persona to turn to made it easier to handle, but it still had its challenges and bad moments.

Orphea was truly a very pretty person. She was confident, bright, bold, everything a proper bard would love to be. Ash could be those things on a good day, especially when she slipped into the form of Darragh, but right now she was not the one speaking. She just had to stand, nod and be a good listener. A bit of a rollover from her days as a spy, no doubt. It had been some time since she’d actually drawn attention to herself like this, willingly.

“I’m Mairead. Oh...” She looked down, away, before running a hand through her hair. Knowing that it would be rude to leave the lady with no answer, she turned back to look at her. “That would be lovely. I, um, I know this place not far from here. It’s small, but it’s got an intimate feel to it.”

After saying that, she turned even brighter. Her cheeks felt like a pair of bonfires. “I mean, you know, it’s very cosy.”

ash:

Ash wasn’t sure why she had requested that song of all pieces. Ilya the Wanderer was an elven piece that she had grown up with, heard Joss sing on occasion, with or without instruments accompanying it. It wasn’t a tragic tale by any means, but any who looked close enough would see that behind the lyrics, speaking of grand adventures and falling in love with an impossible creature, was a story of someone who never truly got what they were hoping for.

While the bard played the piece, she felt herself enchanted by the performance, struggling to figure out whether she wanted to watch the musician herself or the way she pulled the strings to create the characteristic notes of the song. In the end, the focus remained on her. A few bits were changed here and there, but Ash wasn’t overly strict about keeping the complete integrity of the song in tact as long as the recognizable pieces were present.

She couldn’t stop herself from clapping, quiet and soft, as the performance came to a close. Those around her appeared to appreciate it as well for what it was, a good piece played by a good lyrist.

“Oh!” She hadn’t been expected to be addressed once more, and it was nearly a second time where she was caught without words to speak. “You were beautiful… I mean, it was beautiful. Beautifully done. Yes, that… those were the words I was looking for.” She rubbed at her forearm, looking away sheepishly. “I enjoyed the way you added to the melody. The people probably appreciated the more cheerful version. Not many are familiar with it these days.”

Orphea preened at the compliments, especially the accidental flirtation. Neither were uncommon for her but they still sparked warmth and pleasantness every time it happened. She turned heads with both her music and her body and she liked it that way. Most of the time, at least. She liked being the focus of adoration. She fiddled with the lyre case strap across her chest and swayed in tune with the human’s words. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she said, utterly genuine. “That’s what I perform for.”

“Mm, maybe,” she said. “Everyone can use a little more cheer, but I do like the original. Truthfully, even though I remember the song from its heyday, I’ve never played it myself so I figured it would be better if I just put a little spin on it. You know, then I wouldn’t have to live up to expectations and could just perform!” Orphea dragged her hand up and over her head in a slow, dramatic flourish. “How do you know of the song? I’ve been alive long enough to know it, but you don’t seem like the right age.”

Before the other could speak, Orphea’s face lit up. “Oh, why don’t you tell me over dinner? I’m starving, but I want to know the story. It’s an odd song for a favorite.” She smile grew inexorably wider. “My name’s Orphea. Will you come to dinner with me?”

[swords-and-lutes]

Unsent Letter: Compromised

Lord Grey, 

I hope this letter finds you well and in safe surroundings. I’ve personally never been the best when it comes to writing letters, but I thought I would give it an attempt for the sake of the times ahead. I’m not sure what you’ve been privy to thus far, but I thought I should let you know, before someone else does, about the state of my mission.

Would it be overly uncouth to say that it’s gone to complete shit a place I did not expect it to? I write this to you in the days following what is likely the biggest failure and success of my life so far. You made it my mission to blend in, be charming and efficient, not to draw any unwanted attention to myself or my work. “A good spy remains unseen,” you told me, but I do wonder how much experience you truly have in the field because my expectations sure were thwarted. Unfortunately, Lord Grey, I made the mistake of caring for others too much to care for my own safety.

There was an encampment of slave hunters on the border to Eowesoa, not far from the settlements of Emall and Whitmond. From what I could grasp of the conversations I overheard, they had encountered a strangely large caravan of refugees from the east, and they were recognized as “runaway citizens” from Itresa and the surrounding plantations. They were there specifically to bring these poor, unfortunate souls back to the misery they were running from. I’m sorry to say, sir, but in my opinion that is just wrong. I know I had better, probably more important things to take care of, but this was something I simply couldn’t walk away from. The look of desperation in their eyes, it haunts me still. In my dreams, in my thoughts, even in my writings like this one. If I had walked away from that, I’d never be able to forgive myself.

In case you are curious, the way I did it was that I lured one of their soldiers away from the campfire and took care of him. I did not kill him, but he probably had a bad headache after what I put him through. I stole his uniform and took on his persona, like you had taught me to do. I stayed mostly quiet as I passed the slave hunters, took the keys from one of their persons and used it to free the prisoners. Unfortunately, the lock on the cage was rusted and old, and the sound it made was unbearable. A guard discovered us, and in my panic and desire to help them, I showed them my true face. I thought it would be enough to terrify him, which it did. We ran through the night, we hid then continued running. It was terrifying, beyond anything I’d ever experienced before.

And I don’t regret any part of it. (Maybe aside from the moment he saw my true face.)

I’m going to stay low, sir, and I recommend that you do the same. Whatever comes of this, we should be prepared for something to happen. I’m sorry for breaking my promise and revealing my position, but I had to. I simply had to.

- Ash.

(This letter remained unsent as it was simply too long and emotional and revealed too much of what had happened, in the case of an interception. A shorter, more concise and less personal letter was eventually sent to the address of one Lord Percival Grey.)

[swords-and-lutes]

Ash had always found Khaggon to be a curious place. A city within a mountain, hidden from the outside world with the exception of not-so-secret entrance routes made use of by the local thieves’ guild and other unsavory figures. Of course, Ash did not see himself in such a way, but he didn’t exactly hold himself above them either. That would just be rude, after all.

His late night walk had taken him past a spot he’d heard of before. The fight club, a location where those who wished to settle their differences with violence and uncertain legality went or simply wished to have a good time and watch the flying of fists and the falling of blood and self-preservation.

He eyed the tiefling before him, taking her in slowly as he made an attempt to perceive the level of danger with this one. With a playful wry smile, he said, “You know, I’m not completely against the idea.” The sound of the crowd from inside the building was almost deafening to his ears. Still, his smile never left him as he continued, “By your words, this Zed sounds like someone who needs to be taken down a notch. I am all for that.” He took on a thoughtful face, tapping the side of his jaw with a finger. “At the same time, I think I might value my life more. Who’s asking, if I might inquire? I wouldn’t want to risk my life for just anyone, after all.”

Date & Time: Night, early May Location: Fight Club, Khaggon Status: Open

Despite how it seemed, always in the wrong time and place she was, Rovasha was never one to initiate violence. Fight Clubs were familiar and even she craved a bit of nostalgia. She never got in the ring herself. It reminded her too much of a certain King’s army. No, these gigs were better from a distance. Still, thieves’ guilds, no matter the nation you were home, opened their doors to all thieving folk. It was so easy to fall back into old habits.

“Am I gonna see you up there?” she said, gassing up every other adventurer passing by. “Been a while since someone knocked Zed fuckin’ dead. It gonna be you?”

[swords-and-lutes]

Ash wasn’t sure why she had requested that song of all pieces. Ilya the Wanderer was an elven piece that she had grown up with, heard Joss sing on occasion, with or without instruments accompanying it. It wasn’t a tragic tale by any means, but any who looked close enough would see that behind the lyrics, speaking of grand adventures and falling in love with an impossible creature, was a story of someone who never truly got what they were hoping for.

While the bard played the piece, she felt herself enchanted by the performance, struggling to figure out whether she wanted to watch the musician herself or the way she pulled the strings to create the characterisic notes of the song. In the end, the focus remained on her. A few bits were changed here and there, but Ash wasn’t overly strict about keeping the complete integrity of the song in tact as long as the recognizable pieces were present.

She couldn’t stop herself from clapping, quiet and soft, as the performance came to a close. Those around her appeared to appreciate it as well for what it was, a good piece played by a good lyrist.

“Oh!” She hadn’t been expected to be addressed once more, and it was nearly a second time where she was caught without words to speak. “You were beautiful... I mean, it was beautiful. Beautifully done. Yes, that... those were the words I was looking for.” She rubbed at her forearm, looking away sheepishly. “I enjoyed the way you added to the melody. The people probably appreciated the more cheerful version. Not many are familiar with it these days.”

ash:

Ash had arrived in Myrefall that afternoon and had quickly found themselves at the place where their parent’s theater troupe was settled. The House of Meridian was smaller than some of the great noble theater halls in Myrefall, but among the common folk it was the biggest and best of its kind. Joss had been delighted to see their child, even though it had been but a few weeks since they’d last seen each other. Not that Ash had minded the extra affection.

Now she found herself, having taken on the comfortable guise of Mairead, on a corner street of the way she’d been heading. She had been out with Joss, but while Joss was fond of the city at night, Ash preferred it during the day. It was easier to get lost in the busy surroundings that daytime tended to bring, unlike the relative calm and quiet - depending on where you found yourself, of course - of the dark. She had gone out this way not expecting anything in particular to happen.

On the way back, she had stopped to watch a street performer, a lovely elf with fair hair and the sweetest of smiles, whose eyes likely hid her true wit and cunning as was the case with most bards. But when she suddenly found herself being the center of attention, having been addressed by the lyrist directly among all the remaining listeners, she nearly found herself at a loss for words.

“Oh, I… um…” Her cheeks turned slightly red at the sudden attention being drawn to her, but she recovered from it enough to go on. “Are you acquainted by Ilya the Wanderer, by any chance? It’s an obscure one, I know, but… It’s an old favorite of mine.”

It was strange for Ash to be acting this shy, but Mairead wasn’t one for the dramatic sort of speech and she did honestly feel a little taken back by the sudden shift in attention. It wasn’t often she was caught off guard, but the music had been such a wonderful listen when she’d passed by. She knew the lyre by heart herself, but it was so different to hear how others made use of it.

One of the many beauties when it came to music.

Orphea just smiled all the wider as her chosen audience member stuttered out her request. It was always sweet when she got the nervous ones—the people who, if it had been a bigger crowd, would have been hiding on the outskirts. They sometimes had the best, or silliest, songs stuck in their heads and she adored teasing them out. “Ooh, a wonderful choice. I love the obscure ones,” she said with a voice like wind chimes. Her deft fingers danced over the strings of her instrument and plucked the first few notes of the song experimentally. “It shakes up the tedium of all those big hits, you know?”

Without waiting for an answer, Orphea began to truly play and sing. In an instant she swept herself back into the role of performer and likewise swept her audience back into her song. She hadn’t played the song Ilya the Wanderer herself before, but she’d heard it enough to make do. Her strumming fell into an easy rhythm, albeit with a few of her own creative liberties, and in a moment it felt as though she’d always been playing the song, as if she’d been born in the Pallid Grove with it intertwined with the marrow of her bones. She hadn’t, of course, but the drama of the imagery only helped her fall deeper into the performance. She hit the last note, one last deep thrum, before letting both the note and the final words peter out and drift away on the chill evening air. 

She waved the lingering crowd away in response to the smattering of applause, but her wide smile belayed any feigned irritation or faux humility. She knelt to empty her lyre case of coin before stowing the instrument and standing. “How’d I do?” She turned back to the one she’d called on. For a moment, a spike of anxiety stifled her breath. She’d said it was an old favorite of hers, maybe it was important, but Orphea had twisted parts of it to be happier and sweeter. She didn’t care much for melancholy. The performance had been immaculate, she knew, but it had also been different. “I hope it ended the night well… And did your favorite song justice, too.”

[swords-and-lutes]

Character Development Questionnaire: Ash (ft. Personas)

“I see... What do you wish to know?”

BASICS - 1. Height? Ash is 5′7″, Mairead is 5′4″ and Darragh is 5′11″.

2. Eye colour? Ash: white, Mairead: hazel, Darragh: green.

3. Do they need glasses? No need for glasses.

4. Scars and birthmark? Being a close combat fighter, Ash has a number of scars from their time under Lord Grey’s tutelage and the time after. Most of them are from sharp trauma like swords and daggers. None of them appear on their personas unless it was received while in that persona.

5. Tattoos and piercings? Ash has none of those themselves, but they have a number of tattoos with floral and celestial themes as Darragh. Mostly to try it out and see how they feel about it.

6. Right or left handed? Ash is ambidextrous.

7. Any disabilities? Physical or mental. Not really. Ash has a tendency to be a ball of anxiety at times, which can cripple their decision-making, but they usually have it under control (read: they’ve gotten better at internalizing their struggles).

8. Do they have any allergies? No.

9. Favourite colour? Ash likes soft colors and pastels, despite their bright and outlandish outfits as Darragh and their muted colors as Mairead.

10. Typical outfits? When they are themselves, they tend to keep it simple with a pop of color. Their outfits are usually flexible and practical in case of a sudden change in persona or a need to escape. They don’t dress to be seen, most of the time.

Ash

Mairead

Darragh (not exactly an everyday look, but definitely this level of colorful and/or dramatic)

11. Do they wear any makeup? As Ash, no. As Darragh, absolutely. Mostly eyeliner.

12. What weapon do they use, if any? Ash is mostly a fan of rapiers and daggers, but they also wield their magic quite a bit.

PERSONALITY - 13. Are they more optimistic or pessimistic? A cautiously hopeful optimist.

14. Are they introverted or extroverted? Definitely an extrovert, despite what some of their actions might imply. They’re not a shy person, just a little quiet.

15. What are their pet peeves? Prejudice towards changelings, bad acting, out of tune music, awful singing, poems that don’t rhyme when they should.

16. What bad habits do they have? They have a tendency to run away when things get too much. It’s a coping mechanism, but they’re trying to improve on it. They’re also loud when they drink anything.

17. Do they have any phobias? No.

18. How do they display affection? Depends on the persona, but they are in general big on physical affection with loved ones. Hugs, kisses on the cheeks and forehead, arm around shoulders, etc. Darragh is big on pet names.

19. How competitive are they? They enjoy a good challenge every now and then, but they’re too wise to say yes to every dare that comes their way.

20. If they could change one thing about themselves, what would it be? Their anxiety. It is at times crippling to them, and they wish they were better at handling situations and people when they’re stressed. As adaptable as they are, anxiety doesn’t discriminate.

21. Do they have any obscure hobbies or routines? They like to sew, having made many of the clothes and costumes that they make use of. Sewing is a great way to destress, and they become very focused when they’re into it.

BACKSTORY - 22. What are the names and ages of their close family members? Parents, siblings, etc. The only family member that Ash is aware of is their parent, Joss. They are currently 48 years old.

23. Is their family alive and are they still in contact with them? Joss is indeed alive, and Ash visits them fairly often. They often go out together in their respective personas or - if they’re feeling particularly daring - as themselves. If trouble arises, they’ll just be someone else next time.

24. Where are they from? City, nation? Ash has never been one to see anywhere as a particular home, but if they had to pick a place, it would be Myrefall, which is where they were raised.

25. Did they have a childhood best friend? No. Growing up with the theater troupe, they were the only child apart from the youths that would come and go with the plays.

26. Have they had any pets? Ash had a cat at one point named Shadow. Guess where the name came from. It was a mouser at the House of Meridian.

27. Did they grow up rich or poor? What were their living conditions like? Ash didn’t have the most splendid of surroundings as it was restricted to the theater and whatever place they and their parent could afford. They had a roof over their head and warm food most days, so it was far from bad.

28. What is their educational background? In their younger years, it was limited to whatever Joss and the troupe could teach them and what they could glean by themselves, but after they became sponsored by Lord Grey, they learned a far bit more, mostly in the realm of etiquette, oratory, rhetorics and language.

29. As a child, what did they want to be when they grew up? They wanted to be a musician when they grew up.

30. What advice would they give to their younger self? “The world is a cruel place, but don’t let that make you stay in the shadows.”

31. Growing up, were they ever bullied or were they the bully? Aside from good-natured teasing by the troupe and a couple of mean street kids who discovered their true nature, no. Ash was always pretty good at making people like them or make them focus their cruelty elsewhere.

32. Who do they look up to/who is their role model? Their parent, Joss.

PRESENT - 33. Do they currently have a place of residence? They stay at the House of Meridian whenever they’re in Myrefall, but otherwise they stay wherever they can afford to stay.

34. What is their most treasured possession? Their lute. It was a good investment and a treasured piece of instrument.

35. What is their drink of choice? Ale. Simple, tried and true.

36. Which king/queen are they loyal to, if any? They’re not really loyal to any of them, but they have monarchs they prefer over others.

37. Have they ever killed anyone? Yes.

38. What was their last promise and did they keep it? They promised Lord Grey to stay out of trouble and not to blow their cover. It ... didn’t go too well.

LOVE - 39. What was their first kiss like, if they’ve had one? It was awkward as first kisses tend to be.

40. Are they in a relationship/have a love interest? They don’t have a current love interest, although they’re open for it.

41. Have they ever been in love? Yes.

42. Have they ever had their heart broken? Unknown.

SPIRITUALITY - 43. Do they follow a god, if so who?  They don’t really follow any particular god. They are aware of their existence and their worships, and they’ll swing by some of them every now and then to pray for luck or safe passage or whatever, but they’re not a one-god-only type of person.

44. What do they think happens to them after death? Hopefully no more pain.

45. What is their spirit animal? A chameleon.

[swords-and-lutes]

Ash had arrived in Myrefall that afternoon and had quickly found themselves at the place where their parent’s theater troupe was settled. The House of Meridian was smaller than some of the great noble theater halls in Myrefall, but among the common folk it was the biggest and best of its kind. Joss had been delighted to see their child, even though it had been but a few weeks since they’d last seen each other. Not that Ash had minded the extra affection.

Now she found herself, having taken on the comfortable guise of Mairead, on a corner street of the way she’d been heading. She had been out with Joss, but while Joss was fond of the city at night, Ash preferred it during the day. It was easier to get lost in the busy surroundings that daytime tended to bring, unlike the relative calm and quiet - depending on where you found yourself, of course - of the dark. She had gone out this way not expecting anything in particular to happen.

On the way back, she had stopped to watch a street performer, a lovely elf with fair hair and the sweetest of smiles, whose eyes likely hid her true wit and cunning as was the case with most bards. But when she suddenly found herself being the center of attention, having been addressed by the lyrist directly among all the remaining listeners, she nearly found herself at a loss for words.

“Oh, I... um...” Her cheeks turned slightly red at the sudden attention being drawn to her, but she recovered from it enough to go on. “Are you acquainted by Ilya the Wanderer, by any chance? It’s an obscure one, I know, but... It’s an old favorite of mine.”

It was strange for Ash to be acting this shy, but Mairead wasn’t one for the dramatic sort of speech and she did honestly feel a little taken back by the sudden shift in attention. It wasn’t often she was caught off guard, but the music had been such a wonderful listen when she’d passed by. She knew the lyre by heart herself, but it was so different to hear how others made use of it.

One of the many beauties when it came to music.

Time: Night.  Date: May 10th.  Location: Myrefall. Status: Open. 

In the many hours that Orphea had been playing her lyre, she’d watched hundreds of people pass by the street corner she claimed as her stage. Some of them shuffled by with their heads down, others strode as if they owned the city, and one woman had glowered at her as if personally offended by music and Orphea’s clothes and her existence in its entirety, but that only made her laugh. As the sun dipped below the horizon, and the bustling of the street began to slow, she just kept playing song after song. Well known, jaunty tunes turned into melancholy ballads and back again with no rhyme or reason. The people who stopped to listen to her sometimes called out requests and she’d switch halfway between a note to watch their delight. If she kept strumming her instrument, and singing along, then the silence wouldn’t become oppressive or lonely. She could just remain happy and loud for as long as she pleased. 

Her lyre case, open on the street by her feet, was full of copper and stray silver coins. She didn’t desperately need the money, but it was always so satisfying to spend her musical earnings on a good meal and a good drink at the end of a day. At the thought, her stomach grumbled.

Orphea let the last note fizzle out along the strings of her lyre. “Any last requests?” She scanned her few lingering audience members. She felt bright pride bubble in her chest as they focused on her. She knew she was holding them spellbound and keeping them from completing whatever task they had surely been on their way to completing. Maybe she held them from sleep or from a stiff drink or another face just as pretty as her own. “Come on, something good to close out the night. What about you, sugar?” She turned her gaze to one onlooker and smiled wide and honey-sweet. “Got any suggestions for me?”