Another healing spell slips into the running melody Lollia is engaged in as she contributes to Shula's efforts to remain among the living.
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The ongoing musical encouragement of her companions continues, but the words change slightly as Lollia reaches out to touch Shula with a healing hand.
Lollia continues to sing as she watches Robert administer healing to the red-headed slayer. In a half-hearted attempt to aid to battle, she pulls a dagger from her belt and lets it fly through the air towards the beast.
Lollia pales at the violent interruption to their not-so-pleasant hunt/hike. But being the consummate performer, she doesn't hesitate before pulling her instrument around and beginning a rousing battle melody. As the others approach the beast closer, she follows behind preparing to pull Shula back for some magical healing.
Lollia, who has been waging a single-woman war against the terrain hazards (and losing), brushes a few stray locks of hair away from her sweaty face. "Yes, please. Then we can get out of here and back to civilization." She looks up at the trees overhead and the sun beating through. "I am so done with hunting."
"My dear Lady Vernisant, I am so sorry! The hunt is a traditional part of our celebrations here and it never occurred to me that you would be unaware. Please accept my apologies." Lollia curtsies in return. "Apology accepted, my dear Count," she replies with a grin. "Thank you for indulging those of us unfamiliar with your country ways." With leave to spend the time to properly garb herself, the young woman pulls the servant only known as 'Purple Finch' to her side and sets off in pursuit of acceptable attire. "Now you must have a name other than 'Purple Finch'," she whispers to her companion as she slips her arm into that of the other woman and makes her way back towards the manor. ~~~~ Almost an hour later and Lollia returns fitted for the hunt. She's wearing a man's tunic that, while large, miraculously hugs her curves with assistance from various belts and laces. Her skirt has been exchanged for tight leather trousers and her feet are enclosed in leather boots that rise to her knees. Her dulcimer is in its bag hanging on her back and her auburn hair has been styled into a single braid that hangs down over her shoulder.
"Quite ready," Lollia replies and with a wave of her hand a shiny brass horn appears in her hand. Pressing the instrument to her lips, she lets loose with a loud set of notes announcing the hunt has begun. The instrument vanishes back into the ether from whence it came and she gestures towards the woods. "Shall we?"
"Also, did we miss an item on the agenda? I can't help but notice that some of these things aren't quite like the others, and 'these things' are our clothes." She fiddles with her sleeves but doesn't yet change the appearance of her outfit. "I agree completely," Lollia declares, her ire visible to all. With purpose she strides over to the Count. With her hands on her hips she glares up at the handsome man. "And I suppose that the common curtesy of informing your guests of the day's activities in advance so they can dress appropriately doesn't exist out here in rural Taldor?" she says with a flirty grin. "Because while I think I've achieved the perfect 'breakfast on the patio' look this morning, it's hardly appropriate for gallivanting through the woods." She gestures down at the day dress she's wearing that perfectly enhances her shape. "At the very least, you could give us ladies an hour or so to scavenge up something more suited for the occasion?"
Count Bartelby:
When the Count's lips meet hers, Lollia stiffens for just an instance before softening into the kiss. Gone is the mask of demureness and she returns his embrace with a hunger. It's only when one of his hands begins to roam that she pulls back and lightly presses a hand to his chest.
"I think that this is neither the time nor the place for our passions to best us," she says, her face flush in the lantern light. "I have my cousin to attend to and you have your ... duties." She smiles with an unspoken promise. "But I'm not going anywhere so we will continue this ... conversation ... at another time." Pulling a delicate lace kerchief from her modest bodice, she reaches up and tucks it into the man's breast pocket. "A token," she says with a giggle and, turning, continues their walk in the garden. ~~~~
"I've gained the Count's interest," Lollia says to the others when they meet up the next morning. "I think it will benefit us if he doesn't see us as the enemy while we attempt to undermine his support." Looking over Victor, she smirks. "Too much to drink last night?"
Count Bartelby: "My dear Count, you're intent on spinning a poor girl's head," Lollia responds with a well-practiced blush and shy grin. "I can't imagine why you would be interested in a simple someone like me."
Rather than being entirely coy, the musician is happy to tell her - slightly sanitized - tale; A family that refuses to accept one of their own that's ... different (what the difference is, she doesn't delve into). Her exile into Taldor and subsequent rescue from possible destitution by a sympathetic cousin. Not wanting to dwell entirely upon the past, she waxes eloquently upon her love of music and the magic that can be created with same. Her conversation is accompanied by gentle touches and gazes that could be described as inviting. She would deny the labeling of such as seductive, of course. She's simply engaging in successful social intercourse.
"Please be a little kinder to Titus." He says softly to Lollia. "He is family, however distantly, and we must look after our own. I'm sure you understand my Lady, travelling here with your cousin as you have. I am curious though, do you have to return to the capital soon, or will you be in Meratt for a little time? There are many sights I would like to show you if you have to time." "I certainly understand looking after family," Lollia replies, completely ignoring the urge to question why she should look after family when they tossed her aside like kitchen refuse. "However, that wouldn't prevent me from calling out my cousin if she was acting like an insufferable boor." She gives the man a wink. "As far as I'm aware, my cousin will be staying here and looking after her holdings for the foreseeable. And seeings as how I have nothing claiming my attention elsewhere, I will be staying with her." She gives a small curtsey and looks up at the man through her thick lashes. "And I would be quite pleased to see whatever sights you would consider worth my attention." She smiles. ~~~~~
"Oh," is Lollia's response when the elegant woman appears. "The Duchess. She doesn't normally ...?" she begins to ask the Count, but turning to address him, she can see that the man is most put out by his aunt's appearance. "Is something wrong, Count?" she asks, putting a hand on his arm.
During the meal, Lollia does her best to keep the Count's attention on her and away from her companions as they sway others to their cause. Those carefully watching her would note that she doesn't drink as much wine as her loosened tongue and laughter would indicate.
~~~~~
When the rules of the game are explained to her, the entertainer keeps her revulsion at the vile game entirely hidden behind her pleasant smile. Accepting the sachets handed to her with good grace, it doesn't take a keen eye to note that her attempted throws are intentionally wildly off the mark and come nowhere near hitting any of the participants. Although one does come dangerously close to striking the Count's rude cousin. "I'm so sorry," she says by way of an apology. "You look like neither a halfling nor farm animal at all."
"Oh, you were in the capital?" Lollia effuses, leaning towards the noble that thinks he's being clever. "Well, here's the thing. Those of us who actually live in the capital and understand how things in an actual city work as opposed to ... to wherever you're from ... know where to step in the street and where not to." She makes a point of sniffing in his direction. "Yep, that's your problem. That brown stuff in the streets? You shouldn't step in it. You'll get it on your shoes and then your clothes and you'll never get it out. The next thing you know ..." she shrugs her shoulders. "You smell like that all the time."
Lollia's attention during Shula's final match seems to be less on her own music and more on the fiery red-head and she applauds enthusiastically when the woman actually comes out victorious over the skilled dame. "Congratulations, my dear," she says, approaching as if to embrace the woman. She falters at the last moment, unsure as to how that would be both received and appear.
Admiring the Count's attractive silhouette as her cousin is, the bard is distracted by Shula's muttering. A quick glance back reveals the source and she snatches her instrument from her back and plucks out a discordant chord that echoes throughout the hall. "Count!" she shouts out in a voice enhanced by years of training. "Beware the trap!"
With Lotheed currently out of the picture, Okerra and Piscum setting horses for the entertainment of the masses, and Voinum involved in conversation with Victor, the only one left vulnerable to her charms is Dame Crabbe. As Robert and Shula engage in the vicious sport, itself, the bard chats amiably with the older woman.
Not that she needs any encouragement, but Lollia is happy to provide musical accompaniment to Shula's game.
In between choruses, she's happy to contribute to the conversation with Onara.
With the Count occupied in sorting out ... whatever he's sorting out, Lollia joins her cousin in conversation with the Okerra. "I've heard that there's going to be jousting," she says to the man as she traces an unsubtle finger down his arm. "I would wager it wouldn't be the first time you've mounted and taken the reins of a barely tamed creature like that."
After discussing the situation with her companions, Lollia ignores her original plan. She had decided to play on her skill with music to get into the Crabbe woman's good graces. But something about the Count seemed to draw her in. She was versed in at least as many different areas of knowledge that he was even if he might look down on her lesser intellect. And what man could really resist her once she turned on her smile. "So wonderful to meet with you again, Count Lotheed," she says before leading into a stilted conversation about the usage of musical notes in magical applications.
Setting her eye on the 'big fish', Lollia mingles with the various guests, but stays as close as she can to the Count, himself, to try to get a handle on what drives him.
Lollia's demeanor shifts entirely when the Count appears. A vapid smile appears on her face and she leans in to giggle and whisper girlishly in Lucretia's ear as she covers her grin. "It's such a pleasure to meet you, Count Lotheed," she says as she steps forward and extends her hand for a proper Lady's greeting of a Gentleman. "Lollia Vernisant. When I heard that my cousin was now the new heir to the Betony estate, I just had to join her. And I'm so glad I did." She turns and gestures at the woman in question. "Count Lotheed, my cousin, the Lady Lucretia Vernisant."
Moving through the near-destitute camp, there's nothing Lollia is really interested in buying. But knowing that some folks take offense at obvious charity, she spends time at this merchant and then at that one. She walks away with some worthless baubles and trinkets, but twenty gold lighter in her coin-purse. Once she's made her purchases, she returns to the carriage and climbs to the roof to offer up some music for this small interlude in their travels.
Lollia finally looks back from the window at Martella. "I understand that he's your brother and you'd like it not to get violent, but from everything you've told us, that may not be an option." She narrows her eyes. "If it does come to that - a violent transition, what leeway do we have with him? We may not be able to prevent ... Do you really wish to put him in danger like that?"
An estate? A title? Wouldn't that just be a big 'F%+% you!' to her bigoted family? She didn't need them anymore - she achieved success without their support ... or love. She resists the urge to snatch the scroll case out of Shula's hands and instead turns to look out the window at the passing terrain. It only takes a moment for reality to set in, though. No one would accept her as nobility ever again. She knows how the game is played. She's a marked card and everyone knows it. "Lucretia should take it," she says in an even voice as she continues to watch the trees pass.
Shula: "Mmm, yes. But less talking and more ..." More what is clearly more kissing as she leans in to resume where they had left off.
Shula: The kiss seems to catch Lollia off-guard, but not flat-flooted. She presses back with a moan as the slayer's lips send tingles out the tips of her fingers, toes, and ... other places. She pulls back finally to catch her breath, her cheeks flush and her pupils dark. A quick gut check tells her that she likes where this is going. Although, perhaps it shouldn't go too far ... yet. "That was nice," she says with a grin. "I would like to do more of that." She rises from her seat and moves around the small table to settle into Shula's lap, wrapping both arms around the woman's neck. With her body pressed so close, it's easy for Shula to tell that the thin robe is all she's wearing. A repeat of the previous kiss follows, but with more heat. And hands that are invited to roam. "I might be a little drunk," she says with a giggle when they finally come up for air. "So if I'm going too fast, feel free to stop me."
Shula:
Lollia's flat is nothing spectacular. It's far and above better than the rat-infested squalor of the Narrows, but it's nothing a noble would even consider in their worst nightmares. Clothes are scattered about the small space, along with parchments covered with music notation. There are even a few different instruments on stands.
"Have a seat," she gestures with a slight sway towards the small table with three mismatched chairs. "I'll be right back." She slips into the rear of the area behind a rickety privacy screen. "I'm happy that you're giving me a second chance," she says from behind the screen emblazoned with a sunrise in the Tian Xia fashion. A moment later and she steps back out into the room. She's traded her day-dress for a thin robe of pale blue. "Friends are hard to find in this city, it seems," she says as she opens a cupboard and produces an amber bottle and a pair of short glasses. With unsteady hands, she fills each glass half-way. Taking a sip from hers, she sways a bit more as she leans in a little closer. "You're really pretty," she says. ~~~~~
"Yes. With the exception of not having it documented with the royal seal, we've been knighted," Lollia says with hesitation. ~~~~~
Word of mouth passed quickly to all her musician friends that Lollia had reserved the entirety of the Lazy Lamb for a 'performers only' party to be held two nights hence. It was meant to be a semi-secret, but the level of revelry that it created was anything but. Music, dancing, singing, impromptu performances of every sort kept the attendees fully engaged as well as making it clear to any passersby - along with the neighboring businesses - that something special was happening there. As the bard moved through the crowd smiling and clapping along with a particularly infectious jig, she handed out small slips of parchment to select guests. The message was short; There would be a second meeting the next morning at a nearby inn to discuss the political climate in the city.
Two! Two people! Only two people out of the dozen or so, she'd invited to the secret meeting actually showed up. Lollia took this as a lesson learned. Never schedule a meeting the morning after a large party.
Bard 4th HP +5
Charisma +1 Spells Per Day:
New Spells:
Skills: 7+2
Shula:
"I was think that we could ... go back to my flat ... for another drink," Lollia replies with a slightly wobbly grin.
~~~~~
Lollia's eyes widen when introduced to Princess Eutropia. 'That's the Princess! Queen, now, actually! Queen Eutropia!' "Your Highness," the bard responds with a curtsey. "It would be a privilege to serve you in whatever manner you deem required."
Shula: In a similar voice, Lollia 'whispers' back, "Considering how a certain young lady from the Mandes family tells it, it's not surprising. I mean when a lady expects a warship and gets a rowboat instead, well ..." She holds up one hand with her thumb and forefinger only about three inches apart.
She glances around. "Would you ... um ... like to go somewhere else? Somewhere more ... private?" she asks in a more legitimately confidential tone of voice.
Shula: Lollia raises her glass in support of Shula's comment on the character of her family. "You'll get no arguments from me," she says as she drains it yet again. "Thank you for keeping my secret," she continues, her words beginning to run together slightly. Reaching for the bottle, she seems dismayed to find it already empty. "So tell me, what do you hope to get out of this ... association?" she asks, leaning closer on the table. Whether just a coincidence or planned on her part, putting her elbows on the table emphasizes her partially visible cleavage.
Shula: The woman had been worrying at a napkin until Shula appeared. She shoves it hastily into her lap to hide her nervousness. "Thanks for coming," she says, partially rising from her seat, only to snatch at the napkin as it begins to fall to the floor. "Sorry, I'm usually more composed than this." Sitting back down, she flags down a passing waiter and requests a bottle of wine. "I wanted to clear up some things," she begins once the wine has arrived and she's poured herself and Shula each a glass on the fuller side. "My full name is Lollia Adriana Millicent Vernisant." She chuckles. "Yes, quite an awkward mouthful. Families will do what families will do, though." Looking away, she takes a large swallow of the wine. "I've been performing under other names ever since my family ... well ... they didn't care for who ... what ... I am and they took the first excuse they could find to sever any and all ties." She smiles softly. "Lucy ... Lucretia ... is the first family member I've talked to in quite a while." Noting that her glass is empty already, she refills it. "She should avoid me as well. If they find out she's deigned to actually interact with me who knows what they'll do in retaliation." The woman sits quietly for a moment ruminating on old memories. "I used to have a crush on her, you know?" she continues, meeting Shula's eyes again. "I think I was ... twelve? Thirteen? She was my first kiss too, but I'll wager she doesn't remember it at all. It was the coming out party for my cousin Frederick - a perfect example of Vanisant douchery, by the way. The younger cousins - myself and Lucy included - had been herded off to the side drawing room and we were entertaining ourselves with some silly game involving dice and the nearby storage room. Stupid games that kids play, you know. We'd managed to smuggle wine with us from the grown-up's party and were not drinking responsibly." She chuckles again and touches her lips in memory. A moment later and she shakes herself out of the memory to refill her wineglass. "But noble proclivities aside, we are cousins, after all. So those feelings were unproductive and I let them go along with the other trappings of childhood." She sighs. "And why am I telling you all this?" A frown creases her forehead and she sets her mostly full glass back on the table. The napkin makes its way back to her hands to be crushed and pulled at. "I'm trying to find out who I am, Shula. I've been alone too long and I'd like to have the comfort of friends again. But real friends - not family that smiles to my face and gossips about me behind my back." She continues to toy with the napkin. "And maybe I'll find ..." Her eyes glance up at the slayer's and then look away. "Anyway ..." she continues in a less pensive voice. She shoves the napkin away and grabs her wineglass again. "I guess that's why I asked you to lunch and dumped out my dirty laundry all over the table." She chuckles. "I'm not working an angle ... I just ... I want someone to know me." She takes another long drink of wine. "And please don't tell Lucy about what I was saying - I don't even know why I brought it up."
Lollia is unsure as to what to do next. She's currently holding more coin than she's possessed in a long while, but who knows when or if the next windfall will happen. She decides that investing in her future with the group she's found herself a part of is the best option that's come up in a long time. It includes her cousin, but Lucretia was never part of the family that treated her like ... well, like they treated her. Maybe reconnecting a little more wouldn't be a bad thing. As the members of the group break off towards their various destinations, she touches her cousin's arm. "Hey, uh, we've got some coin. Would you, uh, be interested in joining me in a little clothes shopping?" She gestures at her current dress which shows more than a little wear after the last couple of days. Shula: The slayer receives a wax-sealed missive bearing Lollia's handwriting. Opening it reveals a short message;
'I don't think I presented my best face at our first meeting. I would like the opportunity to try for a second first impression. Please let me treat you to lunch. Tomorrow afternoon at the Weathered Mare on Cartwright's Way at noon. Join me if you please. ~ Lollia'
Another dart joins the melee.
"What, we're not even worth fighting?" Lollia declares indignantly. "I think we've just been insulted." She pulls one of the recently acquired darts from her belt and flings it at one of the halflings.
Her magical repertoire exhausted, Lollia moves up to assist her cousin by stabbing at the revolutionary halfing with her dagger which is now layered in frost.
"Wait ... wait," Lollia mutters shaking her head. "The halfling clown is behind all this? That's just ... wrong. And ridiculous." She strums her dulcimer and extends one hand out towards the halflings.
Despite this rousing message she can't help glancing back to her cousin, hoping for... she's not sure what exactly. As if sensing her cousin's anxiety, Lollia begins softly humming the tune to a silly song that they used to sing in their youth. Something about ducks, ice, and a drunken hunting dog. ~~~~~ The bard clears her throat and sings a quick lullaby, targeting the halfling.
"Well if it's anything like that safehouse, then at least we already know the way out," Lollia says with a smile. "And we'll gladly follow your lead if we have to flee," she can't help but add.
Having not a lot else to contribute to the melee, Lollia takes off to catch the slayer. "Shula, wait!" she calls out.
"Really?" Lollia responds with a raised eyebrow. "You've resorted to stealing Stratimus the Staid's material? He'd be flattered, of course, but anyone else ...? It just shows how much of a hack you really are."
Lollia attempts to throw one of the borrowed darts again at one of the flunkies and nearly hits her target to her surprise.
Unsure as to how long her magic will hold out, Lollia gathers up the captured men's darts, hoping to contribute via other means.
"Jokes? You think this is a time for jokes?" Lollia questions. "Absolutely not! This is the moment for the dramatic entrance of the heroes as they defeat flunky after flunky, including a self-important idiot with a glorified cheese slicer." As if to emphasize, she strums a dramatic chord on her instrument before with a quick flip of her wrist, she flings a dart towards the pathetic clown. The weapon misses by a mile, however, and embeds into the back wall.
Lollia moves up behind Robert and after playing a soothing melody on her dulcimer, touches him with a hand filled with healing energy.
Lollia rolls her eyes at Randi's declaration. In her experience only those terrified of losing their virtue defend it so vocally. Knowing that the advantage of silence has been lost, she pulls her instrument and plucks the chords of a lullaby.
Lollia brings up the rear of the group. While her career hasn't revolved around being silent, she manages it reasonably well.
Once they've gotten the lay of the land, Lollia gestures for everyone to fall back a bit. Reaching into her bag she retrieves a large, decorated piece of material that has the look of a tablecloth. Finding a suitably clear area of ground she lays out the cloth and gestures for everyone to take a seat. "This will give everyone a little edge for a while," she says in response to the questioning glances. Once everyone has taken a seat, she also retrieves a delicate-looking tea serving set from her bag as well. Taking a moment to center herself, she begins an elaborate ceremony of first preparing and then serving tea to the group. While the tea isn't as warm as it could have been, those that partake feel slightly energized.
Lollia spent the better part of an hour vacillating between staying in her room and seeking out Shulamit's. In that time, she'd also gone through four different outfits. Each was tossed aside, though, to finally setting on a simple evening dress. It was demure, but emphasized her shape as well as ... other things. She finally found herself standing in front of the woman's door at almost midnight. She'd raise her hand and then drop it to her side, ready to turn and leave. However, something would hold her there. Gods! She said she just wanted to be friends. No, she said that friends don't owe each other - that's not the same thing. Her hand raised as if to knock again. But if she was interested, wouldn't she be less evasive? Her hand fell to her side. Of course she's interested. Why would she say no? Her hand raised once more. Because not everyone sees it as just a transaction. I do remember having that luxury, but that feels so long ago. Her hand fell again. Just face it, Lol. She's looking for more than you can give. Lollia's face grew sad and she turned to silently retreat back to her room. There was a longing that she felt, but whatever it was for was being drowned out by the needs of the now.
The musician appeared at breakfast in a simple, but well-tailored pair of breeches and a tunic that hugged her curves. She was quiet as she ate, listening to the decisions and strategies. She knew that she's neither a warrior or a scholar so she took her cues from those more experienced in that sort of thing.
Lollia moves a little closer to Shulamit and gives the woman a grin. "Sticking together sounds good," she says.
Bard (geisha) 3 HP +5
Inspire Competence +2 Feat:
Spells Per Day:
New Spells:
Skills: 7+2
After taking a deep breath of the Taldane night air, Lollia bows respectfully towards Prince Ali. "We are thankful for your assistance as well," she says in a calmer and more practiced voice. "You can contact us via the Young Lions club." She gives the particulars of the place before waving goodbye to the man. "I don't know about you all, but I'm going to need at least a few hours sleep before we pay a visit to the Dignified Repository."
Lollia seems entranced with the ring and doesn't hesitate before slipping it onto her finger. ~~~~~
"Wait!" she calls out as the approach the door that she assumes leads to their escape. "I saw ..." She moves a little closer and points out what appears to be a very fine trip wire. "Someone's trapped it," she says.
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