Completed [The Herald's Arms] First Night on the Job

[Lyrri Snowsong]

30th of Summer, 513 AV

The smell of rose perfume permeated the air of the place. The warmth of the place seemed to soothe Lyrri's tired bones as she entered, its comforting glow in stark contrast to the more vicious heat of the citadel. The bard smiled as she entered; she quickly transitioned into cheerful confusion as she looked about the relaxed but rather crowded place; it was a pleasant evening in the middle of the city's summer- nothing out of the ordinary- but that didn't give the Vantha any more idea who to talk to. A rare spark of orange flew through her eyes; anxiety, uncertainty.

It was gone in a minute as she looked left and managed to fix the bartender with an inescapable grin. Bright green excitement accompanied her as she made her way over, bouncing impatiently until the other customers had been satisfied and the man turned to her.

"Hello there," she greeted the man eagerly as she pulled out the parchment handed to her at the employment office. A customer glanced at her briefly; perhaps she shouldn't be so loud? "My name is Lyrri Snowsong, and I'll be performing here from time to time, if that suits you!"

The barkeep took the note wordlessly; he gazed at it for a moment before nodding and gesturing to the opposite end of the room, a small floor surrounded by a few tables. That must be her stage! She could go on a real stage now! "I think someone mentioned you earlier," the man said. "Play for a while tonight, and we'll see where you go from there."

Eyes wide, the girl nodded and turned away. Silently she moved to her place before the crowd; silently she pulled out her flute and looked down with a violet-eyed smile.

This ought to be fun!

[Matthew]

Matthew was off work, but had decided to stick around for awhile, using some spare time to get a little more intimate with the Herald. He hardly knew any of the employees inside the little building, just went about his work as best as he could. Now, he was simply sitting in the midst of the floor, straddling one of the many chairs, blue eyes quietly dancing about as he soaked in the things around him. He tried to practice his Auristics a bit, pushing Djed up to his temples in order to call upon the art. He didn't actually focus on any one thing, just let various Auras flicker and fade in front of his eyes. Some danced, some stood still, some flared and died, while others spun in ways his mind couldn't quite wrap around. He decided to try and keep a steady flow of the magic going up to his head, a small trickle, interested to see what the beautiful colors and shapes would tell him.

He could taste them on his tongue and hear them in his ears, calling out to him with words that he couldn't begin to make out. It wasn't even words. It was ideas, or suggestions, or something. He didn't know.

A flicker of colorful movement caught his attention, and he turned his head. His movement was slow, lazy, his body tired. He was shirtless, body shimmering with sweat, a pair of silk trousers clinging to his hips. Having just got off of work, he was tired and sore. His profession was practically a form of body-building. Chewing his lower lip, he settled his eyes upon the new girl, a flute in hand and a small smile on her face. She looked to be ready to perform, but hadn't quite started yet. Working up the courage, perhaps? Or just getting ready for her first big performance? He was fairly certain he had never seen her play here before.

Trying to encourage, he looked to catch her gaze with his own. Gingerly, he called upon another form of magic that he used, eyes glimmering as he blew out a short Hypnotic suggestion. It was very simple, very light, even accompanied by a short puff of his lips. He literally blew, the magic drifting out to lightly caress the girl's cheek. She would feel the tiniest of urges, just like an afterthought of some sort, something pulling her to glance to the side briefly. Matthew's eyes would be waiting, penetrating and deep, blue and endless. They sparkled with magic and energy, naively open windows into his soul. If she did make eye contact and he did manage to hold her attention for long enough, he would give a playful little smile and an encouraging nod, letting his know that she already had a one man audience.

[Lyrri Snowsong]

As she prepared herself for the performance, Lyrri felt a very particular pair of eyes on her, accompanied by the lightest puff of wind on her cheek. Something- she wasn't sure quite what- urged her to glance to the side. She turned her head, almost instinctively focusing on a young, blue-eyed man. He draped himself lethargically over the back of his chair; by the look of it, he must have just finished working. The Vantha observed him curiously; sparks of green flitted about her irises. He smiled slightly, gave a friendly nod. He was ready to listen, just as Lyrri was ready to play.

She responded with a wide grin. The green shone brighter; she gave an abrupt, enthusiastic nod before looking out and lifting her instrument. Strange that her gaze was so drawn to the man; stranger that he seemed to be expecting it. But that didn't matter now. Slowly, cautiously, she raised the carved wooden flute to her lips.

With the first note, the girl was lost in the delicate balance she tried so hard to maintain. All she could play was a simple piece, not as fast as most jovial tunes demanded; she loved it nonetheless. The flute danced; the player waltzed alongside it, struggling ever-so-slightly to keep up. She restrained herself from smiling, from bouncing with delight- to let her cheer get the best of her would surely ruin the piece- but managed to shoot a grateful, indigo-flecked glance at the kind fellow to her right. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

[Matthew]

And enjoy it he would.

The minute she started her tune, he stood, lithe body unfolding itself from the wooden confines of the stiff chair. He moved with slow steps, a playful smile still teasing across his features. He stepped to one of the young ladies quietly listening to the music, slowing to a stop in front of her, bowing his head and offering his hand towards her. Feeling her hesitation, he sent a few suggestions swirling towards her, easily close enough to envelop the young lady in his Hypnotic aura. He merely pushed a few suggestions that would hopefully spark what was already there. The desire to live a little, to feel her body in the strong and sure arms of another, to show off for the eyes around her. Some of the shy ones usually had this desire, he had come to find. Some didn't, but there were some who just needed a little push to get them going. They just had to have a little faith that the one they stepped into would make it an experience to remember, not one to be ashamed of. Matthew's blue eyes sparkled invitingly, promising her all of this and more, the air swirling invitingly around them. He used his magic sensually, brushing the suggestions against her like gentle caresses of a lover. He didn't know if it mattered, but he always tried to use his aura in a way that complimented what he was trying to accomplish. It couldn't be felt, but it helped him. Brushing the suggestions along her lips, her throat, and her wide-eyed stare.

Hesistantly, her hand reached out toward his, and he smiled, taking what he could get. He spun her up from her seat, by no means a dancer, but certainly a man full of confidence. If they could step with sure feet, it wouldn't make a difference. Looking like you knew what you were doing was half the battle. He tugged the woman to him, tucking her safely to his body, an arm wrapping around her waist. Others took their cue around him, a few more men and women pulling partners to him, the talented dancers of the Herald knowing a opportunity to make a bit of coin when they could.

He twisted the girl into a upbeat dance, moving to the music the best he could, likely looking the fool but pretending like he had no clue. He merely moved the woman with him, trying to match the movements of the trained dancers around him, a bright smile on his face and his blue eyes shining. He kept up the suggestions, swirling them against her with light touches to flesh, aiding her mind with thoughts of how well she was doing, how easy this was, how much fun she was having. Soon, she moved to take the lead, a smile shining across her face, her hands and hips starting to guide Matthew along. He inwardly breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't have to keep pretending like he knew what he was doing, just following her movements, his head turning to flash a smile and a wink at the girl who had started the sudden and small dance. His blue eyes caught hers, and he grinned widely, another nod letting her know that she was doing well.

[Lyrri Snowsong]

Lyrri's heart leapt with another burst of joy; a dance! People were dancing, to her music! Had this ever happened before? When had the amateur bard's flute generated this enthusiasm in but one person? The talented men and women of The Herald's Arms fluttered about the room; birds... butterflies... bits of wrapping paper, lengths of silk. The girl was not a poet, but she could appreciate the beauty of the moment. Most of these people were trained for very 'special' things... Suffice it to say, many of them considered dance to be an important part of their repertoire. They put on a show at every turn, and this performance was nothing to scoff at. As more and more Sylirans eased themselves into the dance, the bard felt her shoulders drop, her every muscle ease as she fell into the rhythmic trance shared by the entertainer and the entertained alike.

Another silent 'thank you,' another attempt to suppress a shake of delight. She looked again at the strange, magnetic man, caught a wink and a nod. He seemed at ease as well, didn't he? He had taken a shy young lady into his arms; she looked up as if entranced, clearly infatuated with his blue eyes. She seemed so quiet at first... but she looks to be having a lot of fun!

No matter; her waltz with the instrument was coming to an end. She leaned forward as her lungs struggled to hold the final notes. The melody meandered; Lyrri's eyes fluttered in the myriad of Morwen's Lights as she blew softer, sighing the last of her simple concert. She watched the dancers slow with her, and as the final note ended, so they parted, leaving coy smiles and suggestive glances. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath. A small smile grew to a delighted laugh, which grew to an uncontainable grin, the widest the joyful girl could imagine having. She looked one more time at the man, eyes of electric green nearly forcing out her usual pale yellow. "Thank you for your help," she exclaimed loudly as the quiet of the song's end transitioned into the growing din of the inn's lively crowd. "I hope you enjoyed the first song! Is there anything in particular you'd like to hear?"

[Matthew]

He bowed politely to the girl he danced with, escorting her back to her seat, a true gentleman. The softest of kisses was placed on her cheek, just modest enough to continue being counted as polite. She seems all too okay with his actions, nodding and smiling like he had just made her day. All around him, other men and women were parting and flirting, some of them actually heading for the staircase that led to the second floor. He marveled at how everything had played out, how one simple song had led to just a little bit more business for the Herald. Leadership was an important thing to any business, and not a skill that was required by just the actual Leader. There could be leaders in all sorts of things.

She called out for him, and he offered her a small smile, slowly walking in her direction. He was all water and wind, graceful and smooth, body teasing with rippling movement as he approached. Running a hand through his hair, the other hand slipping casually into his pocket, he greeted her with a small nod. "Anything. I am not aware of modern music. Do you have anything dangerous sounding?" He took a seat again, closer this time, eyes narrowing as he squinted at her instrument. He had no idea how the little device worked, realizing with some dismay that he was incredibly uneducated on musical instruments. And he called himself a scholar? He set his jaw, examining the little flute with interest, curious if he should learn to play something like that one day. It would be a good hobby to learn, no doubt. Was it a hobby he really had time for though, with everything else going on? He doubted it.

Curious to learn the motivations of the new employee, he found her gaze again and spoke softly. "You seem to be delighted by music, and the reaction it brings out. What does music mean to you?" It was a genuinely curious question, but one that was quite deep. He tilted his head, listening, secretly still practicing this whole leadership role. If he was one day to be a business owner, he would need to know his employees. What better way than to simply sit and strike up a conversation with one?

[Lyrri Snowsong]

The man approached slowly, every motion as languid yet elegant as any well-trained employee of the Herald's Arms; Lyrri couldn't help but wonder if this one was more than he seemed.

"Anything. I am not aware of modern music. Do you have anything dangerous sounding?"

Something dangerous? That was a rather unique request, wasn't it? Lyrri's face softened; her expression grew blank for the slightest of moments as she searched her mind. Well, yes, that might do. She'd never thought of it as dangerous, but it was worth a shot! As she pondered, the man sat once again. His gaze narrowed, focused intently on her instrument. Taking a moment to notice, the bard gathered her senses and smiled with surprise. She didn't expect anyone but herself to be so taken with the object; how nice, to spark an interest!

"You seem to be delighted by music, and the reaction it brings out. What does music mean to you?"

Another faint tint of red-violet surprise; another softening of her expression, another blank moment. Another small smile as the girl looked down at her flute. "You're an observant one; I suppose it's the reaction that's the most important part. The ability to effect people- to truly, and deeply effect them- seems an amazing gift," Lyrri mused with a contented sigh. She looked at the man again, eyes awash with a sea of calm indigo. "My god's music flows through all living things; our heartbeats pound in time to his rhythm. I'd like to think that when I play, there's a sort of unity. I want to connect with people, to help them experience what I do when I hold my flute. It doesn't necessarily matter what we feel; I just want it to be powerful! We control our own destinies; our emotions shape us far more than any so-called fate decided by the stars. Wouldn't it be beautiful, to have the power to bring out that music, that rhythm, to match it perfectly, and reach so deeply that you can cause just one person to change their life?"

Lyrri stared for a while, drifting in space as she pondered over her own words. Then, with a sudden snap back to reality, she shook her head- a cartoonish display, her hair whipping across her face and back again- and grinned sheepishly at the man. "Does that make sense? I apologize if I got carried away," she said. "Ah... I'm Lyrri, by the way. Lyrri Snowsong!"

Once again, her gaze was drawn back to the carved, wooden instrument in her hand. Her fingers itched to play, but she waited- albeit impatiently- to see how the man would react to her words. "I'm not there yet," she whispered inaudibly, her deeper thoughts bringing her back to the lyrical Vantha tongue she missed so. "But it will happen... Eventually. I just have to keep working."

[Matthew]

Observant? Hardly. The girl had delight written all over her face when she played her flute. "Your passion is quite evident, at least to me. You say you play for a deity though? Or a deity plays though you?" Finding a seat nearby, he took it, his pose regal and at attention. His shoulders were straightened and his back was firm, blue eyes watching her with intense interest. Her words were quite grand, and even though some parts of it didn't make sense, others did. He was both interested by the idea and against it. In a way, wasn't her dream something that would interfer in one's control of their destiny? If music helped shaped it, then was it a destiny really controlled? He sensed it was an argument that could take forever, and really, he had no desire to prove her wrong. It was just a concept that was entirely new to him, and he couldn't help but want to explore it a little. He bit his lip though, nodding slowly. "It does make sense. Which God do you speak of? There are so many in the Pantheon that I am only familar with a small few." He leaned back in his chair, glancing down at the item in her hands again, examining it once again. He was quite interested. He had previously discarded the thought of trying to learn such a thing, but here he was, staring at it again. It would be a nice little thing to focus on whenever he was trying to think. He was the sort to tap his fingers or play with string, so giving his hands something a bit more elegant to do was attractive to the harlot. Not noticing that she had murmured words underneath her breath, he leaned forward, eyes intense once again. Subtley, he drew upon his magic, aware that the woman was within range of his Hypnotic aura. He didn't do anything particularly impressive or invading, just simply added a bit of a feeling in the air. He swirled some comfort and ease into the space around them, wanting the newest employee to feel relaxed and at ease. Calmness was one of the easiest emotions for him to put in the air. It was something he was intimate with. Had forced himself to be intimate with. "I am Matthew, and the pleasure is mine." Another smile was given to her, this one wide and playful. It was instinctive, a coy and inviting grin that he had long since learned to naturally flirt with. "Are you from around here? If not, what brings you to Syliras?" He paused, remembering he had requested a song. "Go ahead and show the Herald your tune. We can certainly talk afterwards."

[Lyrri Snowsong]

OOCGyahhh!! Sorry sorry sorry! I got swamped again... >_> I feel awful that I'm making this take so long. We can finish up soon if you want (or not, your choice), I just figure Lyrri should do a little more to make this an actual job thread. I'm very sorry!

Unfamiliar? With the God of Music? Lyrri made a faint attempt to conceal her surprise. She supposed the deity wasn't as common here as in Avanthal... Come to think of it, there were a great number of gods and goddesses throughout Mizahar, most of which the bard had surely never been acquainted with. She shrugged to herself; it only meant that she had knowledge worth sharing.

Finally, an enthusiastic nod. "Yes. Rhaus," she responded, speaking her god's name with a blissful sort of enchantment. "His music is in everyone and everything."

Not long after, the man was staring at her intently, his eyes well-focused, the seemingly intense thought reminding Lyrri of a crossbow's bolt, awaiting the smooth 'click' of the trigger, the hunter's judgment upon its target.

The strange analogy ought to have made the girl tense... But she was strangely at ease. Calm- an anomaly that had occurred more than once this night. Then, a livelier smile from the man- Matthew- and his polite conversation. "Nice to meet ya, Matthew," she matched his playful and carefree expression, however rehearsed it may have seemed. "Ah, I'm from Avanthal, in the Northern Wastes. And I suppose I just wanted to see the world; what better place to start?"

Lyrri chuckled as the song was remembered. Her fingers had grown restless during the conversation; and she was excited to try something "dangerous." With another abrupt nod of agreement, she raised the delicate tool to her lips and breathed deeply; the Herald's Arms carried on merrily, as it was wont to do, but the sounds of the Sylirians left her for the moment. All that concerned the bard was her instrument and her breath.

The first note was sudden, insistent; it ended as if chopped away at the end. Lyrri closed her flickering eyes as a veritable scherzo followed; her very being ceased to exist as she struggled to race alongside the beat. Her fingers felt short and slow, yet still her heart leapt and she couldn't help but continue on. Leaning in with reddening cheeks, gasping gratefully at every pause, the Vantha found herself trying not to smile yet again as the music leapt and bounded through a sharp, staccato melody. In the smallest moment of rest, Lyrri threw one more cheerful, green-eyed glance at Matthew before launching back into her own world, where she and her flute were all that existed. I hope this is what you meant!

[Matthew]

Rhaus. His mind made a mental note. He was vaguely familar with most of the Gods, but hadn't made a habit of actually studying much of any of the religions. Tanroa and Lhux had interested him the most, but only because of the vast power they held over his life. Time and Fate controlled by something else? He desperately wished he could control those for just himself quite a bit. How was he supposed to find the purpose and life he so endlessly craved if he didn't have control over those esseential things? Did he need to beg with Time and Fate to fill the hole in his stomach? They would likely smile and laugh, and then give him equally cryptic answers. Letting his mind flit past the frustrating questions about life and religion, he brought himself back to the conversation at hand. Her admission of her homeland was met with no words, just a soft nod and a small smile. He knew the name, but had never been there. A land that was always filled with snow? He had a feeling he would despise it. The tune began, and he found himself enjoying it. His foot quickly found the beat and tapped along to it, and a few others in the place started to clap along and sing some words. If anything, the Herald was an excellent place to find an audience. Everyone was here for pleasure of some sort, and everyone was quick to indulge in whatever pleasure they found. The pleasure that her music gave them was really no different. She would fit in well, Matthew thought. He held eye contact with her, still gazing right at her eyes even as she glanced away to focus on her instrument. Bobbing his head and tapping his foot, he would keep up with his tiny little dance until she had completely finished. Matthew started the applause, another small smile accompanying the clap of his hands. A few others joined in as well, giving the girl even more applause for her night's work. Even a few coins were tossed her way, rewarding her for the enthusiastic efforts she had put forth. It was always a pleasure to see someone who truly enjoyed their craft. The smile on Lyrri's lips and the brightness in her eyes were infectious to some, when it came to listening to her make music. Matthew rose slowly, his toned body unfolding with alluring ripples. "Good job. I'll have to have you teach me how to do that, sometime. Do you feel a little less nervous than you looked when I first laid eyes on you?" He rose an eyebrow at her, tone curious.

OOCNot a problem at all.