Last-Minute Lyrics

Log Info

• Title: Last-Minute Lyrics

• Emitter: Ravenstongue

• Characters: Patch, Ravenstongue, Seldan, Verna

• Place: Theatre District

• Summary: Ravenstongue is leaving a show that she's written emergency lyrics for when she meets Seldan, Verna, and Patch. Verna delivers the happy news: she's getting married to Auranar in Llyranost, and soon! The group discusses it a little before they part their separate ways, with Seldan getting the aid of an invisibility spell to help him out.

Theatre District, evening.

It's a cold and icy night, but when has that ever stopped a show from playing at the Theatre District? The crowd spills out of one theatre, as the round of applause for the show's conclusion had already been given, and all manner of people go straight for the various vendors that offer warm beverages and snacks, mixed between musicians and artisans of all sorts.

Cor'lana's among them, but she's holding what looks like a small wicker basket. Pothy's on her shoulder, wearing a multi-colored scarf around his neckline that dangles as he tries to get a look at the contents of the basket. "Pothy, it's just a collection of cheeses. You can wait until we get home to eat some," Cor'lana replies with a small amount of bashfulness.

Pothy looks at her in utter horror. "I'm going to starve," he complains in the voice of a little girl on the cusp of throwing a tantrum.

Cor'lana just ignores this. "Look, I'm just going to get some cider, then we're going to go home. It'll be quick, I promise. I didn't expect that they'd give me a whole basket of cheeses just for writing lyrics for one song, but..."

The weather has certainly limited the number of performers and pedestrians on the street. Until the theatre empties, that is. Verna was walking in relative solace until said time, perhaps towards one of the vendors of hot refreshments. Rather quickly, however, she becomes one of a brief crowd. One likely still conspicuous due to the comparative absence of festive, fashionable, and/or entertaining colors in her attire. The spot of white on Cor'lana's shoulder, as well as the woman's voice, draw Verna in that direction.

Mingling among the crowds exiting the theaters are a few who do not look like theater-goers. Indeed, Seldan is just passing through, varying his route back towards the eastern side of the city, as he so often does when he finds reason to be out this way. A sartorial look is his choice for tonight, a muted dark blue overcoat adorned with a double row of silver buttons up the front of the closed jacket. Beneath it, a garment in a deeper color is visible, blue with silver embroidery depicting celestial creatures, and a pair of dark leather trousers. Relatively new-looking boots adorn his feet, an ornate and old-looking sword at one hip, and a scarf and swordsman's gloves complete the ensemble. He has left himself bare-headed, bright hair glinting in the mana lamps, and he wears a sober and serious reserve like a cloak around him as he walks unfamiliar streets. The wind is pulling strands of hair out of his headband to fall in his face.

Patch doesn't come from the show's main doors, her quiet departure having taken one of the many back doors built for the cast and crew. She wasn't part of the production, but why fight the crowd when you can just slip past a couple of stanchions to a quicker freedom.

The smell of food, and the crisp night bring a wide smile to the bard's face, her first few steps into the streets taken before she hears a familiar voice going on about cheese. "Wait, you 'sold' them that?" eyes finally spotting Cor'lana in the crowd and turning that way. "Cheese might not be enough, but gratitude and thought?" a grin as she slips past another couple to skip a step to greet her sister proper. "Pothy is always best paid in perishables?" she plays and pokes at the familiar and a wink to the owner.

"And I doubt starving is an option, Poth." Patch counters. "I just so happen to have some almonds. If you don't mind the chance of lint."

Cor'lana brightens as Patch approaches her. "Sister!" she says, managing a hug as the crowd settles into lines for cider and post-show snacks--or have simply broken off into little groups to talk about what they just saw. Cor'lana looks a little bashful as she says, "I, ahh, I don't know about 'sold'--that show was in the previews just a week ago. The showrunner was going to use some that the lyricist from his last show wrote for him for one song, but they had a falling out and the lyricist threatened to sue if his lyrics were performed tonight. I got a frantic message last night asking me, of all people, to write new ones, and..."

She gestures to the basket of cheese. "Well, here I am!"

Pothy looks starry-eyed at the offer of almonds. "Please, I'm so hungry," he asks, using the same starving little girl's voice to beg for food.

But he also catches a certain collection of ginger-blonde hair striding by. "Sir Seldaaaaaan," he... cat-calls? It's a pretty flirtatious voice.

"What? Seldan?" Cor'lana asks Pothy, and then... she narrows her eyes. "Where did you even hear that call? Where have you been hanging out when I'm not looking?"

"Good eve to three of you," Verna offers to Cor'Lana, Pothy, and Patch. She is about to add more when the corvid-call causes her to halt, mouth open. A blink escapes before it closes and her head turns in attempt to follow Pothy's gaze curiously.

The owner of that name starts, jumps, and looks around for the source of the voice. For all the world, he wears for a brief minute the spring-loaded tension of a deer about to turn tail and flee. It's only for a moment, until he spots the white raven and its mistress - and another familiar face besides. A moment and a deep breath to settle himself, and he turns towards the group.

He approaches with a polite bow, but a serious mien, and a deadly serious if even stare directed at no one in particular, in the way of one trying to determine who called.

Patch had been digging in a pocket for that described treat as that hug comes. She returns that embrace of Cor'lana with one arm and listens to that story with a few blinks at the drama. "A known tale in these circles. Some creatives bunt heads and...." the flirtatious outburst from the corvid causing the bard to pause and flush. "Does Pothy hangout by the docks?" the dawn elf finally snorts.

Out of Patch's coat she takes a small bag of roasted almonds, opening it and spilling some into her free hand. "Honestly, do you even deserve a snack after that?" she admonishes in play, the question rhetorical as she's already offering one to the bird as snack, being careful of her fingers.

"Well, now that Master Padaryn has been called out. Hello." she says in greeting, turning to Verna with a growing smirk. "And greetings to you, Mourner Verna." the bag of hers again pocketed, leaving some snacks to pass about in hand to the cheeky bird.

Pothy eagerly takes the almonds from Patch, being careful enough to not grab her fingers. Fingers are not snacks, generally speaking, but almonds are, and he knows that if he bites fingers, then there will be no more almonds. He does, however, pause long enough to go, "Sir Seeel-"

"That's enough out of you, Pothy," Cor'lana interrupts, wrapping two fingers and her thumb around the bird's beak to clamp it shut. "Seldan, I am so sorry," she offers apologetically as she looks to the ginger-blond servant of Eluna. "I don't know where he learned to mimic that call. If it's the docks, then suffice to say, I'm not taking him back there any time soon."

She offers Verna a small smile. "Good evening to you as well, Verna," she says. "I hope everyone's doing well on this evening."

When the call starts again, Seldan's ice-blue eyes snap to Pothy, then lower thoughtfully. "The fault is mine," he murmurs. "It was foolish of me to have dared a crowd so openly." What is he talking about? He does not linger on it, however, instead bowing politely. "Her light upon your path. Pothy, I, too, will thank you not to use that call. Mourner Verna, Mistress Patch, Mistress Cor'lana. What brings you here?"

Verna dips her hood low to Seldan in greeting, though does not address him by name aloud, and intentionally so, out of respect for his situation. "Good eve." To Cor'lana's question, there is a pause before she answers. "All is well enough when averaged. Joyous in some aspects, less so in others." Her hood pans to Seldan to answer his, next. "I sought inspiration in attire from those I expected to be present in the district, though I had not accounted for the weather limiting those out of doors at any given time.".

"Not a Mistress. I don't like authority, nor control." Patch's words coming with a wide grin aimed at Seldan. "The Bard, Patch. Patch. Sio. Siofra. All of those are fine. Mistress? No." her tone still warm despite her correction.

"Inspiration is always worthy of seeking, Verna." Patch says, turning to the Mourner. "I should show you the costume department sometime, some of the outfits would surprise you."

"I was just about." Patch says, motioning towards the theater as she answers Seldan's question. "Sometimes there is a show you just need to see."

"I'll take 'Mistress' over 'the Temptress', like how they're billing my fictional counterpart on the Crimson Pen covers," Cor'lana say, rolling her eyes. "I don't think they credited me on the playbill for tonight, either, but that's fine by me. As I was telling Patch earlier--I wrote lyrics for a song at the show that just let out, because the lyricist and the showrunner had a falling out, and the showrunner knew that I'm a poet--so, I earned some... cheese. Speaking of snacks..."

She releases Pothy from his finger-muzzle. "Apologize," she demands of him. "That was a very rash and rude thing to do to our friend. He deserves to go about in daily life without being called and recognized, especially in such a leering manner."

Pothy... gulps? Yes, he mimics an audible gulp. "I'm sorry," he mimics in Cor'lana's voice to Seldan. This earns him a headpat. Just one, though.

"I'd love to offer you fashion advice, Verna, but honestly, I just look at what Telamon's wearing for the day and then try to match him. It works out for the best." Cor'lana offers another sheepish smile.

"As you will, Patch. Forgive me the slight." Seldan bows first to Patch, a clear if reserved apology, but then turns to Verna and Cor'lana. He inclines his head to Pothy, but in a way that clearly reads uh-huh. "You are forgiven, Pothy, but I would have you remember that I cannot wholly trust these walls. If I am recognized by the wrong person -" He pauses, then allows it to trail off. "Never mind that. The fault was mine. I should not have gone openly. I was unaware that you were a poet."

"I will take that under advisement," Verna admits to Cor'lana, "though I am uncertain how well I could coordinate with Auranar. On that note, our meeting is fortuitous." She looks from her to Seldan and around. "She and I shall be travelling within a fortnight to her family's lands to be wed. I am uncertain whether it is to be a private affair or an open ceremony; we received the missive only recently and with little notice."

"Well the words does fit you far better than I, Sister." Patch notes with a wiggle of brow. "I'm sure Telamon likes the direct and dictating."

"It wasn't a slight. I just don't feel the word applies." Patch offers, grinning still as she faces Seldan. "If I was mad, you'd hear bit more cursing. I just don't like you to waste words. Not on me." a hand waving at the talk. "My apologies for souring the tone. I more meant you don't have to be formal. Not with me."

"Wed?!" Patch catching some of Verna's words. "That's great news. We have all sorts of dresses at the college. Sappy and happy scenes always need a good dress."

"I am a poet," Cor'lana says, although it's a little more like a confession. "Both Telamon and I are, actually, but I'm a little more serious about it, I guess you could say. I perform sometimes at poetry events here in the district, and that's where the showrunner had heard of me. I write about a lot of things, but love's been the focal point of most of my work as of late."

Her eyes light up in delight as Verna reveals she's soon to be married. "Oh, Verna! I'm so happy for you! Marriage is wonderful, so long as you're getting married to the right person, and Auranar certainly is. If it's a private ceremony, can Telamon and I send along a gift or two?"

"Three," Pothy pipes in, his tail wagging. He wants to give Auranar and Verna a gift, too!

"Congratulations," Seldan adds to the response to the news of Verna soon to be married. "You will, at the least, announce it, will you not?" Still, that measure of reserve lingers, and he casts occasional glances around him, especially to the crowd. His ice-blue eyes flick towards Cor'lana at the mention of getting the right person, but says nothing, instead brushing a stray lock of hair away from his eyes.

He says nothing further to Patch, merely inclining his head in understanding. He's still tense, though, maintaining a quiet reserve.

Verna's hood dips, thrice. "My thanks for your offerings. I expect there to be announcement, at the very least. Gifts would be welcomed. If appropriate, I hope to invite our friends and allies, yourselves among them. Neither gifts nor attendance would be mandatory, of course. The short notice is inconvenient, and I offer my apologies."

"A talented poet." Patch says, not letting Cor'lana downplay her success, grinning.

"Well the season has brought with it many splendid surprises, and joyous news is always welcome." Patch says of Verna.

As for Seldan, Patch offers a concerned look, his aversion and gesture bring a slight frown. "Assuredly, Seldan. I didn't mean anything of it. I'm sorry" she says, offering a more formal apology. "I wasn't trying to flyt."

Cor'lana looks mildly bashful at Patch's praise. There's even the slightest suggestion of a blush forming on her cheeks. "You're sweet, sister," she says. "Thank you for your kind words."

She looks thoughtful for a moment. "You know, I think I will have to think with Telamon for a bit as to what to gift you and Auranar, Verna," she says. "Something practical, perhaps. No, maybe I ought to talk to Grandfather, he's got a great eye for gifts."

Finally, she offers Patch and Seldan both a reassuring smile. "Seldan, if you need cover out of the city tonight, I can always shroud you with invisibility if you need it."

"Patch, you do not trouble me, and there is no need for further apology." Seldan murmurs. "I am too exposed here, and should leave, ere I am seen and recognized by others." He is acting rather like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. "I shall have to see if Malik cares to come, once the location is known," he adds to Verna. "But - invisibility would not go amiss, after that display."

Verna is given pause with Cor'lana's talk of gifts. After spending too long considering a response, she offers a simple, brief, "Whatever you feel is best, certainly." She then notes to Seldan, tone more flat than norm, "Her family hails from Llyranost. I would not expect all to make the journey, especially with little time to prepare." Lastly, to Patch, a dip of hood in a nod. "It is joyous news." Yet her inflection does not imply as much, perhaps even for Verna.

"Llyranost is a place I tend to avoid, this is true." Patch flashing Seldan another grin at his word, giving a stiff nod. "I know it worries you, but I do not fear what may come because of your presence." she assures.

"My mother has eyes, and I am not keen on being seen." Patch admits, the talk of Verna's earning a smile. "I am happy for you, and wish it the best." a soft dip of her head given as she turns to step away. "I can't linger, but it seems all has found its path." a dip and bow given with a flourish of arm as she excuses herself.

"Llyranost? Well, I'd at least like to make a nicer memory of the place compared to the last time that I was there," Cor'lana says with a smile. "I'll try and see if Telamon and I can travel, and if we can't--then we'll have the gifts sent in our stead."

The sorceress then turns to Patch. "Of course, Sister--don't let us keep you," she says. "Have a good evening, and take care with all of this ice."

Finally, she turns to Seldan, and she smiles. "Now, for the matter of invisibility--either I can cast it on you here, or we can walk a little into a more quiet corner somewhere--as quiet as one can get in this district, that is--and I cast it on you there. It'll only buy you a bit of time, but if it quells your worries, my friend, it's a spell worth casting."

"Her light upon your path," Seldan raises a quiet hand to Patch's departure, but turns to Verna, suddenly grave. "Then I fear I must make my apologies." A low bow accompanies that. "I fear that I, too, should be gone, and it is best if we find a quiet place for such a spell."

Verna is not surprised by Seldan's response, nor need to depart, though not delighted by either. "They are accepted and understood, Silverguard, though your presence is ever welcome. I would not keep any of you unduly. May you be judged justly and at your appointed time," she offers in farewell to all three.

"And you as well, Verna," Cor'lana says almost too cheerily as she turns to Seldan. What happens next is somewhat out of the blue, as she nudges Pothy off her shoulder and removes the cloak from her shoulders, offering it to the Elunan with a grin, her violet eyes sparkling in the evening lights. While she's wearing a woolen dress underneath, it's of a somewhat light weight for the season--as is the cloak. Given that she doesn't seem bothered by the chill of the evening, they might have been chosen for fashionable reasons.

"Put that on and throw the hood up for your own comfort," she suggests to Seldan, in a way that hints that she's not going to accept protest about her giving him the cloak, which is accentuated further as she spins on her heel. "Then we'll duck into this one little nook I know; the place is dead when people aren't using it..."

Even servants of Eluna must sometimes hide, as She sometimes does behind the clouds in the sky.