Volcano's edge [Closed] x3

[Nathalia]

He laughed with the Coyote, then fell silent, thoughtful of the idea that these marauders might someday infiltrate the lands beyond the Bog walls.

"Well, when that day comes, I suppose we'll be more prepared for it than otherwise, at least we should be able to identify them faster."

He folded up the paper and flipped it to her, turning back to his book stacks and finishing up with them.

"Well, that's as much as we'll be able to manage, the servants will drop by later to grab the bags and sweep up anything we didn't manage. Would you join me for tea? We could go up to my drawing room?"

He wasn't sure if she would feel comfortable in his room but, she had seemed a relaxed sort of person so far, and he really would prefer to show her a few pictures if he was going to continue to talk of his travels. Or just to be able to relax, really...his drawing room had comfy chairs, dammit.

"Heh, no. I suppose I don't know any better, I shouldn't have been so self-assured...I figured that because I wanted to research that they would just let me in...that was actually the first place I tried to visit, I was twenty-six and a complete moron."

He shot back with a grin, doubling back away from the door and grabbing two books...on second thought, he wanted these.

"As to the Lowlands...it was actually pretty informative. They are quite a divided people...there are quite a few who wish that they had the oppertunity to learn more so that they could move out of that wretched place and make something of themselves...and then there are the ones who think that because they live where they do that people should treat them like saints. It's not a pleasant place overall, and most people look unsavory, to say the least. I was actually doing quite well there too...until I let on to a bar-keeper that I knew offensive spells."

He shrugged and looked a little embarrassed.

"Second place I visited, same age...and I hadn't thought ahead to see that the person I was talking to had been yelling about Lowlander rights...and would have loved to have known how to pour acid on someone's head. I got knocked out and spent the next two days drugged and tied up in a basement, they kicked at me for awhile and tried to get me to tell them how to preform the spell... I wouldn't do it and they were afraid to kill a King, so they just ditched me out in the street. Another family picked me up out of the gutter and fixed me up, though."

He grinned again and rolled up his shirt sleeve a little, showing her four perfectly round red scars.

"Seeing as I'm a bit of a drama-queen, I may as well show you where the Innkeeper decided to brand me...see how it makes an arrow? It was his family's mark...not a smart move. Anyway, the family I stayed with after that renewed my faith in some of the Realm at any rate, they're not all bad...but I don't recommend a trip there."

He liked talking about the places he'd been to...most people just hadn't wanted to know on a personal level...just to read the facts he'd located in his book... This was fun...

[Kiki]

Nat and Satra receive 1 token each, to be redeemed in Ashwin's Shoppe. This will automatically be added to your recorded totals in the shoppe. Congratulations, and keep up the good RP!

[Satra]

She snagged the folded paper out of the air, keeping it to put in a safe place for later. But in her Bipedal form, she had to pockets. Shame. Then her ears went up. Was she... actually invited to a King's personal room... in a platonic manner? She returned to smiling.

"I'd love to." She considered his response regarding the Yarrow Gardens. Honestly, from how excited he was getting from simply talking to her, she had a feeling they weren't the only ones who didn't appreciate what he did...

She listened to him speak of the Lowlands and nodded. She got in a comment as he lifted up his sleeve.

"I met a Lowlander once. At first I avoided them -- the open wounds thing -- but began to find they weren't so bad. The one I met, though fairly fowl-mannered, seemed to be nothing more than a product of his treatment... Ooo~ that look like it hurt," she eyed the brand mark. "That is... quite an unintelligent move. Honestly, killing you would've been safer than branding you with what is basically saying "I was here"." This man just seem to be followed by misfortune no matter where he went. There must be some good stories to justify his love of travel...? A wicked grin crossed her face, "Do I get to see more as the stories progress?" Pervert. Although, he manner was as non-offensive as she could make it. Drugged and tied up and still wouldn't talk? He didn't seem like the type to lie to an ally, really. He was gaining more and more respect in her eyes. Her grin got a little toothier, eyes shining.

"So... what happened to the man?" She was curious if the man took his own revenge.

[Nathalia]

I'd love to...

Bernard smiled, looking pleased as he led her off, out of his office and down the left wing to the main staircase. He smiled and waved to a few people, catching sight of a very blue and pink form and lurching off suddenly to call and wave.

"Dymphna! Dymphna, hi!"

He grinned as the doe trotted over, rolling her eyes playfully and shaking her head, a few other passing people chuckled.

"You bellowed, you highness?"

"Sorry, but if I didn't catch you when I saw you I'd have to send people running all over looking for you. Not everyone possess the innate ability to be everywhere at once."

The Doe crossed her arms over her pale cream dress, embroidered with flowers to match her hue and smirked.

"All right, flattery accepted, what can I get you?"

"Not much, can you send someone up with a tray of Villa Earl tea and something edible to compliment? Not much, just-"

The deer grinned and waved the rest of his words off.

"Say no more, if it means you'll actually eat, I'd love to send it up. Ah, miss Heilyn, I've heard of you. Does that sound affable to your palate or shall I send up something specific?"

After hearing the answer she would drop a mock curtsy to the pair of them and then trot off after giving the King a slight shove, and waving.

"Thanks, Dymphna."

Bernard responded, continuing on to the staircase and making his way up three more floors, exiting on a rather nice hallway, filled with ornate carvings and obviously well cared for pictures and paintings.

"It didn't hurt as much as it could have, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that it was obscenely stupid for him to brand me with his own family's mark...at least have the sense to use someone else's family..."

They passed a pair of double doors, white marble trimmed with gold inlaid swirls...the Queens room. One door further down, also white marble but less ornate, Bernard stopped and pulled a golden key out of his back pocket. Sticking it into the lock and twisting it to the left, he pushed open the door and held out an arm, gesturing that she enter first.

Her words in response to his brand marks confused him though.

"Eh?"

She...she couldn't have meant it that way...she must mean pictures or something...

"Pictures or something? Sure, I have those. Heh, sorry...anyway. What happened to him? Well, when I got back to the palace, my Queen demanded to know what had happened and I showed her the mark...and explained myself, poor Lin she didn't want to have to deal with that. I ended up writing up a decree to take the inn out of his hands and it was given to his son. I believe he also spent some time in our dungeons, but not long...he didn't kill me, after all."

He shrugged and grinned. The room inside was rather open, red carpet some comfortable chairs, a very large window, fireplace...and of course...more bookshelves.

"Have a seat, the tea'll be up soon."

[Satra]

[LOL, I love the change from Jenn to Nat. XD ]

Heilyn nodded at the Doe.

"Only good things I hope," Probably not, as she had a fairly sour reputation around the Court, "Yes, seeing His Highness actually eat does sound rather agreeable to me," she teased the older man, her eyes flicking in his direction for only a second, "Thank you." She nodded and watched the girl leave. She very much desired a bottle of strong scotch or maybe a Glenfiddich... Cognac... But she didn't want rumors flying about bringing a bottle of strong liquor while being invited to a King's personal room...

Speaking of which, it was nice. It was roomy and decently furnished. He closed the door behind them and offered her a seat. She felt bad about getting her smell all over his furnishings. Maybe looking into the magical scents Peaches had mentioned wouldn't be such a bad idea...

However, she couldn't hold back laughter at his comment about pictures. That was just too funny. She stifled the laughter as quickly as she could, not wishing to offend or embarrass him.

"Yes. Pictures, of course," she looked around the room, avoiding chairs, "Actually, do you mind if I look for a bit? This room is lovely..." she ran some fingers over the detail in the woodwork of the table, "So what about the viola story?" Surely no disaster befell you there, she hoped. The man was fascinating. He obviously had so much to tell.

[Nathalia]

Bernard watched the Coyote look around his room, hoping she didn't think it too bland...that had actually been a few courtiers first opinions when visiting...so what if he wasn't one for the greatest of grandeur? Just because he was a King didn't mean that everything had to be made of a priceless something... But no, she was smiling...good.

"No, look all you want, and thank you."

Her laugh at the pictures only cemented in his mind the fact that her allusion earlier had, in fact, been a dirty joke and he simply tried to grin it off...though he couldn't stop the blush and turned away for a few seconds to get some books, his face beet red... She still couldn't have been serious...come on Bernard, you're old and a bookworm, remember?

"The Viola story? Ah, well...didn't know I could play, did you?"

He grinned and pulled one book aside.

"When I went to the Villa I was taught by maestro Billigmus. Have you heard of him? Tall, Villa Mink, neon pink hair. I figured that since I was staying there for a month, I might as well try to familiarize myself with at least one section of the arts. Seeing as I'm already aware of how miserably I happen to fail at any form of artwork."

He watched her looking over his tables and then at the view, directly out over the gardens...he really did love it...

"The Villa was one of my favorite places I traveled to, there's music everywhere, I swear, someone's always playing something. Unless you have migraines, it's fantastic. It's as though you have your own background music while you're there, coming home again led to me getting reaquainted to...quiet. Heh. Anyway, I tried a few instruments and was..."

He shrugged and rolled his eyes.

"Predictably terrible at all of them. Trombone, String bass, Villa Horn, Violin... Finally Biligmus just handed me the Viola and said here, at least with this one it's supposed to sound kind of off. I wasn't as bad at it...and I've practiced a bit since then...I couldn't leave without buying one...here it is!"

He headed back over to Heilyn, a long black case in hand, setting it down on the table, he unlocked its side and pulled it open. The inside was lined with red velvet and the instrument itself was made from polished red wood, though the neck was covered in fingerprints and it was obviously well used, the strings dull with rosin. In the center of the neck was a small blue sapphire and the bow was strung with thick black hair.

Pulling it out, he handed it to her.

"Take a look. The people there were incredibly friendly, though full of dreamers, be warned. Very nice place to visit though, I even managed not to embarrass myself. Ah, here's a picture of the maestro."

He flipped the pages back so that she could see the cropped photo of a grinning, younger Bernard in a tux, proudly wielding his viola. Standing next to a tall Human with a shock of pink hair, blue script circling his eye. His neck looked unusually long and his smile looked slightly forced.

"Granted, he got tired of me by the end of the month, but he wasn't used to boarding curious researchers. I asked too many questions, but he was a lot nicer than he ever let the camera know. If you do ever go, make sure you see a concert and visit their central square, the layout and the fountain are absolutely beautiful. And the views from the cliffs at sunset...or rise...amazing..."

He smiled, flipping the page slowly to a panoramic shot when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

He called over his shoulder.

[Satra]

An amused, crooked grin stretched across her face as his blush did not escape her notice. I wonder how much more I can get him to do that? She shook her head at the Maestro's name.

"Never heard of him," she said as she look the viola and handled it gently. It was a wonderful piece. "I've always been in awe of those who can create so wonderfully," she smirked as she handed it back, "I've made a few attempts at making things since I got hands, and am at a complete loss as to how it's even possible, really," At least he had obviously been trying at it, as evidence by the wear on the instrument. She looked at the pictures. She was amused at the forced smile of the man, though, next to Bernard's hilariously adorable prideful grin. She gave a nod of acknowledgment as their tea and snacks were brought to them. She was still standing, but leaning forward with her elbows on the table, paging through the album.

"Thank you," she said in a rare moment of politeness to a stranger as the tray was set on the table in front of her. She was just in a very good mood right now. Her tail gave a wag as she grabbed a lady finger from the assortment and nibbled on it.

"Where's this?" she asked, pointing to a picture, "Did you take these pictures?"

[Nathalia]

"Since you got hands? So you were born with only your first form? Heh, believe it or not, you're lucky."

He smiled at her, one eyebrow raised as he anticipated skepticism.

"I was born with my Human form...my mom constantly forgot not to oh say...peck me if I was an idiot...or get me a coat for the winter... I was a sick, bruised little kid, I'll tell you what."

He took the viola as she handed it back and swept it up under his chin, twirling the bow once and then putting it to the strings, he drew it back. He actually played fairly well, the strings resonating without squeals as he whipped out a 30 second rendition of Highland Rise from memory.

"Show off..."

He mumbled to himself as he slowly repacked the viola in its case, his mouth curved in a reproving smirk.

"Ah, tea! Thanks, Larry."

He said happily, head snapping up with a grin as a somewhat rotund Selkie Lakes Raccoon plodded in with the tea cart.

"No problem, Bernard. You want me to just leave it for now?"

"Yeah, I'll run it back down at dinner."

"Alright, gotta go see if Queen Rai needs any help. He lets me fetch him things, you know."

He said, puffing out his chest a little before walking off proudly.

Bernard shook his head and rolled his eyes a little as the Raccoon walked out the door.

"Larry's enamored with Queen Rai, he's trying his best to get in his good graces...but he's lucky if Rai remembers his name for a whole day...anyway. The pictures? Well, I obviously didn't take the one I was in but...most of them yeah, I borrowed a camera from a Corvie friend of mine and...had a ball."

He noticed her tail wag and felt his mood lighten further...it looked like he might actually have a good friend again...this was utterly fantastic!

"The exact place there is right at the cliff edge at sunset, you just go to the edge of the first town and there's a back road that leads right here...it's an amazing view. A lot of flyers like to take a trip just so they can spiral off of it at the edge of dusk. I got pushed off but, same thing, they knew I was a bird."

He smiled at the memory, flipping the page and snagging a sandwich.

"Mmmph, I need tea..."

He dropped the book into her hands and moved over to the cart to grab a teacup and pour himself a little tea. He stirred in two lumps of sugar, a liitle milk, and then picked up a small glass tumbler with a clear liquid in it. If Heilyn looked questioningly at it he would shrug.

"S'just vodka."

He muttered, dumping the tumbler into the cup, stirring it and sipping at it with a sigh.

[Satra]

Heilyn raised an eyebrow at Bernard at the mention of being lucky born in her Animal Form, but then considered what he said and gave an understanding nod. Made sense. It was entirely conceivable that those without their Human forms would be ignorant of the needs with it. Her smile became very wide, even opening her mouth in what would've been a happy laugh, but kept herself quiet to listen, ears perked and tail wagging. This was turning out to be a lot of fun. Being serenaded, intentionally or no, was always enjoyable by someone with talent. She expressed amusement at the self-importance the Raccoon gave himself. She waited until he left before she turned to Bernard.

"I thought that was quite lovely, actually," she commented. She had some musical talent, being able to sing in tune, but her voice was little more than amateurish. She stuck with humming. She pages through some more of the pictures, dividing her attention between them and Bernard. "What kind of bird are you, might I ask?" she turned another page and looked down from him, "Many of these are quite nice. May I see the camera? We don't... have those..." She had to admit, Corvies did do some good in the world. She eyed the vodka with some hunger. She was greatly amused at the embarrassment he seemed to take at putting the alcohol in his tea.

"Actually... I'd like to try that. Usually I drink mine just straight." she said off-hand. "May I?" Apparently this was not an uncommon thing with the man as, on further inspection of the tray, she discovered that the alcohol was brought with the tea without the man mentioning a thing. She wondered how the burn of the vodka would compliment the tea. Other than that, vodka was a flavorless drink...
Oh, she would have to control herself.

"Is... this the Tulgey Wood?" she asked. The trees looked like that of her neighbor region. "When did you go there?" she asked, fearing the aswer to 'what happened while you were'.

[Nathalia]

Bernard flushed slightly and grinned, she thought his playing was lovely? Well, she just hadn't been to the Villa, that was all...she would think he was awful then...

"What kind of bird? Ah, I'm an Eagle, just like my entire family. Highland Eagles, nothing special. No mixed breeds or song-birds, sort of boring, really."

He smiled at the compliment on his picture taking abilities, he had bothered to make sure they came out nicely.

"Sure, It's over here somewhere...ah, here."

He handed her a rather large, clunky looking black object, it's focus shutter jutting out from the front, a tiny window on the back.

"The stand is in the closet, I can pull it out if you really want but I only used it for portrait shots, the rest were taken free hand. I've grown to like the stupid thing, it's really quite amazing when you think about it."

After they had fiddled with the camera and he had liberally dumped alcohol in his tea he grinned with a slight air of embarrassment.

"Really? Certainly, have a go, it makes the tea really smooth and just...adds a kick to it that I've come to rely on. It's good vodka too, I figure that if the palace can afford the good stuff, why shouldn't I use it, eh?"

He smiled and took another sip...god it felt good going down...and made him hungry, he grabbed another sandwich and managed to devour it quickly so that he could keep talking.

"It's not the strongest stuff either, though I wouldn't recommend more than three shots unless you want to drape yourself on the couch for the rest of the afternoon."

He said with a grin, snagging a handful of cheese covered crackers and downing them too.

"The Tulgey...ah...yes, that's it. I was there about oh...eight years ago? It was the last place I visited, haven't traveled since then, I would really like to again some day..."

He gave a nearly involuntary shudder.

"I wouldn't advise a trip there...though you might be better equipped than I was considering your life in the Bog...but that was the closest to death I've ever come."