Private Tales Out for a Drink

A private roleplay only for those invited by the first writer
Ispir Sione

Ispir Sione

The Wandering Minstrel
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The Debtor's Drink; Alliria


The clamoring noise of the Debtor's Drink was either a warm, welcoming blanket of the vibrancy of life and leisure or a stifling, headache-inducing racket one could not escape quickly enough. For one particular Minstrel however it was a place firmly of the former. Drink flowed like water, friendly conversation even more freely than that, and all told it was the perfect kind of place for them to work on their next piece! So it was that Ispir came to idly twirl a quill in their fingers, humming as they tapped the feathery half to their chin, and stuck their tongue out of the corner of their mouth as they puzzled on and on about what notes to include.

So busy was the tavern, and so engrossed was the small bard, that he did not even notice that as the room filled up more and more his table was the only one with any sort of opening left for anyone to seat themselves at. Most everyone, it seems, was either here on their own business or saw the Bard was deeply engrossed in thought with a whole bottle of wine to himself and elected not to bother him. It wasn't until someone finally sat across from him that Ispir would perk up, lifting his glimmering aquamarine eyes up from the sheet of music, and be greeted by an elven woman! Ispir would beam a polite smile and, sliding the paper aside, would lean his chin into one hand while offering the other in a friendly handshake.

"Well hello there friend! Glad to see someone finally decided to sit with me."

He would take a small sip of wine and smile genially at the woman, leaning his chin back on his hand as his cheeks flushed a bit from the alcohol and he hummed.

"My name is Ispir, Ispir Sione. Wandering Minstrel and otherwise a purveyor and enjoyer of the musical arts!"

He giggled to himself before sniffing a bit and leaning forward curiously. The hair on the right side of his head, her left, coming down to nearly shield his eye as he smiled.

"How about yourself~?"

The Minstrel with an unnatural enough beauty to put even Elves to shame would smile a charming smile at his new compatriot.

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Virdalia Deuxstrom​
 
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Upon entering the Debtor's Drink, a wall of sound crashed over Virdalia, filling every corner of the room. She had decided to use some of her free time that night to visit the surrounding city of Alliria, venturing out despite her reservations. Instinctively, she searched for a place to sit that was relatively inconspicuous with ideally - no people. However, a place like that did not exist in this tavern, every table crowded with ruffians.

Then she spotted a lady seated by herself, the only option available to have a seat was at her table. As carefully as she could, Virdalia made her way to the table and settled herself in. Only upon sitting did she note that the bar patron there was... genuinely beautiful. Her hair a unique blend of black transitioning seamlessly into a blue-green color, she hadn't seen anything quite like it. Not to mention the perfect skin and slim figure underneath the performer's garb she adorned.

When her eyes lifted, Virdalia took in their deep aquamarine coloring, astonished by their jewel-like beauty as though she was being viewed through two glimmering sapphires. The voice though, made her slightly embarrassed, this was no woman. Despite his shorter stature and the fact that his glamor was unparalleled by any other patron in the vicinity - he was definitely a man.

She listened as he introduced himself, and she could sense by the flush on his face and the stammering of his singsong voice that he was inebriated. This was her first time meeting a musician, and she felt a sense of amazement. Even just his talking voice sounded as melodious as a song, a part of her hoped he may perform something that night especially since she had a fondness for live music.

"Hello Mr. Sione, my name is Virdalia Deuxstrom. I am a current student at Elbion College, I am here visiting on..." She paused a moment, as though considering the purpose of her trip here, "...business. Pleased to meet you, I hope I'm not intruding upon your night or your space. I wouldn't normally seat myself as I please, but this spot seemed to be the only one available." As she introduced herself the barmaid swung by and Virdalia ordered herself a honeyed mead. The lady returned quickly and handed the drink to her. She took a large swig of it, hoping the liquid courage would help soothe her senses in this crowded place.

Feeling the warmth rush into her cheeks she looked at Ispir, almost unsettled by his otherworldly beauty. Taking another large draught she nervously turned her gaze away from the man seated in front of her and tried to focus on anything else. Something caught her eye, as she noted another bar patron with his eyes seemingly flitting between her and Ispir as he chatted with his associates around him. His gaze seeming to insinuate they were chatting about the two of them, the way his eyes shifted gave Virdalia a feeling of unease "Do you... happen to know them?" Virdalia asked Ispir, as she subtly signaled to their location.
 
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A light, airy chuckle would come from the only SLIGHTLY tipsy Minstrel as Virdalia paused at mention of the business she was visiting over. Only for the Bard to wave their hand dismissively at her insinuation she was a bother.

"No no not at all! In fact a fresh bit of company may be exactly what I've needed."

As Virdalia took her drinks Ispir was about to explain how stumped they were over their latest piece when Virdalia asked if they knew... someone. Noting Virdalia's subtlety Ispir would hum, pretend to stretch, then peek at the man eyeing the two of them. Leaning forward after their fake stretch Ispir would adjust their cap and hum softly in thought.

"I don't believe I do, unless I chose not to, then it's possible at one point I did. Mayhaps they were overeager fans of mine? Hmmmm...."

Tapping their chin Ispir would take another sip of wine and then exhale out their nose before giving their nose a rather bunny-like wiggle, a wave of the hand, and closed their eyes as they grinned.

"I wouldn't worry about them though. Plenty of folks in here are the adventuring types, off-duty guards, and genuine fans of mine! If anyone thinks we look like easy targets they won't get far. Hehehe."

Chortling to himself Ispir would then jump a bit in surprise.

"Ah! That reminds me! I, myself, have not been getting far in my most recent piece."

Grabbing the piece of sheet music they had pushed aside Ispir would hum and squint at it.

"It's supposed to go like..."

Ispir would bob the quill up and down with the soft, beautiful sounds they made in mimicking the noise of the music. Their voice actually changing to be a higher pitch, to a range even most women would struggle with, and a clarity greater than that of a songbird.

"Lalalalala-Lalalala- Da-da-dada-da."

Their body rocked body and forth a bit as they shut their eyes, turning now to humming before they gasped.

"Oh! Oh! That's it!"

Tongue sticking out the corner of their mouth in concentration they would begin to write more notes frantically.

"Da-Da-DaDa-Da-Daliaaaa. Vir-Vir-Vir-Da-Daliaaaa! Hahaha!"

With a small, triumphant giggle Ispir would hold up the sheet music and peek over it at Virdalia, aquamarine eyes positively glowing with happiness as they tapped at the new notes excitedly.

"See see!?"

Virdalia Deuxstrom​
 
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Ispir Sione

"Hmmm..." she mumbled upon his confirmation that he wasn't sure who they were, noting the odd statement that he could "choose" not to have remembered them. Not wanting to allow herself to spoil the night though, she averted her eyes from the men and returned her focus to Ispir, only passively aware of others around her. As he began to sing, the shift in his voice startled her, his pitch far higher and clearer than any note she was aware humans could make.

As his notes segued into her name, she shifted in her seat uncomfortably, but couldn't help a giggle at the silliness of it. "Well, I definitely think it could use a LOT of work, maybe a better chorus." She playfully laughed and finished off her drink, which was quickly replaced with another. She was just beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol blurring her thoughts and lowering her inhibitions. Though she reminded herself of her new station and didn't want to embarrass her patron with any sloppiness.

She had taken some precautions that night, opting for a subtle disguise with plain attire, her hair neatly braided back, and black kohl lining her eyes to accentuate their tired expression. Looking around, there were no nobles here that she could discern, likely there was no one that had any affiliation with her patron. After a brief pause, she resolved to let herself enjoy the evening. Whether it was her desire to unwind or the drink muddling her thoughts, she decided she wanted to step it up.

Grinning at the full mug, she drained her mead in one swift motion and let out a satisfied sigh. "Forgive me, but I rarely get the chance to unwind like this... tonight just feels like the perfect night for me to just let go and forget my duties. Maybe a part of that is due to my current company." Her silver eyes flashed lightheartedly at Ispir, as her drink was once again replaced.

Feeling a bit bolder, she tilted her head and placed her finger upon her chin in a mock thoughtful expression. "Let me think... Maybe it should go a bit more like this," She cleared her throat dramatically, "IiiIIiiIspiIiiir, his voice a whiIIiIisper, a beautiful miIIiiiiIster...." Her voice rang out clamorous and uneven, more noise than a song. Laughing, she jovially remarked, "I think I like this version better! What do you think, do I have a future minstrel career in my future?"
 
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Ispir would sigh and roll his eyes playfully at Virdalia's words before gently tucking the sheet music away and grinning.

"Eeeeeveryone's a critic nowadays I guess."

Ispir would watch Virdalia drain her mug and, at her apology, he shook his head at her mention of it being due to her company and would chuckle.

"Hey now, don't blame any bad decisions on me!"

He protested playfully before placing a hand over his mouth at her singing, unsuccessfully stifling a giggle as his shoulders quaked and he beamed at her as he gave a slow clap.

"Truly incredible, you could give me a few lessons!"

Ispir would pause, looking off toward the bar, blink rapidly, before wincing a bit and hurriedly standing up.

"Ah, I'm sorry Virdalia, it seems my performance is being moved up a bit. I'll be back in just a bit okay??"

Giving an apologetic smile Ispir would scamper off before Virdalia could truly reply, like someone apologizing before rushing off toward the bathroom, and Virdalia could note the barkeep motioning Ispir towards the stage of the tavern as the small bard squeezed and dodged his way through the crowd before he came to stumble up on stage and gingerly pulled a stool closer to himself.

Gingerly hopping up onto the stool due to his small height Ispir would pull a violin from seemingly nowhere and rest it under his chin, clearing his throat gently, and have the sheet music he had JUST written on float before his eyes. He would give it a quick scan over, nod only once, before closing his eyes, taking a deep breathe, before other instruments floated out from beneath his cloak to begin playing an accompaniment to his violin. The drums deeper than they had any right to be for their size, the winds sharper and louder than their handheld size would ever permit as his music filled the bar and drew more than a few eyes.


The Song

Virdalia Deuxstrom​
 
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As the tune began playing, Virdalia closed her eyes and surrendered to the spell of sound. The raucous tavern sounds instantly replaced with a melody that seemed to wrap around the entire place filling every square inch until the air itself seemed to hum. Though there were no lyrics, the instrumentals evoked a sense of hope and lightened her spirits. As she opened her eyes and looked around the room, the shift was unmistakable. The patrons, once rowdy and restless, were now subdued, their attention drawn to the music.

The performance had Virdalia marveling that such artistry could come from someone so beautiful, yet unassuming as his talent transformed the entire room into his personal stage. Drinking happily, she felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders and she relaxed in her seat. She began thinking about how she wished she could create some kind of invention that could lock the song inside of it, to be played in times of trouble or weary. Though she knew in her heart, that this kind of song was meant to be experienced in person. To hear every mesmerizing sweep of the violin, feel the winds carry their sonnet to the ears, and allow the heart to synchronize to the deep boom of the drum.

As his performance completed, she applauded loudly along with the other bar patrons. She had never quite experienced anything like that and was filled with an exuberant energy, as though bewitched. Coupled with the influence of her drink, the rush made her believe she could do anything. She longed to run, to feel the wind tear through her hair, to cast off all restraints within this bar and find herself once more in the arms of the man whose presence haunted her every thought.

Though, she had far more foresight than her first time drinking. Rather than just doing whatever her impulsive heart desired, she decided to sit and stay infinitely more curious about the man's story. She also felt a bit more embarrassed about her display of musical talent, since she was completely devoid of it. Sipping lightly, she waited for Ispir to return to the table so she could learn more about this strange, ethereal man, that seemed to be capable of entrancing even the heaviest of hearts with his music.
 
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After his songs were played and every last note had faded into history only then did Ispir slowly open his eyes, stand up, and take a bow as the room applauded the performance. His cheeks burned a bright pink, happy, but but bashful, and he waved out to people in the tavern for a moment before somewhat stiffly scampering back to his previous seat as slowly, ever so slowly, the usual noises of the tavern bled back into the space his music had once filled. Only now more lively, less a low din of mutters and private conversations and more joyful drinking, more comradery, more merriment, and as Ispir slid back into the seat opposite of Virdalia he beamed at her.

"There we go! Could you hear it? Lalalala-lalalala-Vir-dalalala-lalalaliaaa."

He giggled and closed his eyes for a moment, swaying a bit, before clasping his hands in front of himself.

"I tried to make the violin say your name in it's own voice."

His eyes opened and he bowed his head to her gently.

"So thank you! Without you I wouldn't have completed that song in time."

Ispir opened his mouth to say something, only for a drink to be placed in front of him by one of the barmaids, who indicated a woman in a rather revealing dress across the bar. A courtesan, to be exact, and Ispir turned a deep red as he waved back and politely took the drink in both hands. Turning back to Virdalia and leaning over the table a bit to whisper to her.

"Also don't tell anyone but I'm really not that kind of bard."

He made a face like he had just bitten into a lemon before sitting back down and sipping at the drink, giving an appreciative hum.

"Mmmm, good drink though! So.... my muse of the evening, tell me about yourself!"

Virdalia Deuxstrom​
 
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Ispir Sione

"That performance was truly moving Ispir, your skill goes beyond talent. I think you're more suited playing for kings and queens than some bar truth be told. Your music moves the soul," Virdalia blurted out honestly, slightly slurring her speech, "I don't know if you could tell, but I don't quite share your musical inclination. So, I am going to trust your word that your strings sang my name. I am glad to be of some help, albeit entirely unintentional on my part."

She watched as the drink was placed in front of Ispir, and followed his gaze to the sultry, seductive courtesan casting him a desiring glance. Turning back to see the flush of his cheeks and his shift to a shyer side had her chuckle and raise an eyebrow at him. "Not that kind of bard, eh? Well, that's too bad, I have a feeling you'd have no shortage of bedfellows." She teased flashing him a sly wink and impish grin.

At his next request, she took a slow drink, trying to buy herself time. Yet, the right words were eluding her. How was she supposed to politely sum up her past without revealing her enslavement? Choosing simplicity, she simply stated, "Your muse doesn't have much of a story to tell I'm afraid, I'm just a student here on some, uh... business. Maybe a touch of pleasure. Honestly, I'm more curious about you. With your immense skill, where did you learn to play like that? It's unlike anything I've ever heard. Did you also attend Elbion?"
 
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At Virdalia's insinuation that they would have a lot of bedfellows Ispir would give a very nervous, awkward chuckle and look off to the side. The one-two punch kept coming as Virdalia asked where he learned to play and Ispir would then begin to tug at one of his twintails furtively, looking somewhat.... pained... from the sheer awkwardness of the situation, cringing even, before he cleared his throat and looked up to the ceiling, his hand sliding down to fiddle with the end of that same twintail, he would mumble.

"A-Ahh... you see.... I don't actually know where I learned to play."

Deciding to entirely dodge the topic of the bedroom Ispir would then place his hands on the table, lacing his fingers together, and twiddle his thumbs before he looked down at his hands.

"I umm... don't exactly remember."

A shrug of their slim shoulders would accentuate their unease.

"I just... know?"

Ispir would almost wince a bit as they cleared their throat.

"I-It.... It's the same with the stars. I can always navigate by them and I always know their name. Even when I drink a bit too much....."

Ispir would trail off as, approaching the table, three large men and two women approach the table and Ispir blinks up at them.

"O-Oh! Hello. Are you friends w-....."

One of the women, in dark brown robes trimmed with red, would cut him off as she looked at Virdalia.

"You there. Are you bothering our client?"

Ispir looked... confused? But after a moment they would lift their hands and stare at them in befuddlement, poking their palms and looking very bewildered.

Virdalia Deuxstrom​
 
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Ispir Sione

Virdalia recognized that uncomfortable shift to the man's tone, indicating that he wasn't lying about not knowing his background. Remembering that bit where he highlighted he could have 'chose' not to remember the individuals eyeing them in the bar, she began feeling a bit skeptical. However, who was she to judge if someone did not want to disclose their past? She didn't want to pry and make the man even more agonized than he already appeared.

By the time the 5 people had already approached the table, Virdalia had been solely focusing her attention on the man. At their question, she looked from the woman to Ispir and upon his gesture that he was just as confused as she was, she took another drink from her glass. Firstly, she addressed Ispir without fully acknowledging the troupe, "Ispir, that must be incredibly troubling for you. My heart goes out to you, one moment and we can continue our discussion." Her gaze slid to the people in front of her now.

Sighing wearily, she scolded, "If he was truly your client, then shame on you. A servant’s duty is not to act on their own whims but to await their patron’s command. To act without direction is to risk undermining the very one you serve." She pointed to Ispir with his look of bewilderment, "Tell me, does his expression speak of a command given? Did his eyes call you forward? No. And yet, I suppose I can forgive the eagerness of a servant too keen to prove her worth." She cast the woman a knowing glance before lifting her cup once more, silver eyes glimmering not with judgment, but with quiet sympathy.

Unbeknownst to Ispir or these people in front of her, she had been on the sharp end of such lectures more than once. With a half-smile and glass raised she quipped, "Here's to being a bad servant," she laughed, swaying just enough to look for someone willing to clink.
 
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