Private Tales Out for a Drink

[Ispir Sione]

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.

Spoiler: Ispir

Virdalia Deuxstrom​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

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.

 

[Ispir Sione]

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​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

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?"

 

[Ispir Sione]

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​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

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.

 

[Ispir Sione]

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​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

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?"

 

[Ispir Sione]

Spoiler: Ispir Reaction

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​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

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.

 

[Ispir Sione]

Ispir would flex his hands and scrunch his brow, looking over to where the courtesan that had sent him his drink was, but saw no-one now. He would then lay his hands on the table and they would simply go slack for a moment as he looked at Virdalia while she spoke.

"U-Umm Virdalia...?"

The woman would retort to Virdalia's words with a soft clinking of a cup, smiling a sultry smile at the half-elf as she agreed.

"Here's to being a bad servant."

She would then take a drink as one of the men would move over to Ispir.

"Hey boss, you look a little drunk, need a hand?"

Ispir would blink, cheeks a bit flushed, and glance up at the man in confusion.

"I-I mean I don't feel right but I don't think.... I-I ehh...."

The words seemed to melt from his lips as he hiccuped and the woman would give a soft sigh, shaking her head.

"Good thing we came over when we did. He sometimes drinks a bit too much, y'know?"

The man would place a hand on Ispir's shoulder before hauling the small bard up to his feet. Ispir surely didn't seem capable of standing on his own, legs shaking, arms limp. As the woman gave Virdalia a nod.

"Thanks for watching him for us."

Virdalia Deuxstrom​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

Virdalia happily drunk to her toast, and watched as the events unfolded. Looking to his shaking legs and limp arms, barely conscious, her smile faltered. Slurring slightly, she teased, "Ispir, how much have you been drinking? By the gods, you look dreaddful."

Yet even in her stupor, she could tell that something about this situation just didn't sit right... He hadn't seemed this far gone before, only a little flushed with drink, and he certainly hadn't appeared to know these people. Now, suddenly, he couldn't stand and the 'servants' at his side seemed all too eager to usher him away. No, something was off here. Her silver eyes flicked upwards, studying the faces surrounding them. She knew she couldn't take them head on, she'd need a good distraction.

With a loud whine, she flung herself on Ispir, and embraced him tightly. "Oh no you don't you naughty boy. You're not slipping away so easily. You promised me you'd keep me company in bed tonight!" Dropping her voice she whispered against his ear, "Forgive me for this, I'm going to get us out of here. Then you can hate me forever." She took his face in her hands and kissed him deeply, desperately, and uncomfortably long enough to make any onlooker recoil. Her lips pressed hungrily against his before trailing down his smooth neck, her arms locking around him as though in a lover's embrace.

Her head tilted back towards the group of assailants, and she smirked breathless, "You bad servants can leave us now, unless of course, my darling desires an audience in my chambers tonight. Though I warn you, sleep will be... impossible." She gave them a seductive grin and wiggled her eyebrows. She draped herself over him like a lover unwilling to let go and began steering his stumbling body toward the tavern's door.

 

[Ispir Sione]

Ispir could still somewhat move his head and simply shook it side to side in slow motions as Virdalia looked around the group surrounding them. He had honestly expected her to attack them but what she decided to do instead was much, much worse. As Virdalia flung herself on him and embraced him Ispir tensed up slightly, though his arms still didn't move, and he blushed a dark cherry red. Closing his eyes and turning his head away Virdalia kissed his cheek and neck instead of his lips and the gathered 'servants' all gave responses between grimaces and cringes.

As Virdalia tried to order them away the woman leading the group grit her teeth and grabbed Virdalia's shoulder harshly. Hissing angrily at the half-elf.

"Enough of this! I don't know who you think you are bitch bu-...."

Another voice would speak up, not belonging to the woman, or Ispir, or anyone in their group. Instead it was a man in House Iskandar armor. Seemingly a middle-aged human man bearing the rank of sergeant on his armor with a rather excellent moustache.

"SHE...."

He emphasized as he looked around the group.

".....is not someone you should be threatening, madame."

The sergeant gave a polite smile and the woman would dig her nails harshly into Virdalia's shoulder for a moment before releasing her grip. The sergeant would nod and then motion to Ispir.

"As for the young man. He seems to have drank too much for the night. If he doesn't wish to go with you...."

He trailed off as Ispir blurrily shook his head some more before continuing.

".... then he will remain here until such a time as he feels comfortable leaving. On. His. Own."

He glanced at the gathered group, and even Virdalia, pointedly.

"Am I clear?"

The woman inhaled sharply through her nose and stepped back, nodding, and silently motioned for the others to follow her as they skulked away. The sergeant would watch them go for a moment, then sigh, and turn back to Virdalia as Ispir slumped onto the table and the sergeant would then ask Virdalia.

"Now then. Lady Deuxstrom with all due respect.... would you please tell me what that was about?"

Virdalia Deuxstrom​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

Her demeanor shifted entirely the moment she noted someone from House Iskandar stepped in. Releasing Ispir immediately, only pausing long enough to ensure he was breathing as he slumped down. Her entire body went rigid, and the warmth of her earlier embrace was gone without a trace. Sitting down with a weary sigh, she put her hand on her head as though soothing an oncoming headache. "Thank you, for your help sir. You should understand, I didn't do that because I wanted to. Those people hovering around us were clearly some kind of criminals feigning servitude to this young man here Ispir Sione," She pointed at Ispir, "He wasn't that drunk, then suddenly he could barely stand and they were far too eager to cart him off. I couldn't fight them in here, not with their numbers against me, and I couldn't call them out without making us both targets. So, I made a scene. Better they believe I was some drunken woman too obsessed to let him out of my grasp than realize something was wrong. It gave us an excuse to leave without suspicion. That's all it was, tactics, not affection. I hadn't realized anyone here could help me, help us. Thank you, by the way for doing so. I will be in your debt." She stood up, and lowered her head in a bow.

Looking back up, her piercing silver gaze returned to Ispir, she asked concernedly, "Ispir, are you okay? I am so sorry for doing that, I just saw you about to be dragged off to gods-know where and I'm no fighter, not in that sense. So, I... Improvised. A kiss is easier than drawing a sword and far more distracting. They'll probably forget it by morning, you, however, may not and for that... I sincerely apologize."

Addressing the House Iskandar man once more she asked, "I am so sorry sir, what is your name? Also, this man needs medical attention, is there anywhere we can take him?"

 

[Ispir Sione]

Ispir merely shook his head lazily against the tabletop as Virdalia spoke and the sergeant would hum at her explanation. Grabbing the small bard by the shoulder he would help Ispir sit up straighter, check his eyes, and then sigh.

"Well whatever they did he's barely conscious."

The sergeant would heft Ispir into his arms and give Virdalia a glance.

"If you wouldn't mind letting my squad know to accompany us my lady I believe it best we get this young man to a healer."

Turning back to look Ispir over he would sigh. Mumbling to himself as he checked Ispir's pulse and shook his head.

"First a demon in the aqueduct and now this...."

Indeed though Ispir could look at Virdalia and shake his head weakly he didn't seem capable of speaking in the moment. The sergeant would then make his way for the tavern's exit, waiting nearby to the door with the semi-conscious bard as onlookers cast curious glances at the state of the performer now being carried out by the guard.

Virdalia Deuxstrom​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

As the man started taking Ispir towards the exit, Virdalia located the sergeant's squad and promptly informed them of the situation and asked them to accompany. Quickly, they rose and began filing out of the tavern to follow behind them. They all looked a bit tired, like this was not the first run-in they had that night. Virdalia ran to catch up to the sergeant. She asked him breathily, "My apologies sir, I don't mean to bother you, but I have so many questions about tonight. Did I hear you mention a demon in the aqueduct? Also, is this kind of heist tactic common in Alliria? Have you seen this kind of drug before? Everything started happening so fast - I have no idea what on Earth their motivations are..."

Her words sort of strayed off as she took in the scene of the dark streets heading to the healer. Worry gnawed at her, she felt she had made a true friend in Ispir. He seemed so full of joy and happiness, it just seemed unfair for something so awful to happen to one so kind. Fear still clung to her, the memory of how close they had come to not being able to make it out of there without fighting, maybe even dying. Her fists clenched at her sides, she despised feeling so helpless and fragile. She could never again leave herself so vulnerable. Perhaps she could craft her own means of self-defense once back at the estate, or even ask Lord Iskandar to train her in weaponry.

Another awful realization hit her, and she shyly asked the sergeant, "I hate to ask, but will you... have to report every detail of the night's events to our Lord? Or is there any way we might, well, leave certain parts aside? I just don't want to risk any... misgivings." Heat rushed to her cheeks as she made her request, but she truly didn't want word of her desperate tactics reaching the ears of her Lord.

 

[Ispir Sione]

The sergeant would stumble a bit but not from losing his own footing but, rather, to catch Ispir who tried to roll out of his grasp semi-successfully. The sergeant then huffs, adjusts his grip, and scowls a bit down at the bard.

"Please don't do that, we're going to get you help."

Letting out a heavy sigh the sergeant would look upwards in thought for a moment.

"Some sort of flesh-crafted abomination made through blood sacrifice. This was.... a few nights ago I believe? But some mercenaries helped us clean it up. Ermm....."

The sergeant cleared his throat and gave Virdalia a pointed look.

"If you're asking me if attempted kidnapping is common in Alliria the answer is no, Lady Deuxstrom. But given what we saw in the aqueduct if that foul.... cult...."

He bit the word off in a bit of anger.

"....is still active then no doubt they will be looking for sacrifices."

Ispir would cough heavily and his cap would fall off his head onto the ground and the sergeant would pause until someone picked it up.

"As for the drug, truthfully, a few cases like it. There's more than one concoction that would get the desired result and the effect we're seeing."

One of the guards would step up and hold up a waterskin, the sergeant would nod, and they would press the waterskin to Ispir's mouth and the small bard would drink greedily before coughing heavily.

"The only thing that makes no sense to me is: why try to grab the most public figure out of a crowded tavern? Never mind trying to grab the entertainment but the entertainment that had JUST played? Mmmmm. All I can hazard to guess is that they were either bold enough to think that the sheer audacity of the move would give them an advantage or they were simply stupid enough to try."

The sergeant would round a corner, his pace increasing as he began to sweat a bit from carrying even Ispir's slight weight. But as Virdalia asked her much more nervous question he actually chuckled for a brief moment and shook his head.

"My lady I hardly report to the Lord himself. That is far above my pay-grade. If there is anything fit for his ears out of tonight you have a much more direct line to him than I ever will."

With that said the sergeant stopped outside of a healer's place of business and one of the guards would knock, open the door, and the sergeant would address the healer in firm tones as if he were snapping commands.

"You. Heal the bard. Toxin of some sort. Unlikely to be, but potentially, fatal. Administered within the past hour."

Ispir was laid on a bed and seemed... paralyzed. His eyelids were drooped and heavy, his breathe shallow, but he was most certainly alive.

Virdalia Deuxstrom​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

This was a lot of information to take in... Blood sacrifice? Cults? And how did tonight's chaos tie in to this? One small mercy was the hope tonight's misadventures wouldn't ever reach the ears of her patron. However, she would have to inform him about some aspects of it, something here far too troubling to ignore.

She felt like a piece of a puzzle unable to glimpse the full picture. She would need more information, more clues, to piece everything together. The biggest one she thought, was the sickly but beautiful man held in front of her. How strange it was to reconcile that ethereal man laughing and teasing her, to seeing him now lying on a cot, breath shallow and stripped of his mirth.

Exhaustion was pulling at Virdalia all the way down to her bones. "Thank you for your help tonight sergeant. I'm cannot imagine what would've happened to us without your intervention. For that, I am eternally grateful. Should you ever need anything from me, you need only ask. Perhaps when time allows, I would like to hear more about these 'blood sacrifices' and the cult you're pursuing."

Turning back to Ispir, she exhaled a small sigh of relief. The world felt brighter with a talent like his in it. He said he hadn't remembered his past, so likely no family would come for him. Unable to ask if he had any friends to call on, she felt troubled he would have to spend the night here alone and in agony. "Sergeant, one last request. Would it be at all possible to have one maybe two men stay here with us through the night? I'm afraid I don't know Ispir's kin, nor whether he has any companions to keep watch. If not, I understand, but I worry someone may come to finish the job while he's vulnerable..."

Then she looked to the nearest staff and asked, "May I please have a blanket, any will do." They handed her a thin, unremarkable one. Before she laid down for the night, she clutched his hand in both of hers and closed her eyes. Muttering a quick prayer to any god that would listen. Finally, she slumped against the corner wall, pulling the blanket tight, and surrendered at last to sleep.