Mesmerizing Chanteur

taking my best friend out to a rat concert (concert performed by rats)

[SHOWCASE] - Sword+1, Leanne and Naesala

Naesala watches as Leanne perks up. It's a trait he likes very much in her, the lightness in her movements and the way she gets excited for things that perhaps should not be so exciting. Of course he won't be the judge of that -- his own grin matches that of his best friend, and he lets her take his hand in his.

"I hope they really do play their little instruments," he says, and keeps up the pace. his wings do not fan out, do not black out the budding moon. Instead, he keeps them to his back and lets his face express his feelings.

( his heart does not open, but he does not hide how he feels: energized, happy, at ease. )

He hears the note again -- this time, he's drawn to it like a moth to a flame. This does not arouse any suspicion from him, even if perhaps it should. Instead, his light feet carry them to a darkened alleyway, into the rat's den.

"If they cause trouble, we can always ask the Hawk King to swoop in and get them. Hawks love little field mice, delicious little snacks."

He takes another few steps as he hears it -- the sounds of the song beginning. That smile widens on his face as he squints into the darkness, searching for the answers of what the true source of this music is.

#♪ naesala 02 #corvuschriisti #what if...... siren rats #if i had a nickel every time my second thread with a muse's important family member put them in mind-controlling danger in an alley #i would have two nickels #i want more nickels

Leanne makes a face at the very thought. "I hope it doesn't come to that! Maybe they're not even doing it to be mean..."

The note intermittently piercing the air, admittedly, affects her judgment of the situation; there is a welcoming feeling attached to it, rare for a singular sound, that tugs at her heart and beckons for her to approach, even into what she rationally knows is unfamiliar territory.

Like the call of the Forest itself, even an ocean away, and that will always be the sound she follows.

There is only enough residual sunlight to vaguely trace the outline of the alleyway's path, the end out of sight from where she stands. She's certain Naesala can't see much better than her, but...

I will protect you, come what may.

The forest's voice mixes with the easy, upbeat rhythm of Naesala's heart, both serving to put her at ease. "I think there will not be danger ahead," she says with some confidence, even keeping pace next to the raven instead of walking behind him, though she does trail her hand along the walls of the alleyway, letting rough stone guide her path forward.

The Vibes Are RANCID

He probably should have waited outside for her arrival, this might have felt like a bit of an ambush...or an invasion of personal space. Hm, perhaps this hadn't been the best way to go about making a good first impression with this whole situation...

"Ah, Harken, my lady -- at your service! I am more than pleased to handle anything you might need while we share this space. I assure you, no concern or task is too small for me to take care of," Harken spoke, trying to put on a more friendly expression, but...There was a strain on the young lady's face, in her smile and eyes. Apparently he really should have waited...

"I do apologize if this is an...ah, uncomfortable or undesirable situation for you--" he begins to apologize for the inconvenience, but quickly lapses into intent silence when Leanne speaks up.

Her words take some time, but her voice has an interesting lilt to it that captures his attention.

"Oh...I...I suppose it is about time for a meal, isn't it? You've just finished a long day of classes," he blinks in (perceived) understanding. Of course she would be hungry! "Are you sure you do not wish to take the chair, my lady? I can surely stand and eat. This is your room, after all."

#♪ harken 01 #inserviceto #disturbs ur force further

It seems the problem of making herself understood isn't purely a beorc thing or a hawk thing. Leanne shakes her head emphatically, making sure her words and movements are as clear as she can manage. "You sit!" she insists, and all but forces the piece of bread into his hands.

Though... it's true that she could also eat! She returns to the basket, pulling out a big handful of nuts and berries and settling on the edge of her bed, wings stretching out briefly behind her before looking back at Harken with an expression still steeped in curiosity and concern.

His heart had not calmed in the slightest since they had begun to speak, abuzz with a muted frenzy that speaks of turmoil just below the friendly veneer. But though it makes her uncomfortable, it is very clearly not malice that thrums within him. Even if she cannot manage to ease whatever it is that ails his heart, Leanne would still like to understand him, and so she leans forward with a question.

"Sir Harken is a... Knight, yes?" she asks, rolling a sweet, ripe berry in her palm but not yet putting it in her mouth. (Is it mean to admit that being in a room with the angry hornets guy isn't very good for her appetite??) Though, the memory of the word does brighten her expression, as she thinks of those she'd watched fight alongside Queen Elincia in an effort to protect not only their allies, but the entire country as well.

"Knights are... very, hmm, brave, and good!" Leanne says. And Sir Harken had willingly agreed to a mission like this that could've been dangerous, so surely that reflects his gallantry as well, just as it did the other knights she'd seen.

moriddyn

The Birds Are Singing

moriddyn

Leanne is confident, he noticed, and so Elffin finds little reason to be on edge regarding their performance. Perhaps his music was not magical, but hers was, apparently, and that shall have to do. He smiles gently as he takes her hand, moving towards the stage. She had an otherworldly aura around her, one that made him surprisingly accepting of her claims.

Maybe it was the way she held herself- or maybe it was those feathery props (appendages?) upon her back. He still struggled to figure if they were real- they moved in the wind, but he hadn’t found any sort of mechanism to move them physically upon her.

Perhaps that was also the magic…

Upon the stage, however, all of those doubts disappeared- or rather, put aside for the show. He takes out his lyre and tests a few notes, waiting for her to settle into a position on stage before beginning a light melody.

It was simple and repetitive, a good start for how unprepared the two of them were- when she was ready, she could begin singing easily, and he could adjust accordingly.

The audience waits, expectant.

#♪ elffin 01 #moriddyn #she's using the galdr of bliss as a base i imagine :'D

She turns to the crowd, giving a bright smile as her wings briefly flutter again behind her — a performance like this for an audience is a first for her, and she can’t help but feel excited! Singing for a specific target and purpose had been a mark of battle, but she knows it does not have to be that way. She would make a new memory, a new connection.

Herons live and breathe music, and it takes just a few repetitions for Leanne to catch onto Elffin’s melody. Simple and sweet, though it seems to resonate with a surprising depth when paired with the tune of the man’s heart. It is something she would like to reach out to… but for now, the show must begin.

She closes her eyes, letting a song flow from her lips. Just with her own voice at first, as though testing the waters, before her wings spread behind her gradually as she allows her seid magic to trickle into each note, each word a gentle boon to those who hear it, even if the effects would not be strong for such a large number of listeners.

May each heart present be filled with joy, the song seems to say.

april + may activity check

status - passed total points - 10 → 11 → 12

skill point allocation: monthly (april): faith (C 1/2 → C+) monthly (may): flying (D+ → C)

class unlocked: dancer class unlocked: recruit class unlocked: priest

acquired (flying c): recover (faith c) acquired (ethereal ball 2024): fairy dust

#toaactivity #♪ conductor's baton (ooc)#♪ an old lullaby (saved)#missed recruit bc it didn't exist when i last had leanne but i think i just simply forgor about priest

The Vibes Are RANCID

With students going missing and no solid leads as to where they had gone -- or been taken to -- one precaution that was rolling out was to pair a student up with a knight or other staff member. It obviously couldn't be long term, for a number of reasons, but at least sharing a room meant that there were eyes on them when these disappearances were happening.

It was hardly the first time Harken would be acting as a guard for someone, so he didn't hesitate to offer up his services.

He'd made sure to arrive before the student he had been assigned finished classes, giving him a chance to carefully go over the room from top to bottom. He didn't find much out of place. To be quite fair, it was a modestly sized room with only the door and a window as possible entrances.

Everything seemed more or less in place, though the window was a tad loose and let in a slight draft. That could be easily fixed and likely wouldn't be too much of a risk--

The sound of the door opening pulled Harken's attention away from fussing with the window, and he settles himself into a familiar at attention position. "Lady Leanne, correct? It is an honor, my lady," he greets, bowing to the young woman. "As you may be aware, with some of your fellow students currently missing, it has been decided that all students will be paired with one of the Knights of Seiros or a teacher for your own protection. The missing students seem to have disappeared during the night, so I will be here to make sure your rest is undisturbed."

A slight pause as he takes in downy wings and long blonde hair.

"Ah, but, if you wish to have the room to yourself, it would be no bother for me to sleep out in the hall."

@serenegaldr

#leanne trying to soothe the wet cat vibes like a new mom with a crying baby #'are you hungry??? do u need a nap????? cuddles????????'#♪ harken 01 #inserviceto

Oh, Leanne is immediately uncomfortable upon entering her room.

Not with the specific arrangement per se. The Knight present in her room is not a surprise — it had been announced that each student would be assigned a guard in the wake of the current incidents. Though she can't exactly deny that the thought of students going missing (kidnapped?) brings back some less than pleasant memories, it only strengthens her willingness to cooperate with the monastery's arrangements.

Neither with the fact that she'd been assigned a male guard. Laguz are hardly prone to fussing over sharing a room with someone of the opposite gender, and this beorc in particular seems courteous and willing to perform the task at hand. None of this bothers her, honestly!

Leanne is uncomfortable mainly because this man seems uncomfortable. Actually, neither 'seems' nor 'uncomfortable' are the correct words to use here. She knows, for absolute certain, that his heart is... if it didn't sound mean, she'd say 'a mess'. Coming upon him so suddenly is a little like opening the door to be met with a swarm of angry hornets right in the face, and even the generally cheerful heron cannot help being on edge in these circumstances.

However, it is very important for her to go along with this for her own safety, and thus this is simply a circumstance she will have to bear with all her limited might! And with that thought in mind, she offers a bright smile that, while genuine, might have just been the tiniest bit strained.

"Yes! And you are... Sir...?"

Then he offers to sleep outside, and Leanne tilts her head, confused. The point of a guard is to stay close to the person they're protecting, right? Besides, from what she learned in the months of being around them during the fighting, beorc need more specialized sleeping spaces than laguz. He can't just be out in the hall when there's a perfectly good bed in here!

Though the way his heart strums with a discordant rhythm is as concerning as it is discomfiting, and Leanne looks around her room for ideas before flitting over to the covered basket where she keeps her snacks, taking out a piece of her favorite kind of bread that she'd taken from the dining hall this morning.

"Here, you... sit, please, and eat!" she presents it to him, pointing him towards the rarely-used chair at her desk, "It's, hmm... wal... walnuts!" Maybe having delicious food in his stomach will make him feel a little better!

[ Tea ]

“Have you tried the berry blend?” Micaiah asks, offering Leanne a place in front of her in the line for refreshments. “Sometimes I just like to breathe the scent in, it reminds me of picking them myself. Though the Albinean ones are more bitter than what I am used to…”

She wonders what Leanne would think of coffee, Micaiah never having had it back in Tellius but decides perhaps that’s best a question for another day. She holds the kettle out.

“The choice is yours, though I am happy to help. It’s good to see you here. Even with all the people I find the balls at Garreg Mach worthwhile.”

"Oh, Lady Micaiah!" Wings fluttering, Leanne takes the spot gratefully. It is easier to let the wave of emotions fall to the background when she is in the presence of someone she knows and trusts, and she nods at the other's comments. "Hehe, everyone seems so excited to be here!" she says, "I am happy to be here too, even though it can be a little overwhelming... It is much better that there are mainly positive feelings about! You feel it too, right?"

Her expression lights up further as she reaches the front of the queue. Even within the little bags, she could already smell the refreshing scent of different berries and fruits. Smiling, she holds out a cup to the kettle in Micaiah's hand. "I will have whichever one you like best!"

#frauleindermorgen #toaball2024 #thank you for sending!!!#their friendship is so so important to me :pleading:

"There is my precious sunshine."

Even amidst the music, chatter and laughter, the ancient tongue rings clear through it all, as Rafiel's eyes finally manage to locate the first pair of snow-white wings that he has been looking for in the glistening crowd.

However, even a brother longing for a reunion should not intrude. As such, he waits until he sees that she is unoccupied for a moment, and then he approaches her, a warm smile on his lips, his hands reaching out for hers.

"It has been a while, my dear sister. Such a delight to see you again! How have you been?"

It is something like instinct, probably — for even though Leanne had been so young, had so little awareness of those around her before her memory had been awash, first in flames, then in the soothing slumber with blackened branches her only companions, she would always feel that connection, always be most at home among her family.

And so the voice immediately draws her, and the younger heron is already beaming as she turns towards her eldest brother. "Rafiel!!" With a joyful exclamation, she reaches out to take her brother's hands, pulling closer and basking in the warmth that his heart exudes, the mutual joy from their reunion.

"I've been good," she says brightly, "And I'm so happy that you're here too! Did you also get here by the beorc ship, Rafiel? It feels so different from traveling by land, right??" Beorc inventions are all so funny and interesting, aren't they?

Another thought occurs to her. "Oh, but if you just arrived, you must be tired, right? Do you want me to get you something to eat? They have these really delicious red fruits here! Umm... poma... something..." Oops, she doesn't remember. But it's nothing she'd ever seen back in Tellius, and it certainly is very good!

#sereneshymn #toaball2024

He's met another like her before. He'd seen a younger man with bright white wings, elegantly swimming in the water before him. He'd foolishly offered him berries, as if he were some sort of bird -- which, to be entirely fair to Duessel, he had taken the form of when they first met.

He does not wish to make a fool of himself again. He comes up to her and bows for a greeting. "Good evening, milady. I don't believe we have met, but I know another with wings as lovely as yours who you might know. Are you acquainted with Reyson of Serenes?"

The man greets her so politely, and Leanne giggles as she returns a curtsy the way she'd seen beorc ladies do, before nodding at the mention of Reyson.

"Yes, Reyson is my..." Oh, how did beorc put it... "Elder brother!" While she isn't quite sure about their history — it being a topic Father is, understandably, not yet ready to discuss in depth — she is fairly certain that she and her immediate family are the last of the white-winged herons remaining, after the fire. With her and her siblings all in Fódlan, these foreign beorc are getting to see a rare sight!

"You are... Reyson's friend, yes?" It's heartening to know that her brother has been able to make many beorc friends even after the wars, and with that thought, Leanne takes the black feather from her brooch, offering it to the man for the swap with a bright smile. "I hope... we will be friends, as well!"

#obsidiendo #toaball2024

[ Cue the Music ] - Dancing's what tonight's all about, is it not? Grab a friend or a stranger and get to twirling (or whatever it is the kids call it nowadays).

The next song isn’t familiar, but it is similar enough to a dance from home that he finds himself searching for a partner. He cannot avoid dancing an entire ball. but who better to ask than one he knows is well-versed in music? At the very least, they have harmonized once before. It isn’t difficult to find her- though surprisingly, he thinks he catches sight of more than one pair of white wings.

Offering out his free hand, he bows slightly. “Might I have the honor of a dance?”

Leanne's expression lights up as she sees the beorc bard, and she takes his hand eagerly, following his lead onto the dance floor. While herons are not as naturally adept at dancing as they are at singing, it's not too hard to keep to the rhythm. She mainly watches for Elffin's movements, mirroring them in turn, giggling as she makes the occasional misstep, wings fluffing behind her to maintain her balance.

"You... know this well?" she tilts her head at him as she finally gets the basic hang of the dance enough to speak to her partner, "You are, hmm, good dancer, too!" How amazing, that a beorc would be so adept with multiple types of music and performances!

#moriddyn #toaball2024

[Water ] - The liquid of life, the quencher of thirst. Served in crystalline glasses. And what’s more dramatic than throwing water at someone’s face!

Even out of context, he couldn't help but concern over the girl. Their venture into the start heat of Aillel had wrought havoc on the both of them, although in rather different ways.

"Here." It might have seemed abrupt, but his tone wasn't unkind - knowing the gap in her knowledge of the language, and it not being his native tongue either, Raven found it best to allow her to lead the tenor of conversation, to speak as much or as little as she'd like.

"Have you...ah, have you been having fun? Tonight." She was clearly highly regarded amongst her people, though he didn't know if that equated to being a sort of nobility, nor even if it would follow that she would necessarily have been to many of these kinds of events in her life.

Gently picking a black feather from his brooch, he rolled the rachis of it between his fingers absently before extending it to her. "I don't know if you'd like to dance later but...if you would, you may come find me."

Amid the cacophony of sound this evening — not nearly as upsetting as the chaos of a battlefield, but almost as disorienting — it is getting more and more difficult to make out individuals in the sea of different voices, both physical and emotional.

With a quiet sigh, Leanne settles into a corner and closes her eyes, wings fluffed up as though to shield herself, however partially, against the influx of noise. It's not until a singular voice sounds, very close to her, that she opens her eyes to the sight of a beorc holding a glass of water in hand.

"Raven," she smiles up at him, accepting the drink with a grateful nod and taking a sip. "Yes, it is... loud," and her free hand hovers over her heart, instead of her ears, at the comment, "But it is fun!" The buzz in the air is mainly one of excitement and joy, after all, infinitely preferable to the chaos of war.

Oh! And now that she is focused on him, she could sense that there is something different in his heart from before. A little lighter, a little more at ease, than when they had stepped into the valley together. She accepts the feather offered to her, and takes her own black feather decoration in turn, carefully pinning it against his brooch with a gentle hand.

"Your heart is... hmm, less... heavy, now," she says. Whatever it is that has aided in his healing, even a little, she is grateful for. "I hope you will be... happy."

She takes another drink of the refreshing water, feeling the pressure from the noise around her ease a little from this, another kind gesture from the one who had saved her life once before. Maybe she will find him for a dance, once she finishes her glass.

#peerlessscowl #toaball2024 #i think leanne just has no concept of how invasive the heron ability is and also isn't very good at controlling how to turn it on/off yet #so like ooc boundaries of godmodding is the only thing that keeps the vibes vague #she's just Looking at everyone at all times

[ Sweet Bun Trio ] - A selection of traditional Faerghus pastries, all small enough to be eaten in one delicious bite! The first bun is filled with sweet cream and topped with icing and a candied cherry. The second is a sweet roll filled with almonds, pecans, and dried cranberries and glazed with honey. The third is a bun sliced in half, filled with almond paste and whipped cream, dusted with powdered sugar on top.

"I hope this is in the Heron appetite," He expresses, offering forward a silver plate of delicacies -- he hadn't much the appetite for sweets or confections, but perhaps the jovial young Heron would. "I'm not too sure how different your meals are to mine, but I would imagine the feast of a dragon different than much that the Bird Tribe would consume."

He offers a smile, though it stays hidden behind his mask. "Consider this royal diplomacy, and ... a deep thank you. For everything."

"Oh!" Leanne turns towards the Dragon prince, the company, along with the sweet scent of the pastries, bringing a grin to her lips. Taking one of the trio offered, she bites into it with practiced care. The cream within bursts with delightful sweetness, and Leanne's wings fluff behind her in contentment. "It is... very good!" she chirps.

Thank you, he says, and she knows what he speaks of, the memory of deep pain that casts a somber tone to the tune of his heart, even as he smiles for her. She and Reyson might have helped Rajaion return to this form, but she knows the journey to recovery must be far from over. (Just like with Father.)

It is that thought that draws her to action. Leaning closer, the Heron princess takes her brooch, with the black feather adorning it, and fastens it to the Dragon's clothing. Whether the feather might hold the same significance, might bring forth the same feelings of trust and safety for him as it does for her, is not the most important thing. Leanne's smile turns gentler.

"Promise me you will find joy in this evening, Prince Rajaion?" she asks in the Ancient Tongue, and while she cannot be certain he would understand her words fully, the swirling of Seid Magic around them speaks of her well-wishes in a way that she hopes he can feel all the same.

You deserve all the happiness in the world.

#madnessbefallen #toaball2024 #oh this pair always makes me so soft u cannot imagine

Leanne hums to herself cheerfully as she plays with the sleek Black Feather she had been given; it reminds her of Naesala's, and that is enough to set her in the very same good mood that fills the air all around her. She could feel the draw of familiar hearts elsewhere in the ballroom, but also the promise of new meetings, new possibilities. Ooh, maybe she'll first go and see if the refreshments table has anything that she can have!

Tracker:

black feather: Raven white feather: Rajaion, Naesala string of pearls: Sennō small bell: Reyson teardrop crystal: Duessel

#everyone is also free to approach her looking for white feathers if u wanna be funny #she grew them herself thank u very much and they are not for exchanging!!#toaball2024

peerlessscowl

whenever heaven's doors are shut

peerlessscowl

Ailell, the Valley of Torment, is said to have once been used as a training grounds for monks as well as a place for the Goddess to burn corrupt maidens with her heavenly light, but few nowadays can attest to the veracity of such claims seeing as how almost nobody who treasures their own life dares to step foot anywhere near Ailell. However, new magical developments from House Daphnel have created a spell that allows a person to withstand even the hottest of flames so long as it’s casted regularly! Brave souls are encouraged to see the miraculous effects of such magic themselves and trek into these once terrifying lands. With any luck, you might even run into one of these fabled, hardened monks yourself! Or perhaps you might be able to save a beautiful, wayward maiden from being burned from the Goddess’ judgment? [Grants Faith +1] (starter for @serenegaldr)

It seemed that no matter where a man went the gods were cruel, at their core. There may have been grace and light behind their acts of creation, but if one looked for long enough they might have seen the wanton destruction that blazed just beneath.

Raven's boots scuffed the earth, glowing with heat and char, as he stepped into the expanse of Aillel for the first time. If he'd been of a scholarly mind, he might have wondered at the magic that crackled along his skin, amazed at being able to see the heat more than feel it - but he was not, and all he saw was the promise of death that lay in the scripture of Seiros.

It was not at the church's behest that he was making his way into this valley - indeed, he suspected that they might have objected to his finding the remains of these so-called corrupt maidens, at giving them a proper rest as was their due. Regardless, he had found a companion of a most unusual sort - familiar, in no small part, due to the wings that came from her back, but also in the calming manner she diffused into the air, as if it were effortless.

Familiar facial features. He tried to convince himself that he wasn't merely being biased, but the wings were rather a tip-off, weren't they?

"Ah…" He cleared his throat to get her attention, having discovered along their journey here that she did not speak the language of Fodlan particularly well - if at all? Reticent, if so - and certainly none of the languages of Elibe. He jerked his head in the direction of their destination, and inclined his head.

Ready?

#peerlessscowl #♪ raymond 01 #wooo heading into hell with my new friend

Leanne was captured in silent fascination at the magic those of House Daphnel had cast upon them. It had seemed such a simple gesture, and yet instead of feeling the oppressive heat that must be emanating from the ground at this very moment, it felt more like she was standing under a pleasantly balmy sun.

She glanced to her companion, wondering if this is a novel sensation to him too, or if he had already had experience with amazing beorc magic as this.

Raven, he'd said his name was. The beorc's name was very easy to remember, rolled off the tongue with a fond familiarity. The man himself was quiet, though, with a heart that felt nearly as tortured as the cracked and warped earth below them. What is wrong, she wanted to ask, will you let me help ease your burden?

But Raven was not her family, was not even Lady Elincia whom she had gotten to know over the course of the Mad King's War. Still familiarizing herself with the tune of his heart, Leanne did not yet know what to offer him as a balm, other than a soft smile and the unspoken promise to remain by his side through this valley.

He indicated the way forward with a silent gesture, and Leanne nodded. "We go... together," she spoke, her first words to him in a while. And keeping step with him, they headed into the land of torment.

goldoanheart

That One is Exodia. It Means 'Fuck You'

Authority +1 | Recovery

goldoanheart

"You do not have to refer to me so formally, Leanne. We are students all the same here," Kurthnaga says gently, shuffling his own hand gently once more. He had never known much of the heron siblings back in Tellius, but Leanne was a sweet girl. A girl that he would be honored to call a friend at some point.

"I do believe you're right though. The point of the game is for one of us to bring the other down to zero," Kurthnaga frowns. As much respect as he could have for beorc creativity, the goal of the game was rather... well, it would be crude to say violent, because it truly wasn't, but still.

At least there is no actual fighting or blood involved. It's just a fun game, much to the young dragon's relief.

"Let's see..." he opens the rulebook beside him, flipping to the page about starting a game, "It seems to get started we both must play a beginning card, either of terrain or monster classes."

#goldoanheart #♪ kurthnaga 01

Leanne nods at the instructions Kurthnaga gives out, though the change in his expression — and the accompanying, brief change in the tone his heart takes — catches her notice. She makes a thoughtful noise.

"I like that one the most," she points at the earlier creature she had been shown, cute smile and fairy wings against a colorful woodland background reminding her of home, "But it does not look like a creature that should be involved in a fight, don't you think?"

She places the card down on her side, giving it a considering look before looking back up at the dragon eagerly.

"Maybe, just as beorc make up interesting games, we can create our own rules as well. Ones that do not require us to fight!" Never having made up a game before, Leanne isn't quite certain what direction this could go, but that is also part of the fun. Surely, between herself and Kurthnaga, they could think up something that is just as interesting as the battling aspect the beorc intended for these cards!

taking my best friend out to a rat concert (concert performed by rats)

[SHOWCASE] - Sword+1, Leanne and Naesala

The rat orchestra from last year’s Ethereal ball is apparently back and looking for work again. That’s the only explanation you can think of, anyway, when you start hearing rumors about rodents gathering in some out-of-the-way alley in town to play music on instruments stolen from the monastery. At the same time, a second rumor has started up: students have reported hearing a long C-sharp before going to bed at night, only to discover the next morning that one of their classmates has gone missing! That’s three in the span of a week so far. Are these things related? The Knights won’t get involved and the monastery staff appears unbothered, so you decide to take these matters into your own hands. [Grants Sword +1]

Naesala cannot actually speak with animals.

Leanne of course knows this. He’s been lying this entire time to another blond, but she doesn’t need to know that. It’s funny, because he definitely will report that the rats had beautiful lyrics and amazing talent regardless of what these rodents actually sound like.

Sure, he should be a little more concerned about the missing students than he is, but he figures that’s less grading for him to do later on. If they’re caught slipping, that’s on them. Not his problem.

He’s not entirely sure that Leanne feels the same way, so he won’t express that sentiment. She has a moderately good opinion of him (he thinks, at least) and he would like to keep it that way. Being in both of the heron’s good graces does elevate his mood greatly, and is making for a momentarily normal mindset for King Kilvas.

“Do you believe these rumors to be true?” he asks in the ancient tongue. The town is starting to get sleepy, and Naesala can see the shops closing up for the evening. He supposes he could take to the skies and get a better view of it all, but not now. His feet are planted on the earth and his eyes narrow in the dying light.

( an issue of course being that ravens have particularly bad vision in the dark. this is a problem for later-Naesala. )

“I’m not sure I could recognize a C sharp. Though with your discerning tastes you might be able to.”

@serenegaldr