Social: The Song of Opera
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Inn is always a hub of activity, being off the market and all. This evening it is quieter than normal, perhaps it is the late hour or it is just a slow day. It is of no importance to why, just that it is. The subtle and lingering fragrance of lavender fills the room with no clear source. Maybe someone is wearing it, maybe incense are strategically placed. Tables have been moved to set up a mock stage and dance floor. On the stage is a young woman withlavender hued eyes, amethyst hued skin, and deep purple hair. she towers over many people, even those who are clearly from the same place she is from. She is clearly from the Santua Kingdom, as she has the look that they display. She is singing a song that is quite romantic yet sorrowful. It seems to be about finding someone that has been long searched for yet not yet found. A foretelling song perhaps? Considering the song seems to lightly match up with the rumors of a Missing God.
Jesse's work would often take them around the Inn, usually in the shadow of someone much more important; however, this evening, the Guard would enjoy time to themselves without a charge to care for. At first, the Santua performer would get about as much attention as normal from Jesse - maybe an impressed nod when the first parts of the song are brought out, but otherwise a reverent quietness to enjoy that and a few draws from a tankard in peace. As time goes on and the contents of the song reveal themselves, however, the Divinus Guardsperson lets their eyes of gleaming green start to linger with more attention, and there is a chewing of the lip that has Jesse more introspective. They were never an expert in these matters, so the connection does not immediately come to mind, but something about the song seems to invoke rapt attention from the uniform-wearing patron. Whether that be due to something they had lost before, or what remains to be found, time would have to tell.
It is a semi-long song but well sung. The Santuan Singer is exceptional at the singing. When the song ends she steps down from the make-shift stage to wander to the bar for a drink. Jesse is given a little wave when the singer notices them. It is a good bet that the tall amethyst hued woman noticed the shift of attention. Once to the bar a fruity drink is ordered by the girl and she settles down to start sipping from it.
The Guard ekes out a warm smile when the wave comes their way, a timid wiggling of slender fingers returning in kind. For a moment, Jesse froze, considering if their attention was borderline disrespectful staring and if they should just keep their distance and let the singer enjoy time with the drinks. Whether by boldness that borders on carelessness or an entranced interest, though, the uniformed person eventually breaks out of this thought and closes the distance - with tankard in hand of course! They settle next to the singer and admit quietly, "You sing beautifully. Some great inspiration must have you to be able to move others with words alone." This isn't probably anything new to someone so accomplished in singing, but of course to someone outside of its knowledge like Jesse, there's a hint of wonder to it all. That said, something about the song still tugs at the Guard, and that gives rise to the specific wording of their compliment.
"Thank you." says the singer with a smile, "Many things inspire me." Her head tilts a touch then she comments, "You seem like you have more to say." Her hand lifts to place another drink order, head tilting to inquire to what Jesse would like to have. "I don't often get bothered by questions being asked of my songs."
Caught red-handed in holding back their words, Jesse goes wide-eyed. "Am I that easily read?" they lament, though a sort of rueful smile forms just after. A tinge of red takes the Guard's face when it's clear that drinks are to be ordered, "Oh, well, thank you." Those green eyes go down to the tankard and it is placed more firmly on the counter, "I can't say no to more mead, of course, but it's not needed. I'm the one inconveniencing you, after all." The Guard shakes with some self-inflicted amusement, before actually getting to answer the singer's statement. "We could all have different answers about the song you gave us, but what about you? What does that song mean to you?" Their eyes flash with genuine interest, not even caring if there's a link to anything secretive now, just wanting to know what could be such an inspiration.
"I am a singer." says the girl with a laugh, "It is my business to be able to read what people don't express clearly. How else would I be able to sing a song to reach people?" At the question she gives a light shrug, "I have many meanings behind what I sing." Not exactly an answer but it is, of sorts. "I just sing what speaks to me." Another laugh is given here, "Perhaps that is what my magic is." Everyone has magic. Not everyone readily says what it is.
The gleaming in Jesse's eyes is a little muted when curiosity is not exactly fed, finding the answer to be even more mysterious than the question. However, mystery always invites interest, so the patron gives a good-natured laughter in response to the girl's words. "Fair enough, I suppose even I, with the little I do know, have to concede that there are many feelings to explore in song. Some I may have yet to learn with passion, as well. But magic or not, for the intriguing or otherwise, you have a talent true." There is a small pause, then Jesse explains further the source of their interest, looking into the lavender eyes, "I only ask because the song reminds me of family I have longed to see. So I wondered if the song has found roots within your life, or if what speaks to you is different." There's a bit of nervousness apparent in Jesse's countenance now, as if not convinced their own words were leaving enough of an impact.
The girl tilts her head in consideration, "You could say it does." she says, "I have lost someone but I am not the one the Gods have decreed to find this person. Others are." She tilts her head a bit in wonder, "I wonder if you are one of the ones destined to find this person. Do you believe in fate?" she wonders.
Taking the words at face value, Jesse actually gets a similar look in their eyes as when the singer was on stage - there's a slight hint of misty melancholy there, vicariously gained this time. "You cannot find someone close to you, and must entrust in others? It sounds to be a cruel thing, why you would be unable to. I wish I could help you, if I'm capable." There goes the Guard, signing themself up for more work right out of the bleeding heart's impulses. When the question is turned back on them, Jesse fiddles with the tankard, "Yes, though I may never understand what is destined and what could be my will to achieve. Can you tell me about the one you're looking to find? Maybe theirs is a face I have seen before?"
The Santuan goes silent for a long moment then says, regretfully, "It is not me who must give details on this person but a foreigner. The Gods have set down the rules for me to follow, after all. You will know who to speak to upon seeing them. They look different than what is known." Just what does this singer known to know about 'foreigners'? Perhaps her 'job' is to direct people to where the Gods want them to be.
Just what did Jesse get into anyway? These confusing words in lieu of a proper description has the Guard scratching through their red hair, tangling a finger upon a few strands nervously before breaking away. Suspicion and doubt seep into the Guard's eyes for a moment, but then they let out a resigned, "I am not sure if that will be an easy thing to follow or find, though if your question of fate comes to play, the only thing I can do is count upon your words to hold true." Hesitantly, they follow, "Who is this person, and what do they mean to you, if I may at least ask that?"
The singer is quiet a moment again, "They are known as Aeran." She only gives the first name, no other name. Her mostly unclear responses remind a little of how the Gods are when answering certain questions so it would not be amiss to assume she is being guided by them. "They are a person invaluable to me. No one is more important to me than them." She never refers to Aeran as any particular gender so it likely means they are like Jesse and don't identify as either gender.
Perhaps thankfully for the singer, Jesse's fully aware of how important these ties can be, having made a career out of protecting others in various ways. "Someone you care about will be given proper purpose. Should this be just and true, if our paths do cross, I would hope to reunite the both of you. Perhaps in joy you shall sing next we meet!" The person briefly holds their right wrist in their opposite hand, massaging the scarred mark on the inside, while trying on a reassuring smile for the singer. "That said, should I find Aeran, how might I prove to them that I act under your request? Perhaps a name you go by that will ease their mind?" Of course, given the mystery enshrouding this request, Jesse starts to suspect something beyond mortal kind at play. However, they suppress that thought from turning to words, instead trying to offer the respect of treating it with the same gravity as a person who's lost someone dear may look for.
"I am sure you will cross paths." The Singer pauses again then adds, 'You might also want to see out the Archbishop of Mataya. He may know of the missing person without realizing he knows." Upwards the Santuan stands and smiles to Jesse, "He will know but you can call me Opera." Is it her actual name? Hard to say.
Jesse's head tracks the singer as she stands, offering a somewhat timid smile like the one they provided before meeting. Hurriedly, they offer, "Perhaps befitting.." before gushing out in earnest, "I'm Jesse! If you're headed away, it's been a pleasure to meet you. I wish you well, and hopefully I can be of some help to you." The reverence for the singer, despite true names provided or not, turns into deep thought. Jesse reflects once more upon this particularly worded and mannered mission that they've been assigned, and wondering if they can really manage to navigate the path of fate for this mysterious stranger.
Opera smiles gently to Jesse, "It is a delight to meet you, Jesse. I do need to slip away. I have to be at the gambling house since I promised to sing there too." She finishes off he last of her drink and sets down some money, "Drink as much as you like. It is on me." Her hand lifts to lightly brush Jesse's arm, "I am sure you will help me. I've no doubt."
The touch upon their arm causes a reddening of those fair cheeks of Jesse's, perhaps reminding the Guard to actually look at the money put down and then thank its source. In turn, Jesse's look is one of growing fondness. "Your words are sure to reassure, whether singing or just in talk." Regardless, they did not have anyone specific to protect at this time, so they looked towards the bar counter with a warm smile that's soon to be fed more drink on account of this singer's generosity.
The expression of Opera looks mildly amused, "Enjoy your evening, Jesse." says Masquerade before she turns to walk towards the door towards her next destination.
Jesse takes on a timid, yet almost endearing expression back to Opera, almost like the first time they observed the singer in their work. They call out, "I will, thanks to you!" with their own chime of laughter, but their gaze does not leave the singer until she fades from sight through the door. The Guard tenses their legs as if considering the option of following to enjoy other venues, but respectfully holds back with the more reasonable parts of their being.