「 The Dragon's Curse | A Dungeons & Dragons Roleplay 」

[goblin.]

𝐇𝐘𝐙𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐓
[ twenty-five ] [ male ] [ tiefling ] [ bard ] [ location: redwood, inn interior ] [ tags: nix/victoria, (mentioned) leah ]

Hyzenthlay looked up, his lips quirking into a small smirk. He gestured to the stool next to him, silently asking her to sit with him. "It seems I have been caught red handed." Not that there were many others who could have done it. Aside from him there was only a slyph and three elderly men present. Well, not including the bartender or the cook, neither of which would have been to eager to spend their hard-earned coin on a mere stranger. "Though I suppose in my case blue handed would be more accurate." The bard chuckled, shaking his head. The bartender returned, sliding Victoria her drink before stalking off to the kitchen, no doubt to talk about them behind their backs. Small town folks had a habit of being quite the gossips, in Hyzenthlay's experience. He glanced at her drink of choice, trying to figure out her exact order simply by sight. It was a hard task but he had years of practice, allowing him to deduce she had ordered a coffee with no sort of creamer. He could not tell if she had added any sugar, though he highly doubted it. You could tell a lot about a person by just their drink of choice. Those who did not like creamer rarely liked sugar.

The tiefling appeared as laid-back and friendly as could be to the half-elf, at least as far as he could tell. His posture was relaxed, his torso leaned forward against the counter and his tail neatly wrapped around the bottom of the stool so that it would not be stepped on. He wore a tucked in white tunic, a long and fitted blue jacket, black trousers, black shoes, and a simple beaded bracelet on his left wrist. His strong chin and high cheek bones gave him a handsome appearance, dark blue freckles adding an air of youthfulness to his features. While he had a few scars, the most noticeable cutting through his right eyebrow, he hardly seemed the type prone to violence or crime. Those with little knowledge of weaponry could have chocked the scar up to a childhood accident or an animal attack. Those with such knowledge, however, would easily be able to tell that the scar had come from a blade. A straight scar, as opposed to a jagged one, indicated a clean and precise slice. Whoever or whatever had given Hyzenthlay that scar had done so on purpose. "It's odd seeing one of your kind in these parts. I thought they tended to stay away from human establishments. Then again, humans take more kindly to your folk than mine, I suppose."

[winter solstice.]

Nix / Victoria Leostara

Nix | 25 years old | lawful neutral | changeling | nonbinary (they/them) | druid (circle of the shepherd) | current persona: Victoria (she/her) | location: Redwood inn | tagged: Hyzenthlay

Nodding slowly, the half-elf took a seat next to the tiefling, as indicated, and observed him. She could hear Talaris rattling off the details and her analysis of the man before her in her mind. Absentmindedly reaching for her cup of coffee, Victoria took a sip, allowing Talaris to finish her analysis, and allowing her to savor the strong, bitter scent of her drink of choice. The half-elf finally stated, nodding toward the tiefling, "I suppose you are no stranger to violence. Yet... you travel around with a circus? I would call that... odd." She lifted her hood from her face and said, somewhat relaxing at seeing how relaxed her speaking partner seemed, "That said, I believe we have yet to introduce ourselves, sir. My name is Victoria Leostara." As she said this, she noted a male half-orc coming down the stairs, glancing his way for the briefest of moments.

[goblin.]

𝐇𝐘𝐙𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐓
[ twenty-five ] [ male ] [ tiefling ] [ bard ] [ location: redwood, inn interior ] [ tags: nix/victoria, (mentioned) landon ]

Hyzenthlay took note as the half-orc moved by them, eyes widening slightly. The stranger was quite handsome, in his not so humble opinion. Large in built like most half-orcs were with ruggedly good looks, green skin marked with many noticeable scars. He saw a flash of a tattoo as the other walked by; not a good enough look to tell what it was but good enough to know it was fairly large. 'Hm, intriguing...' He thought to himself. He made a mental note to seek out the handsome traveler later and personally invite him to their performance. Perhaps Hyzenthlay could bribe the innkeeper to give him a room number? That would certainly be easier than waiting for him to eventually leave the inn, which would likely only happen when he was about to leave. Hyzenthlay also made a note to inform his companions not to rob him, as that would be rude, even by thief standards. Asking someone out only to rob them blind? That was far from gentlemen like, not that he cared much about that anyways.

The bard was snapped out of his thoughts as his eyes returned to the half-elf, now known as Victoria. He laughed, shaking his head at his actions. "I apologize, my mind seems to have wandered for a moment love." He gently took her hand, giving it a firm shake and pressing a quick kiss to her wrist. "The name's Hyzenthlay, Hyzenthlay Songsparrow." A fake last name, of course. In his many years of crime Hyzenthlay had acquired many friends, most of which were so loyal they would come running at a moment's notice. However, he had also acquired some enemies, with one in particular being especially determined to hunt him down. The tiefling had been narrowly dodging assassins for months now, none of which were very good at their job. He was lucky that his former friend hired such incompetent men to be his cronies, otherwise he would have been dead long ago. "I was wondering, would you like to come to our show tonight? I can get you a private reading with our fortune teller, Madame Rosellia. She is the best and finest in the land."

[winter solstice.]

Nix / Victoria Leostara

Nix | 25 years old | lawful neutral | changeling | nonbinary (they/them) | druid (circle of the shepherd) | current persona: Victoria (she/her) | location: Redwood inn | tagged: Hyzenthlay (mentions Landon, Leah)

Taken aback by the tiefling's behavior, Victoria stood still for a moment, allowing Nyx to poke through, giving Hyzenthlay a smirk. It was gone as soon as it had appeared, however, replaced by a neutral expression Victoria wore most of the time. Coughing politely, the half-elf replied, "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Songsparrow." Nodding toward the circus, she asked, "So, it seems your traveling troupe will be staying a while, eh?" Taking another sip of coffee out of her mug, the 'paladin' continued to question the blue-skinned tiefling, "What is it you do in the circus? Are you the ringmaster? Publicizer? Certainly," she smiled thinly, gesturing at the scar on the man's brow, "your job wouldn't have come with those sort of dangers."

Victoria turned her gaze to what the half-orc man was doing, as well as toward the door, which a sylph had gone through earlier as the half-elf had arrived, wondering on how often the town of Redwood got more 'exotic' travelers from around their current plane of existence.

[goblin.]

𝐇𝐘𝐙𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐓
[ twenty-five ] [ male ] [ tiefling ] [ bard ] [ location: redwood, inn interior ] [ tags: nix/victoria ]

"We aren't exactly a circus. We are just a group of people trying to make a living. Business has been hard in recent months, as I'm sure you have gathered. No one wants to come to your shows when you are traveling all the time; too high of a risk, you know?" There was a small hint of disappointment in Hyzenthlay's features, his smile briefly taking on a sad undertone. While their performances were mostly ruses to lure in unsuspecting fools, he really did enjoy performing. It gave him a chance to be his loud, flamboyant self without having to tone it down. It gave him the chance to show what he could do without others judging him based solely off of his appearance. In an instant this sadness was gone, pushed back down as he laughed, gesturing to his eyebrow. "Oh, this? It's nothing, really. We came into contact with a group of bandits a few years ago. They sliced me up a bit and made off with all of our coin." An ironic tale, considering his hidden profession. Still, it was the best lie he was capable of coming up with. He was unused to others questioning its origin, as most simply did not care to learn. "That is why we work so hard; it can all be taken from us at a moment's notice."

Hzenthlay glanced around, seeing if the bartender was around before reaching behind the counter and grabbing the bottle of dandelion whisky. He slipped a few coins in its place and poured himself another shot, downing that one just as quickly as the first. He had an incredibly high tolerance for drink, no doubt due to his years of indulgence. "I get the word out whenever we arrive in a new town, as I am by far the loudest in our little troupe." He chuckled. "I also perform at the end of every show, to settle the crowd down after all of the excitement. While my act is the least interesting by far, I have no room to complain. I am doing what I love, after all, and in this world that is the best we can hope for."

[Ashton_99]

<<Landon T. Morgan>>
○ Paladin ○ Oath Of the Sea ○ ♂ ○ 28~ ○ Bi ○ Location: Redwood;Tavern ○ Tags: ○

Landon knew he was being watched, or looked at at least. He wouldn't quite classify it as paranoia but considering his life with a less than law abiding crew he was always just a bit aware of the people around him. Especially those with eyes on him. Regardless, he refused to try and give himself away. Instead he finished the familiar work of sharpening and caring for his large, unique blade before sheathing it back in the inscripted sheath. He rested the put-away sword against his leg and now took the opportunity to find who was was watching him. His orange-gold eyes caught the odd pair at the bar. Well they certainly didn't seem like locals. He gave each a once over, raising a curious brow if he managed to catch their gaze when he did so.

Then, satisfied that he had at least singled out who was looking at him, Landon stood up and went over to the bar a small ways away from them. He called for the bartender, making quick work of getting a dark, spiced rum. Tactfully, he ignored the snapping of the bartender, already used to it from staying at the Inn for a few days. Landon dropped the correct coins into the man's hand and snorted as he watched the man stalk back off to the kitchen, "and good day to you too." The accent in Landon's voice certainly wasn't anything local. It was smooth and deep, much like the rum he'd gotten, and pulled on the ends of his words. He leaned against the bar, idly adjusting his loose shirt with the glass in hand before he raised it in greeting to the two other travelers in the tavern.

[goblin.]

𝐇𝐘𝐙𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐓
[ twenty-five ] [ male ] [ tiefling ] [ bard ] [ location: redwood, inn interior ] [ tags: nix/victoria, landon ]

The bard's heart leaped as he saw the handsome stranger sit a few stools over from them. He tried his best to keep his golden eyes averted, at least at first. It seemed his luck had changed! Now was the perfect opportunity to make his move. Hearing the half-orc place his order sent shivers down Hzenthlay's spine. That voice was simply heavenly, so deep and masculine. His mind had definitely been made up by this point. He turned, putting on his most charming smile as he addressed the stranger. "Good morning, handsome! Would you care to join my friend and I? I'm sure it would be much preferable to sitting alone." He offered, gesturing to the seat next to Victoria. His eyes moved briefly to observe his other companion, hoping she would not mind the extra company. After all, he had only just met the girl a few minutes before. He knew nothing of what social situations she was and was not comfortable with. He shrugged off his doubts, looking back to the half-orc as he continued to speak. "I was just inviting this lovely lass to our performance tonight. Perhaps you would like to come as well? There will be plenty of music and tricks to entertain you. Our fortune teller will also be doing a prediction for the coming months in hopes of easing the people's minds. It is of her strong opinion that this deadly plague that has engulfed our land will be gone by the end of next year."

[winter solstice.]

Nix / Victoria Leostara

Nix | 25 years old | lawful neutral | changeling | nonbinary (they/them) | druid (circle of the shepherd) | current persona: Victoria (she/her) | location: Redwood inn | tagged: Hyzenthlay (mentions Landon)

Victoria snorted softly as the tiefling gave the half-orc man his full attention. It was clear he was used to dealing with situations like this with all the flamboyance and glamour in the world. She nodded politely at the suggestion for the half-orc to join the two. After all, she reasoned, perhaps she wouldn't be bothered by the loud man beside her. As Hyzenthlay entertained this new guest, the half-elf mulled over what he had said earlier. The troupe wasn't a circus, as she'd guessed at. That was fair enough. In truth, she'd almost forgotten what it was like, being a part of a proper circus. Nix was doing their best to move on, after all, and painful memories like those weren't going to help.

Once it seemed that Hyzenthlay had finally quieted down, Victoria asked, finishing the last of her coffee, "Bandits, huh. That is a shame," she added, sympathy in her voice, "hope none of you were harmed... any more than that," she concluded, gesturing again to the scar. The half-elf didn't seem perturbed by the news of bandits. If push came to shove, 'Aunt Talaris' would take care of anyone trying to harm them.

[Ashton_99]

<<Landon T. Morgan>>
○ Paladin ○ Oath Of the Sea ○ ♂ ○ 28~ ○ Bi ○ Location: Redwood;Inn/Tavern ○ Tags: Open ○

Landon grinned easily at the boisterous offer, he tilted his head and shrugged, "Sure, so long as you think of a better nickname." There was a friendly teasing tone to his voice as he took the offered bar stool, bringing his drink with him. He leaned on the bar and looked them both over again now that he was closer. Maybe one of them was the reason his patron had lead him here? He certainly couldn't find much else in this tiny town. He drank his rum idly, listening to what Hyzenthlay said while catching the tail end of whatever conversation they where having. "Bandits and fortune tellers huh? Sounds like this is an interesting conversation to be a part of."
He debated the offer for a moment but didn't actually accept or deny it. Instead, moving on in the conversation.

He set his glass down on the bar top. "But as interesting as this all is, I don't believe I got either of your names," Landon nodded his head mock politely, "I'm Landon T. Morgan of The Star Treder, and you two are?" He absently pushed back his hair, as much as he liked the style sometimes it just got in the way when it wasn't cooperating. Still, it was better than letting Lorik take a razor to his head and leaving him with less than a buzz cut.

[goblin.]

𝐇𝐘𝐙𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐓
[ twenty-five ] [ male ] [ tiefling ] [ bard ] [ location: redwood, inn interior ] [ tags: nix/victoria, landon ]

Hzenthlay chuckled at Victoria's comment. "We're a tough group, despite what appearances may suggest. We have weathered far worse than a mere robbery." His eyes glanced over as the half-orc, now introducing himself as Landon, moved to sit beside them. A feeling of accomplishment washed over him upon seeing his plan actually work. To the tiefling, there was nothing more satisfying than a plan well done. His chuckling grew into light laughter at the paladin's response, his tail uncurling and flicking with amusement. "Well then, I will certainly have to keep that in mind. I have lots more where that came from." He offered the other his hand, just as he had done for Victoria. "Hyzenthlay Songsparrow, at your service." He paused for a moment, a look of recognition passing over his face. "Wait a moment, did you say Star Treder? I should have known. You have the look of a man who spends a lot of time at sea. Much more built than most, in my experience, though I suppose you would be quite muscular without a seafaring background." His intrigue with his new companions only seemed to be growing by the moment. They were both so interesting, and that was saying something, considering the many individuals he had encountered during his travels.

While he could not put his finger on it, something about the two felt comforting. It was as if Hyzenthlay was being drawn to them by some sort of invisible force. He had never been the religious type, having grown up in an environment where not much emphasis was placed on it, but it felt as if something mystical was behind their meeting. Perhaps it was just his overactive imagination, which had been known to dramatize things in the past, or perhaps it was some supernatural force trying to signal to him that these two individuals were of great importance. Whatever the reason, Hyzenthlay felt that he should stick close to them for the time being, just in case. "You know, I hail from one of the great cities outside of the capital. Not from the best of areas, mind you. I had the misfortune of being born among the lower-ranking citizens. I often dreamed of sailing away and becoming a pirate, as silly as that sounds to me now. I doubt I would be of much use at sea, thanks to my terrible seasickness."