moonlight serenade [open]

[Trinity]

"This violin is perfectly usable. I don't see who in their right mind would dispose of such a magnificent thing," Trinity sighed, leaning against the wall in her fancy red dress, inspecting the violin she was holding carefully in her hands. "Well, I suppose it won't hurt to play this here at this time of night." Trinity muttered quietly to herself, preparing the violin in her arms and soon beginning to play the first thing that came into mind, well, it may have seemed a bit inappropriate to play given the timing, but Trinity was... rather in a chaotic mood at the moment.

She had been undergoing a shortage of missions and jobs recently and was finding it difficult to keep herself focused. At some point when she was playing on the violin she literally picked up from nearby (wondering who left it or threw it there) she had lost herself in the music, and she had not even thought about the possibility of someone walking on her playing the violin. Truth to be told, she wasn't sure if anybody knew she played these musical instruments. Well, it's not like she particularly cared if anybody knew.

It would probably be weird to find out about what was basically a serial killer, though (Trinity would tell you otherwise though. Positive on that). In any case, Trinity continued to play on the violin, blissfully unaware of her own troubles and of the fact that somebody could have walked and stood there the whole time, listening.

[Deleted]

Why am I so emotional?
No, it's not a good look, gain some self-control

It was time for a night off of guard duty.

Being Captain of the Guard was a tiring job when you weren't the Head Captain of the Guard. No, Liam got the prestigious duty of desk jockey, stuck with all of the paperwork thereof. Everything from approval of weapons from the quartermaster to the supply of extra rations into the training hall was to be taken care of by the poor troubadour, and he was a very tired man as a result. So, with a bit of planning, he slipped off and away for a single night. With that one night, what else would the good captain do?

Get fucking drunk.

And so he had slipped off towards the good source of rum and ale and all things alcoholic, drinking away his worries. He was only partway through the festivities - a party which meant sitting alone in a corner, binge drinking - when suddenly there was music. Not just any kind of music - not some sort of tavern song and dance, at any rate. No, this was the music of a castle's grounds; the music of young nobles and scholars. A string.

A stumble, a step, and a half-trip later, and the healer had propped himself up in the doorway with a pint in hand. For a second he just stared at the female with the violin; a second later, he spoke.

"Y'know, fer someone in a bar like thish, you play p'etty well." Only slightly slurred and on point. A good start to what could turn into a disaster of a conversation.

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[Trinity]

By the time Trinity had finished playing her particular piece of music she looked around because sheswoee she heard a voice. Fortunately it wasn't someone who wanted to apprehend her or something. On the other hand, the man who tried to strike up a conversation held a pint in his hand. He was either drinking, or he was already drunk. Unfortunately, this meant that he may not be a prospective client. "Good evening, sirrah. Thanks for your compliment. I am always practicing at night, after a drink, of course. What brings you here, then? You look like you've been drowning your sorrows away or something." Trinity spoke, putting own the violin. The lady in red tried to give theman a closer look, sizing him up. She wasn't entirely sure what he did, or if he had other responsibilities. But for now, he would do as a source of entertainment. "I just think it's a darned shame someone would just discard such a ring instrument like this, you know?" Trinity continued. She wondered how long the man would take before his rationalities were thrown out the window with how drunk he seemed.

Fortunately, Trinity could hold her liquor, but she had no clue how much the man had drunk prior to approaching her.

[Deleted]

Why am I so emotional?
No, it's not a good look, gain some self-control

Fortunately for Trinity, Liam was capable of coherency during such nights; while his hand-eye coordination might leave something to be desired, his brain was still properly wired to his mouth and he could keep up with her in all kinds of conversation.

Liam lightly raised his container of sweet ale when she wished him a good eve; all fair things to be returned and the like. He quirked an eyebrow at learning that she practiced after a drink of two; that was a curious habit, and one he didn't get to question before she swiveled the conversation back to him. He looked like he was drinking his sorrows away, eh? Bored eyes looked down at his swill as he lightly moved the cup, causing the liquid inside to lap and spin. With a shrug he looked up.

"Nah, just drinkin' to be drinkin' tonight. Never get any time away from the cash-shel nowadays." Woops, that might have been too much - he bit his tongue until something ticked away at his curiosity once more.

"Waitamin', you shayin someone just... left that violin? Just like that?"

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[Trinity]

"Yes, just like that, somevody left the violin outside on the streets, not too far from this establishment. I am sure you will agree that it seems like a waste. I can't even keep it because I haven't simply got a home to go to." Trinity explained, sounding a little melancholic but more on the fact she couldn't keep the violin rather than rhe fact she didn't have a home. Come to think of it, the person who approached hermentioned something that tipped her off, and not necessarily in a good way. Trinity's smile turned a litle awkward when she realized that the person she was talkng to was probably a member of the Guard here in Ylisse. "In any vase, you seem to be perfectly capale od some small talk, so why don't you tell me a bit about yourself? I am not sure if my name has spread acrpss your ranks, but I am simply named Trinity."

Trinity may have compromised hwr own safety if the person she spoje to knew about her as threat but that simply addd to thw thrill. If Trinity became branded as a fugitivw, then she could have a lot of fun. Then agan, she might not be as well known here as she was n Plegia.

[Ydolus]

A midnight sonata enchants the weathered soldier and draws him to clarity The night for all its promises of silence and tranquility was never truly at peace. The calm of the evening was just an illusion blanketed over the sleeping masses whilst the sleepless scurried about the city like rats in a maze. Ydolus was one such creature. His military robes fluttered in the cool breeze of the night air as his booted steps echoed against the cobblestone walls of the city proper. This was the Tacticians Hobby, as he called it. When not gathering and relaying information to his soldiers, he was mapping out known battlefields, making sure that every nook and cranny was to his disposal. The city streets of Ylisse was one such potential battleground. But what was an evening stroll without the accompanying melodies of instrumental art? Yes indeed, though it was but a whisper upon his ear did Ydolus pick up the sound of a tune he only recognized as a fated encounter. Perhaps that was the very purpose of its playing, to draw in those who would dare stalk the streets in the late eve and cause resonance. Whether for good or ill, Ydolus was drawn to the melody, letting it guide his foot steps further into the city. In due time did the Tactician find the source of the tune, now ended by unknown forces. A tavern, quaint and simple, easily fitting in the quiet streets of Ylisse. Ydolus knew it well. A nice place to sit a spill and drink your worries away, favored by the guardsmen. A source of trouble if not handled appropriately. The Tactician stepped inside as if it were his own home, brazen and sure of himself. The first thing to be seen were patrons, jolly and forgetful of their daily lives as the alcohol loosens their lips. Among them a familiar face, chatting up a woman of mystery carrying... a violin. Ah, the source of his wonder. "Ahem." Ydolus' grunt was sharp and direct, a piercing warning of an on-coming storm. Liam was known to him, an old subordinate from his days as an officer. A commendable man, though only when you kicked him in the proper direction, sometimes in the literal sense. "I do hope you're not planning to shame guard with your drunken mishaps, Liam." The old man jeered, stepping towards the two with a presence that demanded their attention. "Young miss, is my associate here bothering you?" His voice made a one-eighty degree change when addressing the civilian. From a stern general to a kindly old man.  [ tagged: @liam Trinity] [ muse ]

made by nette of gs / yasna of apo

[Trinity]

At some point when Trinity was chattering with the inebriated man, a more level-headed figure who was obviously not drunk had also made his way to her and this stranger, and the new entrant made a grunt as if trying to grab the drunken fellow's attention. It was at this juncture that Trinity learned he was named Liam, as he was referred to by the stern older man who seemed to scold him - shaming guard? So, at the end of the day, these two were part of the Ylissean guard. Besides, this new fellow would probably be able to figure out Trinity's capabilities, so she would wait to see how that goes. But for now, Trinity would attempt to be friendly as to avoid arousing too much suspicion at first.

Though what was interesting was the manner in which the old, weathered fellow turned a heel and sounded a lot more pleasant talking to Trinity as opposed to scolding the drunk Liam. "No, kind sir. Your... associate just happened to be interested in what I was playing on the violin. I assure you, he probably wasn't trying to charm me. Not that he could, in that state, anyways, haha." Trinity joked casually when responding to the man. "Since I introduced myself to your fellow man, you may just call me Trinity, if you missed it." Trinity casually namedropped, smiling warmly and innocently.

The thrill of wondering if she would be ousted right here and right now was already enough to make her mind go nuts. Yes, she enjoyed the imminent discovery - either disappointed that she wasn't as infamous as she thought she was, or surprise, pleasant surprise, that someone would know of her.

[Deleted]

Why am I so emotional?
No, it's not a good look, gain some self-control

Right. So, someone just left the violin out there, for anyone to take. Sure, that was believable. So very truthful in every aspect and way. Even with a bit of the good stuff running in his system right now, that seemed hella weird. It wasn't enough to pursue a questionaire with, however, as she quickly threw in the homeless bit.

Well, shit, he wouldn't feel very good about asking her any questions about thievery if she was homeless. That was like kicking puppies owned by orphans.

Orphans potentially named Trinity - wait, was that a familiar name? Liam couldn't recall anything significant about it...

Ahem.

Shit. That sound was etched into his mind forever, and as the Troubadour glanced over he could already feel the eyes. The old man had those eyes that seemed to eat into every thought you had. A forced smile met his face as he turned to the tactician he knew. Shame the guard?

"I don't needa be drunk to shame the guard, old man. Itsmah night off." Wait, that sounded way better in his head. Liam paused to rethink his wording, hoping to salvage the situation, and was lightly lost in the thought of the word puzzle when another bit hit him. He couldn't charm her?

A groan escaped his lips before he shook down another large gulp from his drink. He needed it. As he swallowed, the name struck another chord in his mind... the music was coming together as he just stared at her. Entirely red outfit, Trinity, out here...

... nah. Nothing. He shrugged it off. "Old man, waddya doin' out here, anyways?"

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[Ydolus]

The weathered soldier spies crimson and umbra, a puzzle of man and blood... A despicable smirk stretched across Ydolus' face as he watched his former subordinate slur and sputter at him. Ah the good old days of teasing poor Liam. He wondered how the new captain was treating him. Not good if the poor bastard had to come here to let loose. The old man sat down at a nearby vacant chair and looked to them with analyzing eyes. The girl seemed to have her head on straight, which wasn't too unexpected. Drunk performers tended to be of a lesser breed. She however carried herself elegantly.  Liam on the other hand... He was certainly drinking away his troubles. It wasn't terrible, but was his job truly that harsh these days? The old man had seen it before, watching his subordinate drink himself in regret when he thought one of his soldiers had fallen only to get back up the next day good as new. Those were old times though, and Ydolus was no longer a man in charge of Ylisstol's armed forces.  Dark eyes turned back to the woman sitting between Liam and himself. Trinity... what a curious name. A woman in crimson by the name of Trinity... now that was the subject of interesting tales. Yes, a Tactician like Ydolus knew the rumors on the grape vine. He made it his business to know. That was never reason to call someone out though. Better to let them sit and wait. "Well Liam, I was enjoying my walk when I heard such an enchanting melody so late at night." He looked back to the ravenette with a snide grin. "I was reluctant to believe that such a tune could come from your vicinity but I'm comforted to know it came from this lovely lady instead." He said, giving a boisterous chuckle. [ tagged: @liam Trinity] [ muse ]

made by nette of gs / yasna of apo

[Trinity]

"Life must be rough for this fellow if he's drinking himself silly tonight," Trinity merely remarked on the exchange between him and the other man, who Trinity still did not have a name for. She sighed and put down the violin on a conveniently-placed table nearby, setting down the bow as well. "And I'm certainly sure your jabs at him don't help either, good sir." Trinity smirked, she meant nothing harmless at the remark, but did seem to notice the sharp and rather uppity tone the older man took whenever he spoke to Liam, managing to seem more... kindly and more approachable whenever he probably spoke to anyone else. Trinity could sense it, but for now, she would just try to make jokes out of it and try to see how things go.

"Speaking of which, might you care to divulge your name to me, good sir? I've given you mine, after all, it's only fair that you give me yours if you're willing to. Of course, if you don't wish to, I won't force the issue." Trinity said, smiling sweetly as honey, idly rubbing her hands together in an innocent, almost childish and whimsical fashion.

Hopefully, if these two guys didn't recognize her fast enough, Trinity could find something interesting out about the area. Then again, the old guy seemed to be the type to gather a lot of information, and if Trinity's infamy ended up preceeding her... That was going to cause a fair bit of problems. Hopefully, Trinity could think of something. That was an added thrill. It actually excited the girl a little, but not terribly much.

[Deleted]

Why am I so emotional?
No, it's not a good look, gain some self-control

Liam was ready to give some sass to the old tactician, but even in inebriation he could see the cogs turning in the old machine. Ydolus was thinking on something and damned if Liam was going to walk into some wit-trap, if that was what it was. It could be anything from battle strategy to the identity of the ale he was drinking - or even who this Trinity person was - but it mattered not. Liam had his brew and people to converse with.

Even with the jabs and teases, it was nice to see the old man out and about. Liam didn't mind working under Ydolus when he had to; he was always put to good use and people tended to turn out okay. The healer thought on that while Trinity enforced Ydol's jabs at him in verbal confirmation. Well, yeah, he was getting messed with, but you didn't have to state it out loud - that kind of set in the sad truth of the matter and made things odd.

"Ha ha. Hope yew two ar'njoyin yourselfs, cuz I shure am." With the fake laugh complete, Liam downed the rest of his swill and set the tankard down on the table with a loud clash of metal-ring bottom on wood. He spent the next moment eyeing and watching Trinity speak with Ydolus. For some reason, he just couldn't get the name off of his mind. Trinity, dressed in red, Trinity makes you dead.

Well that was an odd as hell thing to think. Liam furrowed up his face in deep, deep drunken concentration to try and figure out why he had said such an eerie rhyme in his head, scratching at his chin and unbeknownst to himself, mumbling aloud.

"Trinity... tha killer? No... thatsh nah'right, ishit? Nah..."

made by nette of gs!