Jerry
It would make more sense unless you want me to
Nathan
No, no I was just making sure. I'd be fine with starting
Jerry
Right go ahead then

I am realizing i probably should have beeb the one to start

Its far more depressing
Bonnie
*The orc would approach a walled bit of farmland. The gate was open, they were taking visitors presumably.

Past the gate was the fields of grapes, with the workers filling their baskets. They didn't even take notice of her walking through. They were all dunmer. All of them. Her objective was clear though, there was a manor in the center of the rear of the property. Doors closed but unlocked.

When she entered, she would see three shrines, to the three good daedra. Everything inside was far too well kept, and dead silent apart from the faint sound of a fire upstairs. She was in a dimly lit foyer, how anyone could see in this lighting was a mystery. Was there even anyone here?*
Nathan
It was late — many a traveler would have been in bed by now, but Vanea was among the few who rejoiced in the night. The night was when tavern goers would thrive; when they would get together to drink, make song, and tell stories like none have ever heard before! As a bard herself, this was what she needed. It was in her blood, the art of song and parties. Playing for others; making them smile, laugh or cry. It was what moved her forward; compelled her to keep looking forward. Tonight was bound to be another one of those nights. First, though, came the planning phase!

 The gate to the winery creaked open slowly, sending its deafening screech over the winery fields like the song of constant twittering birds. The sound did not rouse the dunmer workers, though. Strange. They didn't even look up to see who had entered. Vanea continued briskly down the path, her jet black, silken hair trailing behind like a banner of sorts. She had come such a long way to see the place, and yet there was not a soul who seemed to care that she was even here! She expected a welcoming of sorts, seeing as she made such a long trek. But no.. Nothing. Perhaps that would come inside? She traipsed, still somewhat eagerly to the manor ahead.

 "..Hello? *Hello?!*" The orc called out, her voice booming, and yet smooth and calming all at the same time. It was uncommon for an orc to sport a voice so sultry, and yet here one was. The astute may have picked up a wavering in her tone, though. She was uneasy, to say the least. The workers outside had been quite the first impression, but the dimly lit and seemingly empty manor was even more strange. If this place really was open to public like she thought, then they didn't take too partially to newcomers, clearly.

 "I've come with a proposition! *Hello..?*" The woman furrowed her brow with a twinge of annoyance. She wasn't going to leave without at least a word or two said to her!
Bonnie
"You've come rather late."

*A tall dunmer woman seemed to have materialized at the top of the Foyer. She was wearing a gray dress, which exposed her shoulders, and a large hat which concealed her eyes when she looked down. Her arms were crossed with a glass of wine in one hand.*

"I anticipated visitors tonight, though not one's so jolly."

*She descended the stairs, each step echoing through the room, an affirmative click of each heel down the stairs.*

"Why have you come here at such an hour?"

*She was three inches taller than the orc, the heels only accentuated such a height difference. From there, she could see under the hat, and stare right into her eyes. Glowing eyes, filled with a terrible energy. The touch of Molag Bal.*
Viola
The sudden call of her voice gripped her attention like a vice. She shot her head upwards to eye the source - had this woman always been there? Normally she might be a bit frightened, but it was so dim that she passed it off as the light playing tricks on her eyes. No matter now, though. This was the woman she was after, no doubt. Vanea managed a wide smile, though the average person may have totally missed it in the dark. Vanea herself wore a nice top that exposed her strong, broad shoulders, and had a bag slung over said shoulder. Inside was her instrument, no doubt, seeing as how big it was.

 "Ah? Did you not receive my letter, perhaps? I tried to capture my jovial nature as best I could! I suppose it's only truly recognizable in person, though!"

She watched as she descended the staircase, each step sending a jolt through her body, stronger and more potent than the last. The high spirited orc was beginning to lose that glamor now — the closer drew, the more dreadful she felt. The air was cold, thin. Heavy.

 "My trip was stunted, you see. I had taken a carriage, but my driver wasn't too keen on arriving in a timely manner. But, better late than never, no?" She sounded less chipper now. Her hazel eyes narrowed into slits. Her face was no longer as relaxed as it had been. "Did I.. Come at a bad time?"
Bonnie
*She looked her up and down, before stepping back.*

"No. No you're fine, I tend to stay up late. It's nice to stare at the stars."

*Her voice was deep, yet smooth. She didn't have the dunmer rasp, or the accent they tend to have in skyrim.*

"I didn't receive a letter, no. Though it's no matter. I do appreciate a visitor from time to time, I apologize if it wasn't very... Welcoming at first."

*She turned around and walked up the stairs. She passed a candle, her skin was pale, very pale. She was rather... Curvaceous, at least in the lighting. She seemed rather eccentric.*

"Come along, if you have something to discuss, we'll talk on the balcony, with drink, of course."
Viola
"Oh, certainly!~ The stars hold many different tales within them, accessible only to those with the aptitude to unearth them!" She beamed brightly - it smiles could make light, then hers would have lit the whole manor! "That's what my father would say anyway. Ah, but I digress — you've naught to apologize over. Those people seemed very steeped within their work." She spoke her last bit with... Was that venom? Vanea found it quite strange how they were up working so late. Surely they weren't.. Slaves, were they? 

 "Mmh- Right, I do indeed." And she was off, cluttering up the steps, much more noisily than the dunmer woman. Her eyes had been fixated on her for the whole short walk. Her eyes were like miniature suns; her skin like ashy soot... And her voice.. Smooth; soft like snow. She wanted to be skeptical, but she found it difficult to be over this Dunmer's captivating aura.

 "I admire your hospitality, you know. Most, I feel, would have sent me on my way ages ago."
Bonnie
*She remained rather quiet for a moment. Up until she talked about the workers.*

"I know what you're thinking, slavery is Illegal in Skyrim. They don't speak with outsiders when they're working, and i find its best to harvest Jazbay grapes at night, tomorrow during the day they'll work the presses. They're all families who fled Morrowind when Red Mountain erupted. Azura led them here. They may leave if they desire, but i provide everything they would possibly ever need."

*She led her to the Balcony, it was a garden, overlooking a small hot spring within the walls of the property. There was a bathtub sitting out here, strangely, and there were posts, so that the entire area could be shielded from sunlight. She sat at a table, in a plush chair with red cushions, another chair was on the other side. The table was a dark colored wood, with daedric text inscribed on the edge of the table, with a floral arrangement in the center.*

"Vanus, dear! Bring a few glasses... And the Skingrad 283."

*She crossed her legs and finished off her own glass of wine. It was a very deep, rich red.*
Viola
Either she trusted people easily or she was just naive - she didn't seem to question the woman's answer and even gave her a small, relieving smile. Providing those poor people with a joke was more than kind, she thought, and it seemed to raise her opinion on her as a whole. "That is very kind of you. It is most refreshing to see the wealthy assisting those in need, rather than just themselves."

Vanea kept close, as she feared she may lose the woman in the dark, should she stay too far behind. The initial sight of the garden figuratively swept the rug out from beneath her feet! She knew the rich were quite creative with their homes, but this was a sight she wouldn't have ever expected. The orc waded about the balcony, taking careful glances at the tub in particular. She had run her fingers atop it, as if checking to see if it weren't some sort of illusion. Eventually, though, she settled down in the seat across from her.

 "Gods above.. You must pardon my surprise, but.. I've just never seen a place so intricate before. I can already see myself spending my days up here."
Bonnie
*A servant had brought the bottle of wine and set it on the table. She exchanged words with the servant, though it wasn't clear what she had said. The servant left through the main door.*

"I had a place in Skingrad as well... Before the war anyway. This place isn't very extravagant by the standards of most of the wealthy. Alinor is so extravagant its almost a joke... Too bad the people are dreadful..."

*She poured the wine into two glasses. It was almost purple, not the crimson red the wine she was drinking earlier was.*

"So what did you wish to discuss?"
Viola
"I beg to disagree! But, then again, what merit would my words hold? I'm naught but a traveler who spends most of her days between inns." A little self deprecating joke to lighten the mood! She forced a smile she wished was genuine.

 Then the subject changed. That's right - business. Glad to have shifted track, Vanea gives her throat a thorough clearing before taking ahold of the strap on her bag. She tugged on it, jostling it and everything inside. "I have a deal in mind!~ I'm a bard, see? I do gigs for pay, and I thought I'd offer one to you as well! I recon a place like this could use a little warming festivities here and there! I don't ask for me. Simply playing and bringing joy to any observers is greater pay than any coin." She smiled meekly.

*"But alas, I will not deny that I'll get nowhere without making some coin..."*
Bonnie
*She pondered for a moment before standing with her glass. She walked towards the edge of the balcony, every step clacking against the stone with an almost authoritative, abrasive noise.*

"Yes, yes that would be lovely. Sometimes I feel things can be, far too gloomy here. I used to live on Stros M'kai... Festivities almost every night. I long for such times again."

*She walked back swiftly and sat. She thought a list in her head of nobility from Riften and Windhelm.*

"Perhaps Fredas, a fine night of festivities. How does... Oh, 750 gold sound?"

*She was dead serious on the amount. It was pocket change to her.*
Viola
"Truly? Oh, I must thank you a thousand times!" The woman leaned forwards and adopted a jovial grin, before taking a quick and careful sip from her drink. Her whole posture seemed to relax now. With all of that said and out of the way, a burdening weight has been swiftly lifted from her shoulders. "It is always grand to find others who appreciate this sort of art too! I am so ecstatic knowing we share this sentiment.~"

 Then came the offer, nearly sending her drink out through her nose. Having sputtered on the drink, Vanea takes a second or two to catch her breath before speaking. "O-Oh, my! My dearest you are *Far* Too kind! I... *Yes,* I accept! You will not regret this decision, for I'll be adding in an extra song~ Your hospitality deserves to be awarded, and I see no way better than through the joys of music."

 Much more interested now, the woman had shifted to lean forward, her elbow anchored on the table and her chin in hand. Her lavish, hazel eyes couldn't seem to look away from the woman, ever so grateful for her generosity. If actions like these could kill, she'd have been long dead by now.

 "Oh, and please feel inclined to request more of me, should it interest you. In fact, it is encouraged. I fear I won't be working my money's worth otherwise."
Bonnie
"You sought me out on your own initiative, for that I feel you deserve some degree of reward."

*She smiled, seemingly involuntary. The fangs came out. The fangs. Fangs to make an orc warlord blush. No question about what she was now.*

"Truthfully, I'm rather touched to have a visitor... I don't get many... Much less ones so... Happy. It's refreshing."

*She looked back at her, just with a smirk now. She had realized how off putting her fangs may be.*

"Play what you wish. However, I will not have **Any music written for the False Gods played** I expect that you may play dunmer songs, I wish to hear not of that heretical... Rubbish..."

*Her voice when she mentioned the tribunal felt as though it had shifted into something otherworldly. She cleared her throat and had a sip of her drink.*

"Am I clear?"
Viola
She could not keep herself from blushing at this comment. She never thought she was really deserving of anything, let alone something extra from a wealthy woman like Idroso. Then, there came the glimpse she was unprepared for. Those teeth.. They were unlike the teeth even an orc might boast. No natural cause could allude to such a thing. Was she...?-

 "*O-Oh!* Well.. That's most definitely dreadful. I.. I know only too well the effects isolation may have on a person." She couldn't stop staring. It was not only her eyes that were seriously off putting, but her teeth now too. She had to inquire. "Are you.. Feeling well? Mayhaps I failed to notice earlier, but.. Your *Eyes.* They are a sickly color. And your teeth, they're..." She trailed off, her heart beating against her chest like a hammer. Gods above...

She began to sink back in her seat, almost as if she was attempting to get away from her without actually moving. She appeared smaller; much smaller now. She was almost certain of what she was now. She had heard many a song from her father telling of creatures who roamed about in the night. Her features.. They fit his descriptions *Perfectly.*

 "By the *Gods..!- You're... *Y-you're a..*" Need she even say it? Her fearful expression told more than words ever could.
Bonnie
*She didn't look amused by the display put forth before her.*

"A Vampire? Yes, Boo, I'm sure I scared you."

*She frowned after speaking monotonously. Truthfully, she was dreading the moment from the start of the conversation, she knew she'd slip up.*

"It wasn't by choice I'll tell you, but was bit in the night 300 or so years ago. I'm sure in the stories now would be my cue to eat you or something of the like."

*She didn't seem bothered by her apprehension much. She was rather calm.*

"Not all Orcs live in Strongholds anywho... Not all vampires sleep in coffins."
Viola
She wanted to get up and run. Scream. Of every tale she had heard containing a vampire, it had ended most gruesomely. Since she was but a girl, vampires were among the beasts of her nightmares, and so too were lycanthropes and the like. And now, here one was sat just before her!

 "But.. I.. I take it you won't be doing that?" She asked, her voice now tiny and listless. She was scared, yes, but.. Something about this woman made her feel calm. She could have bitten her ages ago. She could have put her under her compulsion by now, but.. She hadn't.

 "I.. Suppose you *Are* Right. The two of us stand as proof and a half of that very claim. Pardon my surprise.. You must understand my apprehension, though. It's not every day you run into a vampire in Skyrim, no?"

She seemed to ease herself again. Now with this news revealed to her, she was starting to see sense in the obvious signs. The dim lighting; the draped parapet to shield the balcony. Her pale skin, and those piercing eyes. So mysterious and equally alluring. Terrifying.
Bonnie
"No, I won't be doing that. Most vampires would... Most are something to be afraid of, but some are a little more... Cosmopolitan, like myself. I do have to feed, but there's no shortage of bandits or highwaymen in Skyrim, is there? Drain every last drop into my own... Special blend of wine. Though that's not what you've been drinking, i don't just hand it out as a joke, that's a rather poor joke..."

*She set down the glass and smiled, at ease that she wouldn't have to kill this one. She wasn't going to tell her that though.*

"Skyrim has been one of the more accepting places... My first vineyard in Morrowind was burned because of me being a bit pale. And a heretic. Among other things.*
Viola
"I must say.. I like the way you go about things. I feel more at ease, at least with you." Her lips formed into a smile, at the sentiment and the little joke. She couldn't help but flick her eyes toward her glass, just to be sure though. 

 "Goodness.. That must have been awful. Are you on the run often? It must be harsh, having to pack up and run every moment of your life." The woman held a somber frown now, her delicate eyes scanning her for any display of emotion. "Three hundred years, you said? I can't even begin to imagine a lifetime that long. I don't know if I'm envious or not.. It's a bit strange to ponder."
Bonnie
"We Dunmer... We live quite long lives... I have seen so many things in the span of an average dunmer, I've seen more in those hundred years extra. I've seen "Gods" Die, a dynasty fall, a Daedric invasion, a great war, every facet of civilization. It was a hard life at first... But eventually I had control of things."

*She smiled, even with her pale skin, her skin was free from any unsightly blemishes. She was almost unsettlingly perfect.*

"People are right to fear Vampires. We can feel the presence of each other... More than you think hiding amongst the populace. Whether or not you think they're up to no good... Thats up to you."
Viola
She listened as she regaled her with with these tales. The orc's surprise could be noted by the growing grin she sported across her supple features. She was a piece of history, this woman! The things she has seen, and the things she is yet to see may never grace the eyes of people from this generation. It was so surreal imagining such a thing!

 "So you say. You wouldn't consider it a curse, then? I suppose not, given you pursued such a lifestyle. Personally.. It may have interested me once upon a time, but I know I would be forsaking my father if I were to delve into this way of 'living.' At least you've tarnished the doubts I once held about you. That's mutually beneficial, I think; the gig is still very much on..~"

 A thought came to her. Had she unknowingly met another vampire before, she wondered? Such a thing felt so strange, to be honest. That they could have been among any one of the people she'd met, played for. Of all of these people, though, Idroso was the first to come forward about it. That told her a lot about this woman - she was a diamond in the rough.
Bonnie
"It's as much a curse as what happened to the followers of Trinimac. It's a fact of my reality which I reap the advantages of."

*She stood and clapped her hands. The same servant from earlier came. Vanus, his name was.*

"Cancel work on everyones schedule Fredas. And have Dralyn leave invitations in Riften and windhelm."

*She looked back at the Orc.*

"You may stay here until then, the guest room is on the left, 4 doors down."

*They were all guest rooms. She was just directing her to the nicest one.*
Viola
"I.. Gods, I'm just.. Overwhelmed by your generosity.~ Thank you, Miss Indoril. I hope you don't mind if I practice while I stay."

 She stood, finished the last few drops of her drink, and gave the woman a solemn bow. She was left to ponder what she had heard as she did this, but only for a moment. She was off to where she'd been instructed in no time at all, eager to finish up the last few kinks in her pieces she was planning to play. 

 Vanea was silently humming to herself as she made her way to the guest room. Sleeping was going to be a challenge now that she was this stoked - perhaps an all-nighter might be unavoidable? She took out her well adorned lute and gave it a strum; she was motivated enough to try.
Bonnie
*The room would've passed for a master bedroom elsewhere. The bed was elevated in the middle of the left side of the room, and there was a desk in the corner. Off to the side was a bathroom, next to a divider for changing, and in the center of the floor was a circular rug with the daedric letters for A,M,B repeating in a pattern in concentric rings.

Heeled footsteps could be heard outside the door, before they went down the stairs at the end of the hall. She was entering the basement. But more footsteps came outside the guest door. Sounded just like normal shoes. Whoever this was knocked.*

"Lady Indoril requested I made sure you weren't in need of anything. Like... Well food. That would be important, wouldn't it?"
Viola
One quick glance at the room told the orc that this place was way out of her league. She stared, gaping with awe at the sheer size of this room! At an inn, this bedroom may as well have taken up three or four rooms! She had tried to convince herself that this was a dream, but what she was seeing was far too vivid. Gods bless..!

 The orc listened carefully to Idroso's distinct footsteps. She wondered for a moment if she meant to enter her room, but that was answered shortly after by the second set of feet. Vanea turned around and greeted them with a sound of acknowledgment.

 "I'd hate to ask, but I am feeling quite peckish. If that's of no detriment to you of course, love!"
Bonnie
*The man entered immediately with a platter. It looked to be made of brass. It was a shorter man, different from the one who seemingly had control over the schedules. He was wearing an apron over a nice, yet rugged shirt. The platter had some sort of croissant-esque bread on it, along with a few slices of sweet looking bread and a bowl of mutton soup judging by the scent. With it, of course, a glass of wine.*

"Lady Indoril seems pleased with your company, we rarely have visitors."
Viola
Vanea accepted the platter, unable to hide her face of surprise. So much food! This was sure to be the biggest haul she's had in quite a while. Especially all at once like this. She couldn't stop shoving 'Thank you's' at the man. She takes a seat and begins to set up a table for herself.

"As am I! It's not often I meet people who show such kindness. Usually, I get in touch and request a gig and that's that. Miss Indoril has been the first in a while who's actually spoken to me like a guest. It's been very nice..~" She couldn't help herself from digging in. Vanea quickly stuffs her mouth with a few slices of bread before continuing on like nothing had happened. "*Mm~* What I'd do for a life as lavish as this..~"
Bonnie
"It becomes normal after a time. Our rooms are a bit smaller, and the homes for those who work the Vineyard are as close to those in Morrowind as she could Emulate."

*He looked out the window. Out at the foothills of the Velothi mountains.*

"Though we have little else to look forward to. It's monotonous, though we could leave whenever."

*He realized he was speaking aloud.*

"Oh, my apologies... Just voicing my... Frustrations. If you don't mind me asking... Where are you from?"
Viola
She listened idly as she ate, this time with a bit more control over herself. Still, the pangs of hunger threatened to take over once more; threatened to compel her into a mindless, food eating frenzy. Hearing so much about Idroso though was interesting. She was seemingly just woman on the surface, but the more she learned about her, the more selfless and admirable she turned out to be. She'd be lying if she didn't already feel enthralled!

 "Oh, apologize not. I'm sure it's a lot to mull over, being away from your rightful home and all. It sounds like Miss Indoril is doing all she can to make up for things, though."

 She seemed a bit taken aback by the question. It was one she hadn't really had the pleasure of asking before. "Nowhere, really. My father and I? We were once inseparable. The two of us traveled the roads of Skyrim, digging for anything he could use to stay afloat. To say I come from one single place just wouldn't be correct."
Bonnie
"Yes... Yes I suppose she does, doesn't she?"

*He seemed to be hiding something. He was. The night before he had seen his cousin, a thief, get caught. He was taken to the cellar and never seen again. There was nothing wrong with thieving, getting caught was the problem.*

"My family left Vivec early after Baar Dau began to fall... We had heard of the issues regarding the stasis device. I somewhat envy that traveling life, but from what I have heard it can be... Rough."

*The sound of clacking heels passed the door. He seemed almost scared. He had been stealing wine and selling it in Riften on the days he was off. He just hadn't been caught.*

"I don't hear of many orcs being nomadic, is such a thing common? I thought most orcs came from the strongholds in the Wrothgarian mountains."
Viola
"Rough indeed. Rough indeed." Her expression seemed to grow somber for a moment. "It's rough, but you learn to live with it. You begin to envy the rich - to want what they have. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever truly be happy if I do settle down into a place like.. Say, this manor." It was her turn to think out loud now. She apologized silently by going silent.

 The sound of clacking heels seemed to rouse her back too. She snapped out of her little episode before answering. "It isn't common, not at all. Most of us *Do* Come from strongholds, yes. It's just.. My father and I were castaways. Exiled, you could say."
Bonnie
*When he was sure she was gone he began to speak again.*

"Your arrival here has been a bit of a big deal. Any deviation from the norm usually is. We haven't had visitors in... Well a few years."

*He stood, leaving the platter. He didn't seem as confident in his movement as the other servant, Vanus.*

"Since there is still a bit of time until the party, you may come and go as you please."

*He quietly opened the door and left.*