[center][h2][color=lightblue][b]Lupita Nereva[/b][/color][/h2][/center]



Lupita studied the worn, slightly blood stained map as she whistled a pleasant tune. The worn gravel road beneath her feet crunched as she walked, only ceasing when she need to step over a branch or in light of recent events, entire trees. Indeed, it was quite a shock when she saw two gigantic demons fall out of the sky and crash into the earth. Or what she assumed to be demons anyway, Lupita never paid much attention to things like spirits and whatnot. Despite being a half-elf she wasn't all that gifted in magic and never really cared to learn any. The middle aged woman brushed a gray lock of her hair behind her ear and tucked the map away in newly acquired pack. While the demons falling from the sky is certainly a startling event, it gave Lupita enough time to steal her traveling partner's dagger and drive it into his neck. The two had met shortly after Lupita was tossed unceremoniously from the wagon that brought prisoners like her to these lands.

Now she normally didn't make murder a habit but the bard had a very strong suspicion that her greasy wayfarer was planning to bed her. With or without her consent. Which obviously wouldn't do so measures had to be taken. The sleazebag had been selfish with his belongings anyway so who knows if she would have froze to death that night? Now she had a very nice pack, a somewhat ill-fitting green tunic and leather vest, and a...rustic dagger.

[color=lightblue]"Hmm, rustic indeed.[/color] Lupita muttered to herself as she inspected the knife. It was chipping and rusted in places along the blade, but it would do in a pinch. Or a...stab, more accurately. She sheathed the blade and gazed at the horizon, a small sigh of relief crossing her lips as Varone came into view. It would take her another half hour to get to its weathered gates. Not that she was complaining. Lupita was frankly surprised that anything was standing at all after that explosion. As she made her way through the streets, the familiar din of the city assaulted her ears. And so did the smells. Most bad, but there was a particular scent on the breeze. It almost smelled like...

[color=lightblue]"Bread!"[/color] Lupita said aloud, to no one in particular. Her stomach grumbled angrily at the scent. She was about to follow her nose when she realized that she was flat broke. Unless she stole the food or mugged someone, neither seemed to have a high chance of success, she would need to get some money together. Which meant she needed people to entertain so she could coax the coins out of their purses. Lupita began to scout out the best dives around town. She didn't have her violin and couldn't afford one, so she needed to find a place low class enough to...there!

She spotted a stone built inn with some charming archways. The sign swinging above the doorway said "Ubrico Soldati". Might as well start there. Lupita opened the door and was pleased to find that the establishment was actually clean and staffed. This also put a damper on her plans, as it would be harder to convince them to hire a self-proclaimed musician off the street. With no instrument. Lupita smiled to herself. She couldn't help but think back to her early twenties all those decades ago, when she was trying to make a name for herself on nothing but her skill as a musician. And her silver tongue, of course. Lupita sauntered in and gave a quick once over of the faces of the bar's patrons. They seemed grim enough. A little energy could really pump up business. A sea shanty, maybe. 

The half elf made her way over to the counter and signaled what she assumed to be the tavern keeper. As they approached, Lupita took on a concerned look.

[color=lightblue]"Excuse me, my friend. I couldn't help but notice that your [i]lovely[/i] establishment seems to be a little dreary this morning. Ah, but have no fear, for I am a quite seasoned entertainer. Now you're suspicious and you are right to be so. Very astute. But I offer you an olive branch. All I ask is for breakfast and lunch. In return, I whip this gloomy atmosphere into something a bit more festive, eh? What say you to that?"[/color] she asked, flashing her most charming and confident grin. 

[hider=Rolls]Charm: 8+1= 9 - Lupita wants to sing for the tavern in exchange for meals.[/hider]