The GP Advent Calendar - Door 18

Dark curls spilled out from under the hood. Not ebony like a raven's wing like some of her half sister's had but a dark chestnut that shone with highlight if strands caught the firelight at the correct angle. Travel had left her locks more tumbled than usually so the woman brushed her fingers through her hair trying to work out tangles.

Appearance seemed to be important to the young woman as a variety of cosmetics seemed to have been used to enhance her natural features and honeyed skin. Kohl outlined warm brown eyes that seemed to twinkle with a bit of hidden mirth. The lines drawn seemed to extend past the edge of her eye contributing to an exotic look. High cheeks could have been reddened by a touch of ocher powder or just as possible the skin was colored by the extreme cold. Although her lips, shaped much like a bow and colored like fresh raspberries, showed signs of cracking as the winter wind had stole precious moisture with only a touch.

But the application of color was not limited to the woman's face. Bright layered clothing edged with golden embroidery adorned her form. The contrasting colors with shimmering baubles attached gave the illusion of constant movement drawing attention toward the performer. It was a delicate balance the way the woman emphasize the curve of her hip by tying a scarf at her waste but was careful not to show too much cleavage. There was a power in mystery the performer exploited, in addition, to trying not to be mauled every night.

Of course, the beauty had more than her virtue to protect. Whether the giant gold hoops that twirled with an azure starburst patterned stone or the matching amulet she wore at her wrist or the clunky signet ring that took a piece of yarn wrapped around the back to enable her more delicate finger to fit...it was all jewelry. Instead of protecting the few items left from her former life, the bard didn't hide her treasures but put them on full display to the public. Who wouldn't know that the earring was hers when she made a point to tug on it as she winked to the crowd? Maybe not a perfect system of determent but it had worked so far.

And then there were the bells. Sweet sounding jingling bells that punctuated every step the woman made. The bard truly carried forth music into every place she walked. Even now while the her coat was being shrugged off her shoulders, the bells tinkled.

Confusion was clear with the first acidity response from Ma before the proprietor slipped back into her more expected friendly tone. Bells only nodded her head at the offered brandy not wanting to attract more of Ma's ire.

The older Dwarven gentleman that had manged to position himself at their table despite having some mobility issues offered the reason. Bells, never underestimate the old foxes...that grey is earned with some lessons. Bells was thankful for the explanation for the changing disposition of the matron and thought about any references to a crystal tower. Thank you for setting the record straight, Grandpa Whitesmithy, if that be the name you would have me call you by. Please, let me make my introduction to all. I'm, hopefully, known both far and wide as an entertainer of no little skill who your can always hear coming, the bloom of the desert, Bells! The bard threw her arm in the air with flourish while stomping a foot to cause her words to be accompanied by her name's sake. A pleasure to share a table with you all.