Scene 1: Evening at the Museum

You are local heroes. Mere days ago, a powerful demon cult threatened to kill the king and almost got away with summoning a demon in the king's court, but your bravery saved the day. A feat was thrown in your honor, and everyone in town knows you. About 3 days have passed since the battle with the cult, and the king has sent you a message, asking if you would like to join him at an exclusive museum preview. You all agree and meet the king just as sundown occurs at the museum in question.

Touching the frame of the mirror, the woman cast Light so proper illumination would ensure that the powders and paints applied to her face would be flawless. A gala with the king was worth the extra time taken on her appearance but who was she kidding? Bells always took extreme care to ensure she made an impression. Tilting her head to the side, thick auburn curls tumbled over her shoulder since Bells had decided against an updo. Kohl outlined warm brown almond shaped eyes blessed with long natural lashes set above high cheekbones. Her nose upturned the slightest on the end which could lend itself to a hauty look if held just right but usually Bells wore a brilliant smile that warmed everyone within its radiance. Was it her perfect white teeth or the full curve of her bottom lip? Who knew except that most would do anything to keep her smiling. And why shouldn't she smile as the performer was leading a charmed life? A recognized hero with the appreciation and adoration of the entire kingdom.

Rising, the tinkle of golden bells rang out pure and true. Her namesake was wrapped around her calves with a fine filament. Much to the horror of Bells more sneaky companions, music always announced the location of the bard. The blame rested upon her father who started the tradition of adding a bell every year on the day of her birth as a celebration of when his life was filled with song. The ol' softie!

Standing back studying the image reflecting in the mirror, Bells nods as she decided on the feathers for her grand entrance. "Encore" is breathed out transforming the studded leather armor the bard wore into a stunning evening gown replete with a several tiered necklace nestled against her bosom. After all what cake is ready to serve without frosting? Perhaps it was all an illusion but the bard intended to shine like she was gold.

Xha is a tall silver dragonborn wearing elegant plate armor. he carries a shield but all his weapons are sheathed.
xha moves close to the King and addresses him ,
YOUR Majesty, pardon me for being so close to you. but I believe it is the best way to protect you from threat or harm and you know I will throw my life between you and any enemy.

Crow give a bow of appreciation to the king and makes his way upstairs, looking at the beetle and dragon skull.

"Darlings, isn't this an unparalleled honor? I have to admit that I didn't realize the guest list would be so exclusive as to only include us with his Majesty. I had thought it to be a small retinue of the highest nobles but we practically have a private audience! Now Xcha don't slouch when we are presented to the king," teased the bard of the silver dragonborn that had a rimrod straight posture at all times.

The party did not have long to wait after they assembled waiting for the king. Bells was taken aback at the lack of formality as the king wasn't even announced as he entered the room. Not following protocol was of course the prerogative of the monarchy but since she was not of that level, the well dressed performer bowed low with a rare grace, "Your majesty, we are only here to serve and your continued gratitude humbles us. Thank you for this opportunity."

As the event progressed into the museum, Bells collected a flute of champagne from the counter to sip as the king introduced Kaldan. As the bubbles tickled her nose, Bells arched a fine eyebrow over the instructions that the party was welcomed everywhere but the third floor. Subtly Bells' eyes found the thief's as she shook her head slowly from side to side knowing that as soon as he heard the third floor was off limits then that was exactly where he would want to be. Hopefully such impulses would be controlled!

As the curator of the museum lead the party to the stairs, the chivalrous black dragonborn offered his arm. Even though a scholar, Bells hand looked dainty resting upon the scaled ones well developed arm. Being a skilled conversationalist, Bells had numerous questions that centered around her host passion. "Oh, what a magnificent specimen!" gasped the bard. "Is the name known?" regarding the huge dragon's skull that had to have a rousing story behind it.

Hunt is polite, but activities like this are out of his wheelhouse. It's all so formal and stuffy. Still, it's the thought that counts and this old dog has been around long enough to learn a few tricks... like appreciating the intent behind the gesture, even if the gesture itself was lacking.

Bells is absolutely in her element. Xcha is acting as expected. Crow wandered off. There isn't too much here that interests the shifter, but the weapons in a case caught his eye. Those he understands.

Without meaning to, he catches himself eyeing the locking mechanism and immediately pushes the impulse out of his mind. That isn't why they were in the museum tonight. These valuable things will stay right where they are.

The tall figure in gray robes accented with shimmering blue stones glided into the foyer as though floating, the hint of dark wings on his back if viewed from the corner of one's eye. He nodded to his compatriots before approaching King Triston. At a safe distance from the king so as not to cause undue alarm, he pulled back his hood to reveal a bald head of opalescent blue-green skin, gently glowing golden eyes, and a wide smile."King Triston, long may you reign, I am honoured by your invitation," Travail said as he bowed and stood beside the regent and Xcha, "And I am glad you are in such fine spirits. Lesser rulers would be fearfully huddled in their bedchambers after weathering such an assault."

A glass of the same champagne Bells enjoyed levitated over to float beside Travail's head as he looked around the museum.

"Are you a student of history, sire? Apart from consulting oracles, knowing the past is the best way to shape the future."

Kaladan smiles like someone who enjoys rambling about topics they know much about as Bells asks about the skull. "Why it is believed to be the skull of an adult blue dragon that was killed by a group of heroes about a hundred years ago not far from here. The dragon's name was Zuvrayd, and it was said that the dragon was trying to cheat death. It is unconfirmed what happened that day, but this skull tells me much of what I need to know. I have had priests and mages alike confirm it is not at under any magic."

He continuously looks around the room

"Relax, old friend. I doubt the ancient pottery shards plot our demise," Travail said to Xcha with a chuckle.

Crow is fine where he was is. W11 in front of the dragon skull.

"Cheating death?" Says Crow with a chuckle "Even Gods die."

Leaning over the skull, Bells bites her bottom lip in concentration before a light of recognition goes off in her eyes as the bard had searched the songs cataloged in her repertoire. "Zuvrayd, did you say? Yes, well he maybe dead but not forgotten so perhaps the old serpent succeeded after all "

Enhaling deeply the bard's clear voice rose filling the space reverberating off the stone surfaces as Bells put on a performance.

**Title: The Ballad of the Blue Dragon**

*(Verse 1)*
In the skies where the storm clouds gather,
Lived a dragon, fierce and bold,
With scales of sapphire, shimmering light,
A tale of glory and woe unfolds.

*(Chorus)*
Oh, mighty blue dragon, ruler of the skies,
You soared through the tempest, defying the cries.
But fate has its whispers, and time will not bend,
In your quest to cheat death, you met your end.

*(Verse 2)*
With a heart full of power, a spirit untamed,
You sought the dark secrets, a gamble unclaimed.
In the caverns of shadows, where lost spirits dwell,
You danced with the echoes of a forbidden spell.

*(Chorus)*
Oh, mighty blue dragon, ruler of the skies,
You soared through the tempest, defying the cries.
But fate has its whispers, and time will not bend,
In your quest to cheat death, you met your end.

*(Bridge)*
But legends are born from ashes and flame,
Though your body lies still, your spirit will reign.
In the hearts of the brave, your memory flies,
A guardian of dreams, beneath starry skies.

*(Verse 3)*
With thunderous roars and lightning’s embrace,
You challenged the reaper, a desperate chase.
Yet the hourglass shattered, your fate was sealed tight,
In a clash of the titans, you fell from the light.

*(Chorus)*
Oh, mighty blue dragon, ruler of the skies,
You soared through the tempest, defying the cries.
But fate has its whispers, and time will not bend,
In your quest to cheat death, you met your end.

By no means had the bard remained static. The first chorus, Bells had circled the massive skull drawing power from its presence twirling around Crow emphasized by the feathers shimmering before making her way to the balcony to serenade those below. Bells ended her performance with her arms stretched wide leaning against the balustrade. Yes, dragons weren't the only ones that wanted to be remembered.