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Raine Whispers rises with the praise of their teachers as they climb through the ranks of the Bards. They accept accolades with an absent graciousness that has the imperial status-hounds nodding in satisfaction. They make the Bards shine, but don't seem to be seeking attention or honor for themself.
Raine smiles through yet another party full of bland music. The celebrated composer of the moment has rich family, a talent for repetition, and a quartet of hangers-on happy to share his gifts with the island. Every time Raine hears a compliment, they remember that they share the honor with the creative equivalent of underbaked bread.
When Whispers presents a new technique, they do so diffidently, as an “interesting thought experiment.” That such thought experiments have led to several curricula rewrites never seems to cross their mind. They apologize once for putting the printers to so much trouble.
Raine tweaks a chord enough to allow smaller fingers to more easily reach it. It also produces a stronger surge of emotional resonance at the same time, which helps them sell it to the tutors. In any case, there are fewer strained muscles for the smaller string players.
Raine Whispers doesn't put themself forward, the higher ranked Coven members agree with satisfaction. They're dutiful; they're talented, of course; and they seem easily guided. That's always such a useful trait.
Raine arranges to be conveniently, visibly elsewhere when the Emperor's Coven discovers the empty storerooms that should have held healing and strengthening potions. The secret tunnels, obviously the work of Construction witches, end in collapsed rubble reeking of clove oil - Beastmaster Eberwolf just shrugs when the Coven demands trackers. The BATTs pass the potions along to the wild healers in the outlying regions in small enough quantities not to be noticed.
All in all, a strong candidate for leadership.