eachdraidh | [Video / Open to Both Courts]

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[Video / Open to Both Courts]

[Private to Stefen.]

[Vanyel is holding onto a pair reins as he begins this video. It's clear he hasn't strayed far from the castle, but he is well-armed. Even his hair is tied back, ensuring that not a single strand crosses his field of vision and distracts him.]

Come outside, love. I have someone I want you to meet - though, sadly, she is no Companion.

[Yet the horses are white and beautiful in their own way.]

I do not wish to leave you behind.

[It clearly worries him to part from the Bard for too long. What if something were to happen in his absence and he couldn't reach Stefen in time?]

I can keep us safe.

[/]

The dead deserve peace. I cannot imagine denying them that - no matter their past crimes. [This is a matter that weighs heavily on him. He has lost many friends to war - though sometimes the war was waged within themselves.] We may judge foul deeds in our own way, but once a spirit passes on, their fate is out of our hands.

[His voice trembles as if he is recalling one spirit in particular.]

Find it in yourself to pity them and lay their remains to rest. I will be doing so until all bones are safely cached in places where they will not be disturbed.

Prayers are not my specialty - [Though he knows to ask the Shadow-Lover to see to their eternal bliss.] I hope good intentions are enough.

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And if they die this night in battle?

They deserve the same respect.

Of course, but does the age of the death matter, do you think?

Why would it? Babes or the elderly are equally important - one for their short lives and the other for the relationships they cultivated with others over the long years.

Why wouldn't anyone do that? If it's what you're supposed to do. [It's soft, thoughtful - he isn't actively questioning, rather assenting. Trying to offer empathy, though he can't read honestly into what shook the man's voice.]

It's right -- whatever they did, you... can't do anything to them if they're dead.

You can't make do anything about it.

It's best to lay your disputes with them to rest along with their bodies. [It's healthier. Wanting revenge can lead to bitterness when it's not obtainable.] I forgive all of those I have watched die and I wish them peace.

Yeah? [Still affirming, not questioning - hence the inflection-correction!] -- I mean yeah...

Everyone does -- deserve peace, don't they.

[Everything pads out. It may sound a tad cheap, or like he's yes-manning, on the basic level, but he's padding forward off of what Vanyel is saying and is agreeing with what he thinks he finds.]

They do. It can be hard... [He smiles sympathetically. He thinks he understands how Toboe feels. There are those he doesn't think of kindly even after their demise.] Do not carry the burden of what they did or didn't do on your shoulders, lad.

In my experience, the intentions deep in your heart are a lot more important than whatever pretty words you may or may not be able to put together.

[Diarmuid has looked better, but it is obvious that he's not focusing on that at the moment. His break during the fight at Cothromach is being put to the best use he can, making sure that nothing is going to sneak up on them and make a bad situation even worse....]

We thank you for your efforts, especially those of us who would be there helping if we could.

That has been my experience as well. [He cocks his head and observes Diarmuid critically.] Are you in need of Healing?

[Truth be told, Vanyel is more accustomed to battle - and he knows he could aid them greatly. However he wants to see to Stefen's safety and he has no desire to drag the Bard into the middle of the battle.

Or to stray far from him when foul deeds are happening.]

Call for aid if you need it. There is a spell that I can use to shorten the distance between us.

Then do not worry so. Your efforts are good enough. Everyone--the living and the dead--are thankful for them.

[Diarmuid pauses when the man mentions his wounds. Unconsciously, he reaches up to lightly touch the burn on his cheek. He must look worse than he thought.]

I appreciate the offer, but I will be all right. My body heals quickly. I would hate to call you from the duties you do now to deal with something that will heal on its own.

[He chuckles lowly.] Worrying has become a habit of mine. I doubt you can break me of it.

[It's something he has come to accept. Heralds are worry warts.]

It may heal on its own or it may fester on its own. I don't consider healing anyone a waste of time.

Well, in that case, you are in good company. I tend to worry too much too.

[He just doesn't tend to waste time worrying about himself. Another bad habit of his.]

I don't know of my body is capable of getting an infection as it is made of magic, but if it would put you at ease...

Let us hope our worrying leads us on a productive path.

[Though he knows it doesn't. Worrying is just worrying.]

...how? [He blinks and tilts his head.] I'm sorry I've never met someone composed of magic.

My Healing abilities may not even work on you if that's the case.

As long as you don't let it control you, it usually does. It is much like fear in that respect.

[Diarmuid will have to disagree with Vanyel on that point. He finds that worrying can make a person very productive sometimes. Maybe even too productive.]

On my world there exists something called the Throne of Heroes. When one who has done great deeds dies on my world, his or her soul is recorded so that they may be summoned back to help protect the world should it be in danger. I am one of those heroes. Some people describe us as a kind of familiar if you have knowledge of such things.

As for your healing, as long as it is strong enough to overcome my magical resistance, then it would help...just not in a way that it helps most others, I suspect. Instead of healing the wound, it would be giving my body the energy it needs to repair itself.

I only find it useful when I have the energy to put it to good use. Otherwise it leads to many sleepless nights.

[He has enough of those already - though, admittedly, some of those are thanks to amorous activities.]

You share a bond with the world you left behind. [Much like the bond between Companions and Heralds or Bond-Birds and the Tayledras.] In that case, I will gladly lend you what power I can to hurry your healing.

[So Diarmuid can perform more heroic deeds. Goodness, they need more of those.]

That is true. It is not an easy emotion to deal with...

[Diarmuid is honestly surprised at how well the man is taking his explanation. When the workings of his world confuse him, a native, then what are others going to think?]

Yes, you could say that. Servants, as my kind are called, also share a bond with the person who summons them back into the world. It's really odd for me not to have that bond here even though there is a version of the man who called me back here.

[He shakes his head. It's been a few months now. He should be used to the absence, but he is not.]

Do you mind if I ask the name of the one who is so graciously offering to help me? I am Lancer.

If it makes you feel any better, it's the opposite for me. [ She's a tiny thing, and she's trying her best to dig them up but she doesn't quite have the right amount of strength. At all. She's a weedy 5'00" 18 year old piano player, goddammit. But she offers a tired smile, deciding to take a little bit of a break. ]

I can give all the prayers in the world, but it's this bit that's a little difficult.

Would you like some help? [Hey, he'll always be a Herald - and they're forever eager to offer a helping hand. It's in their blood or something.]

Manual labor takes some getting used to.

Oh--I'm not sure. If I do it myself, I'll get better, right?

Though... Some help would be pretty nice right now.

Over time, yes. But get ready to be sore first.

[He smirks and nods.]

I'll find you. [And, true to his word, he seeks her out, looking, as always, like he stepped out of a medieval fantasy. Which he sort of did.] Magic does help things move faster.

[ Swoon, how romantic, except Kelsi's more startled than anything. It's not every day someone swishes over to her. Might have something to do with the fact that her universe is completely normal, in terms of magic and whatnot, combined with the fact that she never seems to pay attention to her surroundings.

Still, after she jumps and lets out a little squeak, her hands automatically go to adjust her glasses despite the dirt all over them, and she lets her smile flutter before clearing her throat. ]

S-sorry. Sorry, uhm--I didn't htink it would be that quick.

Well, with an invitation like that, how could I refuse?

Then why are you dawdling?

Because a Bard will do anything to keep from hurrying. But please, do keep yourself out together. I'm coming now.

Drag your feet any longer and I'll ride one of these horses into the castle and kidnap you from your room!

Wouldn't that be a sight? Perhaps I should take my time.

Stefen. [If he knew the Bard's last name, it would go right here.] Sometimes I really believe you are an imp or a demon.

I'm coming, I'm coming.

[He throws himself up into a saddle, shaking his head.]

It's time you learn how to ride properly.

And my time spent with Melody want enough?

Melody is an easy mount compared to these high-strung beauties.

You mean to terrify me, don't you?

I mean to teach you. You won't be hurt, I promise.

That doesn't mean I won't be terrified.

If you are scared, you can ride with me.

Well, if that's the offer then I suppose I can't refuse.

There are plenty of places to stop on our journey too.

Where are you planning on taking me?

Away from the burial mounds.

...oh.

You sound far too excited.

Do I? My apologies. I will make every effort to curtail my enthusiasm.

Don't work too hard. I have plans for you.

Oh? Now I'm intrigued.

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[Video / Open to Both Courts]

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Wow I missed this. Go me. o_o

All good!

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