[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Vanyel's absence was brief and likely unnoticed, but he has returned...changed. His once black hair is now mostly white and his eyes are a much paler grey. He is sitting on the floor in his room with his back to the wall. Every inch of him says "don't touch me", yet something prompts him to open his Locket and use it.]

Why did you bring me back? What use am I...here? Without Yfandes? Without Stefen?

[His pillars have been ripped away and they expect him to stand; to fight?!]

I could kill whomever you wish. [There is something distant in his eyes. His heart can't handle the guilt of his actions.] I could drop them into the bowels of the Drabworld and leave them to suffocate.

Is that what you want of me? [He's beyond tears and out of answers.]

Comments

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm sure. Please try to take care of yourself. I'm holding you to that promise.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He makes an amused sound and pours two cups of wine.]

Alshoa... [The white raven tilts her head and takes flight, landing on his arm.] Stefen, I would like for you to meet this lady. She was given to me as a boon.

[From appearance alone, she is different from normal ravens. She's much bigger and there is a rare intelligence in her eyes.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

Ah... [He has never had to introduce himself to a bird before. Maybe if he just thinks of her like a Companion...]

Well-met, Lady. I hope you don't mind sharing.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[She isn't just any bird. Alshoa is a trained Tayledras bond-bird. So she inclines her head at his greeting, looking pleased.]

Her language is limited compared to Yfandes, but she is a friend of Zhaneel now.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I imagine I'll be seeing her quite a bit.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

She's a good companion. [Alshoa fluffs herself up and moves to settle on Stefen's shoulder.] And she has exquisite taste.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Does she?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I would sit on your shoulder too if I could fit.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm sure that would be a sight.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Do you think we would attract stares?

[Action]

[wildgift]

Undoubtedly.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

You're talking me into it.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Oh, was I supposed to be talking you out of it?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

It would be the logical approach, Bardling.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Since when have the Bards ever been logical, m'Lord Herald?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

One of us has to try. We can't both be driven by our passions.

[Action]

[wildgift]

And, pray tell, why not?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Would you like to be brought before the Seelie Queen and explain why we are acting like hormonal teenagers?

[Though one of them is technically still a hormonal teenager...]

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Shut up no he isn't]

You started it.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Okay, sure. You're grown, Stefen.]

I never said I would have regrets.

[Action]

[wildgift]

[HE TOTALLY IS OKAY]

No, I suppose you didn't.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[More grown than Vanyel most days.]

Reputations be damned, hm?

[Action]

[wildgift]

I must say, I do enjoy not having to worry about it quite so much.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He laughs, holding his ribs as he does so.]

As... [A cough interrupts his words and he drinks from the wine cup.] ...do I.

[Action]

[wildgift]

[That worries him even more.]

Are you certain you're alright, Van?