[Video / Open to Both Courts]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Vanyel is standing in the midst of what remains of the Drabkeeper's castle. He directed his journey, which began shortly after the night he spent with Stefen, there after seeing Nico's video. He has acquired a horse - a mare who, sadly, cannot compare with his beloved Yfandes. Yet she is steady and she doesn't shy away from his magic.

Which is why he chooses to use a spell - one that calls forth more than a few nightmares - to bring them to the Drabkeeper's castle faster. It clearly needs to be investigated and he fears time is of the essence.

As he looks at the wreckage, he holds out one arm. Said arm is covered in a leather gauntlet. Perched atop said gauntlet is a small owl. The Herald-Mage gazes fixedly into the owl's eyes - and, quite strangely, the owl meets his gaze.

They seem to be deep in conversation.]

I see. [He concludes, his features pale and troubled. After fishing a treat out of his pocket and seeing that the owl has partaken of it, he lifts the bird into the sky.]

Without a safe haven, we should fear for our lives. [Stretching out his hand, he closes his eyes and tries to Fetch papers, parchment, notes, books, anything of value, but his attempt leaves him with only ashes.]

What could be gained from destroying a place of learning - of discovery and information - other than to send a message?

I suggest we set guards on both courts.

2. ☾ Video | Unlocked

[nottame]

[Sometime after the fairies and imps have flitting around noting wishes and providing updates, a locket connection opens to an evening sky and some tree-lining - a Shard-Bearer's on the move someplace, and he doesn't show up onscreen, but his voice is coming from not too high aboce, off to the side, as if he's sitting on the ground and crouching in some.]

What happens at a royal audience? [...is what he asks, with a lightness and earnest curiosity. Not loud, and not with entirely full breath, perhaps, but it's nothing worse than sticking tiredness from traveling.]