eachdraidh | [Video / After Feast / Open to Both Courts]

[The moment Vanyel says "death," Nico starts paying attention. He's not sure what a "Companion" is, exactly, but it's clear that she's important to him.

The 14-year-old switches on the Locket. He looks a little sick, and his dark eyes have a somewhat distant look in them, but there's also stubbornness that drives him to help this guy out.]

My name is Nico di Angelo, and...you're not the only one who's been taken from what should've been your afterlife. I know at least two others, and there maybe more out there. This place isn't part of the Havens or Elysium or any other place. As far as I can tell, you're alive again. Just in a different place.

[Nico frowns a little.]

I don't know if your Companion is here. What's her name? What does she look like?

[The face of a child peering back at him is surprising. Vanyel gives Nico his full attention, brow furrowed.]

Greetings, Nico. Are you hurt? Unwell? [It's not within a Herald to ignore someone in need.] I do not think "again" applies to my current state. I merely wondered if death is what transported me to this place. It seems I was mistaken.

[All the more reason to keep his senses sharp and his hand on his sword's hilt.]

Her name is Yfandes. She takes the shape of a pure white horse with silver hooves, but do not take her for an ordinary mount.

Edited 2014-07-30 03:01 (UTC)

[Nico seems surprised by the questions. He's been here for four months with people asking after his health, and he just can't get used to it.]

I'll be alright after a few days of rest. A battle between Seelie and Unseelie forces ended a couple days ago. [He nods at the comment.] I apologize, then. Death isn't the only way to get here. Some are kidnapped, and some come here willingly to help.

[A horse that isn't ordinary. Just another day in the life of a demigod.]

Yfandes. Okay. I haven't heard about her coming here, but I'll keep an eye out for her in Caer Glaem.

[The word battle catches his interest and his gaze narrows.]

What was the reason behind the battle? I have heard that the Courts oppose one another, but from where does the animosity stem?

[Willingly? He closes his eyes.]

I have sworn an oath to protect Valdemar, yet if I had known this land needed soldiers, I would have found some way to help.

[Yfandes isn't even really a horse. She's a being from the Havens that takes a useful form.]

You have my gratitude, Nico. I suggest that you eat well and rest.

The reason for this battle wasn't "officially" sanctioned by the Courts. It was between two people over a gem. One of them was from my world, and she would've taken on the opposing army all on her own if people hadn't rallied on their own volition to help her. [goddamn it, clarisse] The other was from a different world, and he'd been the former owner of the gem. I honestly don't know the details since I wasn't told much about it in the first place.

[He shakes his head.]

As for the original animosity between the two Courts...I'm really not sure. I had assumed it was because of the Shards we all hold, but it's hard to say if that's the truth.

[It's the reason he wants to go to the Drabkeeper's Castle, after all. To find the truth, or at least get a clue as to what the truth might be. At the suggestion Vanyel gives him, again he shakes his head.]

I can't rest until I know my sister is here or not.

She sounds powerful. [And someone he needs to know about.] I cannot imagine why a gem would be so valuable.

[There are far, far more important things in life.]

I had wondered what the Shards meant - and why some lack them. [His expression falls and he frowns.] I would be happy to aid you in searching for her.

What does she look like?

I have no idea, either, but that's what we're going to find out.

[Nico hesitates for only a moment before deciding it can't hurt to have others look for his sister, too.]

Her skin is dark. She has cinnamon red hair, really curly, and gold eyes. She's most likely wearing a purple shirt, and her accent is a drawl. She's around 13 in age. Her name is Hazel Levesque.

[Another moment of hesitation.]

...Thank you. For wanting to look for her. I'm Nico di Angelo, in case she asks.

[The fellow in the locket does look and act the sort of part his words seem to imply - Anthony takes a moment of holding just short of connection while he gathers himself, reins back an "Uh." It's hardly reassuring or worth trusting.]

-- Yes. He is right - Nico di Angelo is right. -- There are people - here... who've been reawakened into this world from an afterlife. This isn't mine -- and it's lasted for far to long, to be - an apparent trick...

My name is Anthony. Hail -- Herald. [Not a clue what the proper address should be.] If -- your Companion is not here now, then -- to my knowledge it seems she may not be until a later day...

What a cruel trick if that is the case. [He can't stop himself from scowling.] I feel as if I have more than earned my rest.

[If he died.]

Yet I doubt I perished. [His grey eyes are unfocused for a moment before he bows his head in greeting.] Hail, Anthony.

[The news makes him pale.] Is she being kept prisoner?

[He freezes a moment, brow lifts.

Truthfully he doesn't know that's not technically possible, but -- !]

-- I doubt it, no! It --

Several of us arrive alone - whatever allies we may have in our native worlds. -- And so she may still be, ah - in yours.

[And again, not that the alternative is possible, but doesn't seem it'll be the most helpful notion to endorse for now...]

[Most definitely not.]

Seven hells! [He slams a fist against the nearest wall, regretting it immediately when it begins to throb.] She is...part of me. I cannot adequately describe it.

Without me, she will be in distress.

[He prays she goes back to the Collegium, yet he fears she will stubbornly search for him on her own.]

Edited 2014-07-30 03:50 (UTC)

[He starts at that reaction and Anthony likewise sort of regrets what's just happened - but for goodness's sake, what else could he possibly say of any help; with the abounding oddity here he could certainly imagine what "part of me" could imply, if not articulately or specifically, simply vague understanding of distress.]

Forgive me, Herald; perhaps -- she'll appear quickly, then, but if she doesn't...

[The worst that could happen wouldn't render her turning up an impossibility, so says what he's gathered. O the day that one can see appropriate reassurance in a statement like that.]

-- Whatever happens, it won't -- prevent the possibility of her appearing here, someday.

Unharmed.

Regretfully, that -- 'ss the best reassurance that I can provide. And I understand it may be little reassurance - if you've duty elsewhere, then... [He casts a fidgety look aside, would rather avoid finishing that sentence. They're "trapped" in this world.]

[So lost in his own frustration, Vanyel doesn't notice - until that last statement - that his mood is making Anthony uncomfortable. His expression changes from surprise to one of contrite apology. It isn't fair to him - or anyone else - to present anything less than his best foot forward. He can certainly rage when he is alone.]

Forgive me, Anthony. I did not mean to let my anger control my words. Should she arrive, I will welcome her gladly. However worrying about what is out of my hands...

Well, that is a waste of time and effort.

[Temporary or not, then, it looks as if it's settled for now. He relaxes with a bit of apology likewise. Apology for apparently provoking it, and retained for having nothing more hopeful than that to say.]

My apologies.

If -- there is anything that can be done sooner, or to ease one's mind, I - don't know what.

I, er - don't know that there isn't -- anything. Either.

[He chuckles, but it isn't an unkind sound.]

You've done much for me. All I ask of you is your friendship in the future.

[He can certainly tell that it isn't, and he's feeling mildly humbled by that topped with the fact that the best he can say he did was talk.

He - appreciates it, however. Smiles very faintly and with a sub-ounce of rue, bows enough to scan in the locket view.]

Ah -- would be my honor to give it, Herald, if you'd have it. -- Although I did nothing.

[There is no reason not to expect then that he'd find it in better form not to or wouldn't be welcome to change that in the future, 'twere to come up.]

I would welcome it most gladly. [His smile says he doesn't believe Anthony "did nothing".] You contacted me in my time of need and gave me the answers you had available. I would be a fool not to appreciate that.

Ah -- and I appreciate your assurance, my lord. -- Herald. [Quick correction though blast it he does not know which one is technically correct, either way.] Uhmm.

Was it -- the Seelie court - by the way, that took you? Or the Unseelie?

[A no to Seelie would imply Unseelie regardless, that goes without saying, but anyhoo.]

Call me Vanyel. I can do without titles. [He has had his fill of "my lords" from his time in court.] I was called to the Seelie Court, yes. What about you?

Edited 2014-07-30 06:48 (UTC)

[A nod, and a formed "Yes, Vanyel" that would've actually been spoken if the reply hadn't immediately followed.]

The Seelie. As well.

I ah -- suppose that we shall be meeting, then.

I look forward to the encounter. [He knows he needs to keep himself busy or else he will begin to pine for Yfandes too much.]

[ Herald-Mage and Demonsbane, now that's one he hasn't heard before. ]

Was there any chance that you survived?

[ Tactful, no. But that 'might' is eating at him, and more knowledgeable hands have covered the bases on 'dead'. ]

The chance was quite high considering I was returning to Valdemar in a seemingly empty forest.

[He doesn't even recall being struck.]

Take heart, then. You probably aren't the least bit dead.

[ Who just assumes that they're dead? Gideon would, he supposes. It's enough to make him smile. ]

I arrived from the middle of a committee meeting. I don't doubt a murderous thought or two, but they'd never agree long enough to follow through. So what do you intend to do with your reaffirmed vitality?

That is... [A relief? Not entirely.] I have much to do, then.

[To say Vanyel is a work-a-holic would be an understatement.]

Ah. I have conquered the horrors of committee meetings far too many times to count.

[Murderous thoughts are the least of his worries.]

Discover the truth behind this kingdom and lend them my powers and my sword if I find their cause worthy.

[ All work and no play makes Demonsbane a dull boy. The whole thing's so tiresomely hide-bound, but for the time being, Felix can pretend that it's only the shock of the day, some terrible allergic moral reaction to worlds vanishing without trace. ]

Oh? You'll shame us for nobility, Herald. [ A friendly jab, rolling out in leisurely purr. The title's a guess born of practicality, he'd just have too much difficulty pronouncing Ashkevron. ] What strikes you as worthy?

[He doesn't allow himself play time thanks to his overwhelming guilt. Heralds are already noble creatures that push themselves to the limit for their kingdom, but Vanyel is worse.]

That isn't my intention. [This is just...his normal.] I seek peace and prosperity wherever I go. War cannot always be helped, yet one must try nonetheless.

[ Powers and saints, no sense of humour either. It's like watching the bald burrow rats from a Vusantine menagerie; Felix can't decide whether to be delighted or appalled. ]

Peace and prosperity cannot be argued with -- but whose is a subject of substantially more disagreement. There are always bystanders on every side. How do you intend to choose?

[ An unfair question, but if the bastard's dour enough to take it seriously, Felix wants to hear. ]

I can only lend my word of caution. It is my King and Queen who make that decision. [And he doesn't envy them it.] I have never wished to be a monarch.

[Though he is as close to one as he can get, truthfully. With King Randale so ill and Queen Shavri so stressed, there are times Vanyel takes their place for them in meetings.]

I am a Herald; we serve and protect. [Until the ends of their lives frequently - and their lives aren't long. Very few live to an age where they can retire.]

Which is all very well, but the nearest monarchy just spirited you away from land and love --

[ The latter's not an assumption, so much as bait. He's fishing: Ashkevron might not be the life of the party, but he's got nice eyes, and Felix regards shame as a vestigial limb. ]

-- Without so much as an as-you-please. I envy our position no more than theirs; certainly, our capacities for judgment must be considered momentarily equivalent.

[ He deliberates half a moment, peering, before seeming to come to a decision -- and proper introduction. ]

Felix Harrowgate, wizard of the Mirador. And I confess I've not the faintest clue what heraldry entails.

So I noticed. [A faint smile crosses his lips. Oh boy, Felix, you don't want to go down that road. It's treacherous and where it's not treacherous, it's frustrating as hell.] On that, we agree.

[An eyebrow raises at the title.] Can I assume that a Mage and Wizard are similar? Heralds are those who possess special Gifts. Most of the Gifts are mundane enough - I am the only Herald-Mage - but the majority of them can be put to great use throughout the kingdom. Each Herald is trained at the Collegium in Valdemar after they are Chosen. Then, after they graduate and receive their Whites...

[He motions at his own attire.] They are given orders. We are oftentimes called the Arrows of the King and Queen.

Edited 2014-07-30 04:18 (UTC)

[ The road to hell is paved with good intentions, or at least what passes for them in a dark room. He grins wickedly, but checks off a mental 'nope'. ]

Much the same, from where I stand. 'Mage' appears in a few of the older texts.

[ He flutters a tattooed hand, the universal gesture for more or less, before casting a glance to the whites. Felix's own coat strikes a carefully eye-searing shade of vermilion, but he can't claim he's keen to trade. Arrows imply aim, and someone bloody-minded to pull the string.

The Bastion's fortress walls ripple unwelcome through his mind. ]

Gifts above and beyond a spell's ability? How curious -- may I ask...?

I should like to see your powers someday. [Out of pure curiosity. He likes to learn what he can about magic - even if he encounters magic he can't wield personally.] Yes. There are Fire-Starters, Empaths, those who can Project their voice and thoughts across far distances...

Then, of course, there are other Gifts that belong to Healers and Bards. Sometimes the Gifts overlap and it is up to the teachers and student to decide what path should be followed.

If you're that eager, you could always see them tonight, [ For once in his life, it's not entendre. ] There's something that I'd like to try; it'll be easier to test with two.

[ The Khloidanikos can't be reached from this place -- he's tried -- but perhaps other dreams might still be constructed. Felix doesn't shrug, that's crass, but the languid roll of his shoulders is only a synonym. ]

We'd call each of those magic, I suppose, save the singing.

[ Felix can guess that 'bard' means a deal more to Ashkevron than himself, but he can't begin to imagine what. He's never much enjoyed music, and he's learned to avoid thinking on the melodies that wind through the Virtu. ]

Very well. [How can miss such an opportunity?] Are you rested enough for the attempt?

[Felix is welcome to notice a lute strapped to Vanyel's back. It is in a soft case, but the shape is unmistakable.]

I am untrained in the Bardic arts, but I do possess the Gifts. [It's a sore point for him. Initially he had wanted nothing more than to be a Bard, but he hadn't possessed the proper Gifts, so the school had rejected him.]

Splendid. [ And he really does seem to mean it, for all that this is the smallest, least cocksure smile yet. ] Rest's just what it requires, alert me on the lockets before you sleep tonight. I'll be ready.

[ It would help quite a deal if he'd met the man in person, but that poses an experiment in itself. He's never seen the like of these lockets before, never had sight and sound and names so stupendously close at hand. If that proves enough to work with -- the possibilities glimmer. ]

Education often means little beside skill. [ Felix wouldn't know a lute if it bit him, but bitterness is an old and familiar friend. ] I'd be honoured to hear.

I...see. [He looks less sure now. His nights are sometimes plagued by nightmares and he doesn't exactly want anyone to see those.] Would this process involve you seeing my dreams?

[The bitterness distracts him and he tucks a stray strand of hair behind his ear.]

Were you barred from acquiring an education? [His cheeks flush and he grows quiet.] Thank you.

[ Too late, Vanyel. He'd lie himself six feet under to keep permission at this point. ]

Not at all, [ 'Yes' is the correct answer, even if it's only for a tiny scrap of time. A glimpse and little more -- but it's more than he'd ever himself allow. ] Once I fetch you, we'll be seeing mine. Do your people do any work with oneiromancy?

[ He's set to press onward, and then they get back to education, and Felix curses himself half a hundred times over in the quiet of his skull. An idiot's slip, he ought to know how to pass as nobility by now. But Ashkeron blushes just like Mildmay, and that's something to cling to again. A reason to keep a straight face. ]

I teach those with little other chance at one. [ The silence hangs an unsteady beat before he continues, with a casual breeze that rankles his own ears. ] Tonight, then?

Edited (aaah sorry thought of something else) 2014-07-30 05:57 (UTC)

I cannot even say what Oneiromancy might be. I assume it has to do with dreams? If that is the case, we do have those who are Mind Healers. They can enter another person's mind - their thoughts and dreams in particular - and help repair any damage.

[He experienced such a healing at the hands of the Tayledras.]

Admirable. [It saddens him to think of those who haven't a chance at education. Everyone deserves it.]

Where shall I meet you?

Edited 2014-07-30 05:59 (UTC)

The disciplines muddle and overlap, [ And none of them necessitate that he admit the slightest thing about what really took place in the healing gardens of Nephele. ] But quite a deal must be resdiscovered; the practice has been abandoned half a dozen different times.

[ It's the truth. It's also polite way of saying that the curia would skin him alive if they knew. ]

I presently reside in the castle of the Unseelie court. [ An awkward bit of phrase, but this whole conversation has been. Better than admitting that he can't yet keep the Caers straight. ] If you're elsewhere, I encourage you to stay. Distance shouldn't pose a barrier.

[ Shouldn't, not doesn't. But that hardly matters just now. ]

I'm intrigued to see them at work, then. [The wary side of him wonders why it was abandoned so many times. The answer likely isn't good, but he's not going to fear for himself. Not yet, at least.]

Ah, I am apart of the opposing force. [Seelie, that is. Are you surprised?] I'll take your word for that.

[And he does stay put. He even takes out his lute and strums a few notes.]

[ Colour him shocked as clay. ]

I'll dream only of you.

[ Felix smirks theatrically, and with that, he cuts the feed. ]

[[ OOC: I can put up a log tomorrow, if that's cool? :0 I'm to bed shortly myself! ]]

[OOC: Haha perfect! Sleep tight!]

[Video / After Feast / Open to Both Courts]

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