[Video | Open to Anyone | After Feast]

[wildgift]

[This one looks rather ostentatious, though it isn't really through any choice of his own. He's red haired and dressed in Scarlets, muttering to himself and trying not to look too concerned. He's actually doing quite a good job of it, though the look in his eyes might give him away to anyone who knows how to read it.]

Safest Bard in Haven, indeed. [Never mind that he'd been the one to say that.] When Vanyel hears of this, I'll never hear the end of it. [Here he adopts a different tone, clearly imitating someone else.]

"Do you see, Stefen? I was right. My enemies will only use you against me." [Sigh.] Yes, he certainly needed another excuse to try and be rid of me.

Hellsteeth.

[He takes a few cautious glances around, but shakes his head. Apparently he doesn't like much of what he sees, but he does at least try to give an endearing, albeit self-deprecating smile.]

Would someone mind please informing me as to where I am? I'm afraid I've not much to provide in the way of a reward for your help, but I would certainly appreciate it. I'm sure I can find some way to repay you.

Comments

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

What happened to Van? [Herald is more proper, but they're not in proper circumstances, are they? And he likes some familiarity - even if he doesn't know where it stems from.] I'll accept Vanyel.

[Now comes the hard part.]

We're trapped. [Inhaling deeply, he tips his head back and closes his eyes, seeking out the barriers.] The magic is stronger than any I have ever encountered.

[Then, he opens his eyes, surprised.] Why does King Randale need you?

[Action]

[wildgift]

I didn't think it was appropriate, Herald Vanyel, seeing as evidently we don't know each other. [And maybe keeping his distance would make it hurt less.]

Trapped. Damn. I suppose they couldn't make it so easy. [He sighs.]

If he is to hold Court, I'm to be there. He can't function without me. [It's not even bragging. It's just the truth. He's just a little too worried about other people for his own taste at the moment, when he's certainly earned a good wallow in selfishness.]

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[It stings more than it should to hear the rebuttal. But it makes sense.

It's logical, which he admires.]

Do as you please, Bard Stefen. [His smile has faded into nothing and his grey eyes are keen on their surroundings.] No, they wouldn't. It takes quite a lot of effort to bring us here, I'm sure.

[His focus returns to Stefen and he peers into his eyes.]

...there is something you do for him? [He doesn't want to reveal King Randale's condition unless Stefen already knows.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

Other than keep him upright? I've some Wild Gift, they tell me, to sing the pain away.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[His eyes sting and he very nearly embraces Stefen. Very nearly. He catches himself and breathes out.]

Thank the gods. He has been suffering for so long.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I know. But it doesn't do much except make him more comfortable. It's painful to see.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

We're still no closer to finding out the cause, are we. [It scares him. For the kingdom's sake; for Shavri's sake and for his own.] What of Queen Shavri? Did she deliver the babe safely?

[Action]

[wildgift]

Jisa? Yes. Rather a stubborn young woman, too. I wonder where she picked that up?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Her parents, I suspect. [He turns his head to hide a relieved smile. His daughter is safe. No, Jisa is their daughter.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

That seems the most likely, yes. I do hope her husband is prepared for it.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Husband? [Sorry, that word is choked and he whirls around, eyes wide.] Is she old enough for - ?

[Action]

[wildgift]

Yes, Herald. I don't imagine they would have gone through with it if she weren't. The pair of them are--[He nearly chokes on the word]--l-lifebonded besides.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Gods, that word hurts and fills him with elation at the same time. His knees feel weak and he stumbles a short distance away, sliding down to rest against a wall.]

Lifebonded... [He licks his dry lips and sighs.] I don't know whether to be proud or terrified.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Now that the furor over the whole thing has died down, elated, I suppose.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Lifebonds are...complicated bonds. [There is a husky note to his voice - almost as if he is trying to hold back harsher emotions.] They should proceed with caution.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Try telling them that. As it is, it's too late now.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Heedless youth. [Says the man who isn't even in his thirties yet.] Are you friends with her?

[Action]

[wildgift]

I suppose so. I certainly wouldn't call us enemies.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

You are a remarkable young man. [He rests his arms on his knees.] I would like to get to know you.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Remarkable? Because I know a few people?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

You are giving the King comfort, befriending those dear to me and taking on a role in court that is meant for one much older.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm the only one who can. [Again, it's just the truth.] There just isn't anyone else. The Healers are working on it, I imagine, but one can't, precisely, hold audience in trance.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Shavri is an excellent Healer. I know she wouldn't give up. [He nods, accepting the truth in Stefen's words.] Regardless, you could have said no.

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Sigh.]

No, I really couldn't have.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Now you sound like a Herald.