[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]

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.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I suppose a few of them have rubbed off on me. [Or, rather, one in particular.]

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

We need to get you around more Bards quickly, then. [He stands back up, trying to make light of the situation.] Did you bring your instrument with you?

[Action]

[wildgift]

If you can persuade them to stop hating me, I would appreciate it.

[But he nods at the question.]

I did, yes.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Why do they hate you? [That doesn't seem possible.] Good. I would have gladly let you borrow mine, but who knows? I might want to pass the time with it.

[Action]

[wildgift]

They aren't exactly thrilled I was jumped to Master so quickly.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He blinks and nods slowly.]

You do far more good for Randy if you're not stuck in classes. [And of course no one would know why Stefen is needed. Vanyel's heart aches for him.]

Like I said, the burden should be put on someone far older than you, yet you are the one with the Gift.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Unfortunately, Bards aren't as selfless as Heralds are. I'm sure my name is being cursed all but daily. Though I suppose I should be grateful it hasn't turned up in tavern songs. At least not that I know of.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Inform me if it does. I can silence songs quickly. [It helps being a big scary Herald sometimes.] Did you eat enough at the feast?

[Action]

[wildgift]

I don't imagine there will be much of an issue here.

[He raises an eyebrow.]

You're awfully concerned over someone you've only just met, Herald. [But then, they were all like that, really.]

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

We are amongst strangers. [He pauses before holding out his hand.] What I do not know about you, I will learn in time. Until then, the best I can offer you is to look after you.

Re: [Action]

[wildgift]

I'm not a child.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I am aware. [His voice is almost too quiet. It's hard for him to ignore Stefen's beauty, but -

He hasn't forgotten the vow he made to himself.] You are the only piece of Valdemar I have.

[Have is an awkward word and he winces.]

I've met, rather. It would be an honor to protect you.

Re: [Action]

[wildgift]

You make it sound positively romantic put that way. [If only.]

Am I your damsel, then, Herald-Knight?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Does a man with a nickname like Demonsbane strike you as romantic? [He has always been dreadful at romance.] Do you want to be my damsel, Lady Stefen?

Re: [Action]

[wildgift]

When he puts his mind to it.

You're the one who made me sound like one. Are you in the market for a damsel?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Have you personally seen me putting my mind to it? [He tries to laugh, but oh the sound is forced.] Yes. I always need another tale to be sung about me.

[Not.]

Re: [Action]

[wildgift]

[The first question trips him up a little, and he aches a little thinking about it. To answer it honestly or not... After a moment of hesitation, he goes with a neutral option.]

That, I think, is a discussion best saved for later.

If you're so against the songs, perhaps you should stop doing interesting things.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Oh? [There is wary interest in his tone, though he tries to conceal it.] Define interesting things. If it has to do with being a Herald, I'm sorry - that's the same as asking me not to breathe.