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[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]

[wildgift]

Yes, I don't doubt that. That isn't what I'm concerned about.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

What concerns you most?

[Action]

[wildgift]

[...damn.]

Never mind. It isn't important.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

It is to me. [He slips an arm around Stefen's shoulders - a friendly gesture.] Holding it in won't do you any good.

[Says the man who holds everything in.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

[He tenses at the contact and forgets to breathe again for a few moments, but he doesn't pull away, at least. Even if it isn't what he wants it to be, it hurts less than he likes being held. Which isn't to say that it doesn't hurt at all. It does that too.]

You can't possibly be certain of that.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Yet I am. [He gives him the ghost of his arrogant peacock smile.] Heralds are terrible liars. The ones with the silver tongues are Bards.

[That statement is followed by a wink.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Sigh.]

You aren't making this any easier.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Then I'm doing something wrong. [He arches a brow and glances away, licking his lips awkwardly.] I'll be honest, I'm exhausted. I was hoping to make it back to the Collegium so I could rest.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I imagine there will be plenty of time here for that.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Would you mind me finding us rooms close together?

[Action]

[wildgift]

[He just stares for a moment.]

I...I would like that.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

It would be better. I won't have a problem finding you if things change that way. [Though there is a rebellious color on his cheeks.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

Is that all?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He pauses and his voice lowers a notch.] I want to get to know you better.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I suppose I can't fault that.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I'm glad. [Something inside of him relaxes.] Hopefully I can become Vanyel instead of Herald one day.

[Action]

[wildgift]

You don't actually believe that. You'd never give up being a Herald.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

That isn't what I meant. [Oh Stefen.] I would rather you say my name.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Oh. I suppose if you wish, I could oblige, Vanyel.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He grits his teeth, fighting back the damnable shiver that climbs his spine.]

...thank you. [Well this is an awkward pause.] May I call you Stefen, Master Bard?

[Action]

[wildgift]

You may. I think I prefer that over "Master Bard." I've had more time to get accustomed to answering to it.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

When you put it that way, I almost feel like using the title excessively.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Then you may remain "Herald" forever.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

There's that silver tongue. [He pulls out a white handkerchief and throws it.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

You deserved it.