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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]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Please show me mercy. [He raises his hands, palms out.] I come before you unarmed!

[Action]

[wildgift]

I may be convinced, I suppose.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He bows gallantly, one arm across his chest.]

You have my eternal gratitude!

[Action]

[wildgift]

You're welcome. Try not to abuse my leniency. [Now if only he could remember anything... God it hurt to play this game.]

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Your Highness, how could I abuse anything you give me? [It feels good to play with court etiquette, but he soon sobers.] Truly, you have my gratitude, Stefen.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm sure that's a wonderful thing to have. [Even if there other, more wonderful, things he'd rather have.]

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Only if I rank high in your estimation. [Why does he want that to be the case? The young Bard is having a strange effect on him.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm sure if you work at it a little, you'll get there.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Something to look forward to - even if the way his heart leaps confuses him.]

Would you like to get a drink? I want one before I go to bed. Someone named Felix is supposed to visit me.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Well, I certainly think I need one. Or several. [Felix? He had no idea who that is, but it still makes him jealous, though he tries to keep it off his face.]

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I can understand that. [His sometimes rash desire to test his own abilities led him to agreeing to meeting Felix.] It's interesting to encounter other magic users.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Try not to hurt each other. I'd hate to see anything happen to that pretty face of yours.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He blinks, looking downright baffled at the description.]

I have a feeling that applies more to you than me.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Not especially.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Have you seen you? I imagine you have ladies flocking after you ceaselessly.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Oh, the Court ladies do their best, but none of them stand any sort of chance. Even if I were interested in any of them.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[...wait. Is he - ?]

Are you taken? [That's a safer question.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Now how much to tell him...]

I was. Now he seems rather uninterested in me.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

He? So you are...

[He wonders if that has to do with Medren.]

Is it Medren? I know I would take him to the Collegium if he was a shay'a'chern. The Ashkevrons have never been that open minded...

[Action]

[wildgift]

[That earns a look.]

No. I may have roomed with him, but he isn't. Believe me, I asked.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Things will go easier for him. [Sadly, that is the truth.] May I ask who you were with, then? In case they arrive...

[And not because he's curious.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

Yes, you may.

[But that isn't good enough, and he sighs, then swears under his breath.]

Dammit, Vanyel...

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Color rushes to his cheeks and then he pales, eyes wide.]

...Stefen. [Surely he is mistaken? Grossly, ridiculously mistaken. Why would someone like Stefen be with someone like him?]

Is that why...? [There's pain radiating off of the young man. Even a novice Empath would be able to sense it.] You deserve far better than me.

[Action]

[wildgift]

That isn't true.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Which part? [His voice breaks.] I'm honored...and amazed. I know that sounds cliched, but I can already tell that you're remarkable.