[Video | Open to Both Courts]

[wildgift]

[Granted, Stefen hasn't been here that long, but he's already restless. He isn't much of an explorer--even in a place he knows, let alone a strange one--and, truthfully, it's dangerous and if there's anything a Bard knows how to avoid it's danger and discomfort.

So instead, he sits, gittern in his lap for a moment or two before he begins a song. It makes him feel better, even if he isn't doing anything besides playing, not using his Gift or his voice at all. It's something familiar, at the very least, and he sighs when it's over, then makes a face.]

Perhaps I just haven’t been here long enough, but I imagine I’m not the only one who feels they’ll go mad in white linen if I stay here much longer. [A pause.] Not that the place is without its charms, surely, but… [Sigh.] Does one ever get used to it?

Comments

voice. private.

[orcsurfing]

[ All interactions he keeps private now, though he has no doubts that he's being heard by the monarchs nonetheless. Better to assume so anyway, safer. All interactions too, he keeps to voice at best, so that his whereabouts remain not overmuch known. By any, except those he wishes to tell.

Thus the response comes with voice, interest in the individual sparked by the song. ]

You cannot change a person's nature, regardless of where they are taken. Powerful as the monarchs are, 'tis one thing they cannot do either.

So if you have always desired travel, if you have always been of the restless sort, then it will be no different here and remaining at the Court will have that restlessness growing anew and strong.

Re: voice. private.

[wildgift]

To be quite honest, I've never been either, but at least in Valdemar I had something to do that felt like it was doing something. [He sighs] I suppose I should be used to--or at least resigned to--being a decoration, but I think I resent it a little, regardless.

[orcsurfing]

Not a single person should ever be forced to resign to such a fate.

[ He sounds sympathetic, with light, urging intent in his tone. ]

Your song was beautiful. Are you a bard?

[wildgift]

I am, yes. And we never do anything useful if we can avoid it, so I wouldn't worry too much about my rather ornamental status.

[orcsurfing]

[ Well, he has to chuckle at that. ]

So long as it does not become a permanent state. It would be a shame if you could no longer play and sing, but merely stood all statue like.

[wildgift]

I don't believe it will come to that. In fact I think I'd rather die.

[orcsurfing]

That we cannot allow. Thus my advice is! Speak to the fairies, if you grow bored. They love attention and they are ever full of mischief, they will keep you occupied.

[wildgift]

Don't tell me that. I'm liable to actually listen. Surely there's enough mischief to get into without help.

[orcsurfing]

My advice remains the same, no matter! Be the breath of fresh air amongst the mischief makers. These are dark times in Drabwurld, surely all will enjoy a laugh or two.

video;

[choreographics]

Can't really answer that. I haven't been here that long but it's not too bad so far...[That's not why he's addressing Stefen. No, actually the song is what caught his attention and it shows by the way his gaze is fixed on the instrument.]

What is that?

video;

[wildgift]

A gittern. I can play almost anything, but this is my favorite, I suppose. Perhaps that's why it came with me.

video;

[choreographics]

Sorta looks like a guitar. [He might be squinting a little to get a better look.] Why's it your favorite?

video;

[wildgift]

[He shrugs]

I don't really know. Because it is. Maybe I just like how it sounds best.

video;

[choreographics]

Doesn't seem like a very strong answer. I don't think I've ever seen one of those before where I'm from but I guess that's a lot more portable than a cello or something. Are you a musician, or is this a hobby?

Re: video;

[wildgift]

I'm a Bard. So it's definitely more than a hobby.

video;

[choreographics]

A Bard. [There's a mildly critical look like he's trying to decide if Stefen's serious or not. He's mostly thinking Shakespearian but that's--well, it's not impossible, but still.] How do you even become a Bard?

Re: video;

[wildgift]

You show up at the Collegium and are accepted, I suppose. I was...rather a unique case.

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Truly the work of a Master Bard. [There is an appreciative smile on his lips.] I might be a poor distraction, but I am free.

Re: [Video]

[wildgift]

"Poor," Herald? I hardly believe that.

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

It depends entirely on your point of view. I don't like to make assumptions.

[Video]

[wildgift]

I assure you, Vanyel, you are never poor company.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Warmth - lovely and foreign - gives him the courage to seek out the young Bard. He looks tired - strung-out - like someone who has been haunted by their thoughts or someone who has been clawing at the walls of their cage. Both are true for Vanyel. He has stretched out his Gifts to their extreme - without losing control, of course - and only slept when his exhaustion overwhelmed him.

But his sleep hasn't been good either. Ever since his session with Felix, his nightmare is waiting for him. The chill hangs on during his waking hours and he moves stiffly. Yet he forgets about it somewhat when he sees Stefen.]

I practiced most on my lute. The ladies of the court gave me plenty of praise... [He shrugs. Their praise had put salve on his wounds - somewhat.] I knew it wasn't genuine.

[Action]

[wildgift]

[He makes a face and shakes his head] The only thing they're ever genuine about is what they want from their bedpartners. Or maybe their dreams of rich husbands.

[But then he takes a good long look at Vanyel, and sighs.]

You look like hell. Haven't you been sleeping?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[His lips twist wryly. Oh he knows that too.] They wanted me for a rich husband. I would have been a nice catch to tell their parents about.

[Wrapping his arms around his chest, he hides a sigh.]

Sometimes.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I can't say that you aren't.

"Sometimes?"