[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

[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?"

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Now I'm not. [Which is somewhat pleasing, actually.] It's a nightmare.

[The only one he has ever had - beyond the dreams he sometimes has of Tylendel's death.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

You are, actually, and you won't convince me otherwise.

[Sigh]

Is there anything I can do?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Hopelessly biased.

[Not that he minds.]

... [The bond makes it so easy for him to say "stay with me", but that's selfish. His eyes give him away. For a moment, there's stark need in them; then, suddenly, it's shadowed.]

You're doing enough.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm allowed to be.

[Almost...]

I don't think I believe that.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Stefen, I don't want to burden you with the details of my -

[He licks his dry lips.]

I've only had one nightmare since I can remember.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Only one?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

It has gotten more detailed over the years, but yes. It's the same.

[Action]

[wildgift]

And it's the same now?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He nods faintly.]

I try not to put too much stock in it.

[Action]

[wildgift]

But you aren't sleeping. [Sigh.] You're entirely too stubborn for your own good.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Sometimes it's worse... The change...

Coming here...

[He shivers.]

I don't have control over it.

Re: [Action]

[wildgift]

And I can't help you.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

...that's not true.

Re: [Action]

[wildgift]

You just said it was. Or just about, anyway.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I didn't have it...when I was... [With Tylendel.] I can't ask that of you.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Ask what? And why not?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

When I sleep with someone...

It doesn't have to be romantic...

It's better.