[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

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He gives him a stern look.]

The last thing a proper Bard needs is bruises. Why risk your hands?

[Action]

[wildgift]

It was nowhere near my hands. [Innocent face.]

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Meaning you had to show me...far more of yourself.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Did I say that?

...it still didn't work.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I can read between the lines.

[He sighs and brings their lips together lightly.]

You don't know that.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'll have to watch what I say then.

No, I know it didn't.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Will that help, you think?

[He arches a brow.]

Were you with me all day and all night?

[Action]

[wildgift]

I don't know. I suppose we'll see. [Spoilers, it won't.]

No. But you were pretty damn determined that it wouldn't.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Time is one of the greatest teachers. [And practice.]

My determination isn't necessarily negative towards you.

[Action]

[wildgift]

How very deep of you.

Should I ask?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I have no doubt that, with time, you can do anything you like.

If I have to exercise my determination doesn't that tell you that you are having an effect on me?

[Action]

[wildgift]

[He thinks on that for a moment, then laughs.]

I suppose it does. Consider me chastened.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[The laughter fills him with relief and he's not sure why. Yet he doesn't question it. He's exhausted and the warmth from both of their bodies is relaxing him nicely.]

I won't be too hard on you. I feel like you've learned your lesson.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Thank you, oh wise and mighty Herald. I might have cried if you started yelling.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Your tears would have made it feel like self-punishment. I do my best not to torture myself.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'll make certain to remember that.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

But don't think I'll go soft on you because of that.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Should I be frightened?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Only if it feels right.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Hm...I think not, then.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Now that's a choice I can support. Yfandes wouldn't want my ego growing.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I won't tell the Lady if you won't.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Truly a bad influence. [In many ways. He slides their legs together, eyelids falling half shut.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

And? I'm not sorry, and I won't apologize.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I'd rather you didn't. [He brushes a kiss against Stefen's ear.] You will win her over.