Canon is Mercedes Lackey's 'The Last Herald Mage'.

[vanyel]

Are you really sure this is a good idea? It's...been a bit and the last time you tried this it didn't really go anywhere. Besides, I have more important things to do, especially as now I'm recovered and apparently getting my Whites. I fail to see what you consider so important as to over ride that. Just leave me be, and concentrate on your others. I want no part in these 'games' when I still have all my training to get through at the Collegium.

Comments

[companionable]

You'll be fine whatever happens, Chosen. I'm around, after all, aren't I?

[vanyel]

You are. [She always was, and it had taken time, but he didn't have the same pain and guilt as the reminder of 'Lendel when he was with her so much anymore. Sometimes she seemed far too human, but this....]

Yfandes, how....?

[companionable]

[ she spins once, showing off, laughing. ] Well, I'm a Companion, after all. It's my job to be beside you-- and it's much easier to do that in most places in a shape like this.

[vanyel]

I suppose so. I just didn't expect to see you like this. You're very pretty. [She had been as a Companion too, but seeing her as a human was different.]

[companionable]

[ a teasing flutter of her lashes at him. ] You always say exactly the right things to a lady.

[vanyel]

Well, I have my dearest mother to thank for that, I suppose. And Lissa. [A small smile. All those years playing the game with his mother, and yet he rebuked societies expectations of falling for a boy.]

[companionable]

And me. After all, it's hard not to want to compliment me. [ might be preening a little bit, hooking her arm through his. ] It really is strange being so small, though.

[vanyel]

Of course, now that I have you. I'm sure you'll get used to it in time.

[companionable]

Well, I certainly hope so. I've never had two legs before. Or clothes.

[healeradept]

They care little for your training, youngling.

[vanyel]

So it seems. I suppose at the very least I have what you taught me at the Vale, even if I have yet to get back to the Collegium.

[healeradept]

And you've the wisdom to expand on such teachings. [ which is to say: don't sell yourself short, vanyel. ]

<3 Moondance

[vanyel]

I'd hope so. [This is all still quite new to him, barely in whites.]

i'm thrilled to see vanyel!

[healeradept]

You will thrive, ke'chara. [ for all that vanyel doubts himself, moondance has faith enough. ]

The Tayledras were pretty interesting. I'm glad to see them around!

[vanyel]

We shall see. The last time I was merely here once or twice and not particularly out and about much.

[healeradept]

Such is the transient nature of this place.

[vanyel]

Seems that way. Still, if you and Starwind are around, I might get out a bit more, perhaps. Are you at any of these 'games'?

[adeptable]

I doubt if the Singers will listen, ke'chara..

[vanyel]

You're not being too reassuring here, Starwind.

[adeptable]

I am not trying to be. They are often far crueler than they are kind.

[vanyel]

Ray of sunshine, as I said. Still, I suppose I appreciate the warning and honesty.

[adeptable]

[He holds out his left arm to reveal the network of burn scars that cover most of it, turns his head up to show off the hand-shaped one around his throat.]

They are not fond of kindness.

I do like the username!

[vanyel]

Starwind....what happened?

[Looking at the injuries, concerned even as he knows it obviously already happened. Knows there is nothing he can do.]

I thought it was clever >>;;

[adeptable]

Games. Torture. Goddesses of cruelty.

It is. I didn't want to have one too similar to another Vanyel so couldn't have my previous username

[vanyel]

I'm sorry. Is Moondance there with you? You're not alone?

[If he has Moondance, that at least would be of some small comfort, even knowing it was clearly dangerous for Starwind there.]