Magic's Promise

Oh, what the hell. In for a sheep - Vanyel went into a full-scale imitation of the most languid fop at Haven.

The man in question wasn't inclined to shay'a'chern, as it happened: rumor had it he played the effeminate to irritate . . . not Vanyel - but certain of his colleagues - and he also happened to be one of the finest swordsmen outside of the Circle or the Guard.

Following that sterling example, Vanyel set out to be very irritating.

“Quite alone, sad to say,' he pouted. 'But then again, I am here for a rest. And company would hardly be rested.”

The priest retreated a step, surprise flashing across his face before he shuttered his expression. 'Indeed. And yet - I am told young Medren spends an inordinate amount of time in your rooms.' His tone insinuated what he did not-quite-dare say.

I won't take that from Father, you snake. I'm damned if I'll take that from you. Vanyel transformed the snarl he wanted to sport into an even more petulant pout. 'Oh, Medren. I'm teaching him music. He is a sweet child, don't you think? But still, a child. Not company. I prefer my companions to be somewhat older.' He took a single slow step toward the priest, and twitched his hip ever so slightly. 'Adult, and able to hold an adult conversation, to have adult-interests.' He took another step, and the priest fell back, a vague alarm in his eyes. 'More - masterly. Commanding.' He tilted his head to one side and regarded the priest thoughtfully for a moment. The alarm was turning to shock and panic. 'Now, someone like you, dear Leren -'

The priest squawked something inarticulate about vessels needing consecrating, and groped behind him for the handle of the open temple door. Within a heartbeat he was through it, and had the gray-painted door shut - tightly - behind him.

Vanyel grinned, tucked his head down to hide his expression, and continued on toward the stables and Yfandes.

'Meke, is there going to be a Harvest Fair this year?' he asked, brushing Yfandes with vigor, as she leaned into the brush strokes and all but purred.

Mekeal did not look up from wrapping the ankles of one of his personal hunters. 'Uh - huh,' he grunted. 'Should be near twice as big as the ones you knew. Got merchants already down at Fair Field.'

'Already?' This was more than he'd dared hope. 'Why?'

'Liss an' her company, dolt.' Meke finished wrapping the off hind ankle and straightened with another grunt, this time of satisfaction. 'Got soldiers out here with pay burnin' their pockets oif, and nothin' to spend it on. There're only two ladies down at Forst Reach village that peddle their assets, and three over to Greenbriars, and it's top far to walk except on leave-days anyway. So they sit in camp and drink issue-beer and gripe. Can you see a merchant allowin' a situation like that to go unrelieved? There's a good girl,' he said to the mare, patting her ample rump. 'We'll be off in a bit.'

:Keep brushing. You can talk and brush at the same time :

Vanyel resumed the steady strokes of the brush, working his way down Yfandes' flank. 'Would there be any instrument makers, do you think?' Forst Reach collected a peddling fee from every merchant setting his wagon up at the two Fairs, Spring and Harvest. Withen found that particular task rather tedious - and Vanyel hoped now he'd entrusted it to Mekeal.

Meke sucked on his lip, his hand still on the mare's shoulder. 'Now that I think of it, there's one down there already. Don't think we'll likely get more than one. Why?'

'Something I have in mind,' he replied vaguely. And, to Yfandes, :Lady-my-love, do you think I can interest you in a little trip?: She sighed. :So long as it's a little trip.:

:This soft life is spoiling you.:

:Mmh,: she agreed, blinking lazily at him :I like being spoiled. I could get used to it very quickly.: He chuckled, and went to get her gear.

 

Before Vanyel even found someone who knew which end of Fair Field the luthier was parked in, he had picked up half a dozen trifles for Shavri and Jisa.

He paused in the act of paying for a jumping jack, struck by the fact that they were so uppermost in his mind.

What has gotten into me? he wondered. I haven't thought about them for a year, and now - Well, I haven't seen them for a year. That's all. And if I can give Shavri a moment of respite