The Wind. [Rivers]

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Melda left the Princess's chambers, her mind still on the odd servant that had been there when she had arrived. Something about him still didn't sit right with her. For one, never had she seen him in the castle, though that could be easily explained-- various nobles hired people all the time. Secondly, he disappeared far to quickly, with the exact items Aria had asked for already with him, how was that even possible? And thirdly, she felt the winds shift before he left. That was a rare occurrence, and often it was because of her. She'd never felt the winds shift because of another person, and since then there had felt like there was a pit in her stomach. She needed to find that man and question him.

Melda looked around the halls as she walked through them, her hood back up over her hair. The light blue cloak trailed behind her, fluttering as her pace increased slightly. The halls were silent for the most part, aside from the clicking the heels of her boots made while she walked. Her face was blank, her intentions not visible-- to most it would look as though she were simple roaming the halls, which wasn't unusual for Melda. She rounded a corner, trying to feel if the presence of anyone was near her. After about fifteen minutes, she spotted a man walking, and from her distance he looked the same, yet as she neared him, she found that the waxed moustache was not there. Damn. How am I going to find him? She cursed silently and kept walking, nodding to the man as she passed him. She was going to head back towards her chambers, but as she headed towards a small set of stairs, she saw him, waxed moustache and all. 

Excuse me. She called to him, walking until she was directly in front of him. You are the man who was in the Princess's chambers, correct? She knew the answer, but she arched an eyebrow and waited for his reply. 

[Rivers]

As Melda called to Rivers he turned around and looked at her, he was still in his getup and he executed a skillful bow as she approached. “I am Lady Vanya.”

He straightens up and looks at her expectantly, “how may I be of assistance?” He asks, as he does Melda would be able to feel the wind shifting around Rivers as if it was protecting him, or as if he was a part of it. Though beyond that he would seem to be a perfectly normal castle goer.

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Melda narrowed her eyes. She’d been correct, this man could change the wind, much like she could. I wish to ask you a few questions. She cleared her throat, removing the hood from her hair.

Who are you… and why does the wind listen to you? She glared at him. She was going to do the same, show him her power of the wind as well, but she decided against it just yet.

[Rivers]

As Melda announced that she wanted to ask Rivers some questions he nods and averts his eyes down slightly, in a gesture of subservience. “I will do my best to answer Lady Vanya's questions.” He explains shifting slightly.

When she suddenly asked him who he was Rivers opened his mouth to speak, though when she went on to ask him about the wind he closed it. Rivers raised his eyes and tilted his head, examining the woman more closely, clearly he had not expected that question.

“Well simply put I am a bard with a blessing.” He explains simply. “I made a deal with the wind and gained it's protection and skill with with instruments.” He replies simply and without a hint of deceit in his tone.

“Is there something else you need from me? Are you seeking a song?” He asks her, the picture of someone looking to please.

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She arched her eyebrow, asking the wind to move for her, causing her hair to blow lightly around her. A deal with the wind? She looked very skeptical. A bard with a blessing? Then tell me, what is a bard doing pretending to work in the castle? She didn’t quite have another reason for keeping him around, but for some reason she didn’t want to let him leave just yet either.

A song? She could tell he was being honest, but she was still curious with questions she did not know how to word as of yet.

[Rivers]

As Melda continued to question him his brow furrowed. "One moment it is hard to talk with this on." He says then he reaches up and takes the mustache prop off. "Well you see Lady Vanya, I am simply doing my job on behalf of a lord who refuses to give even me his true name." He laments to the Lady. When she inquires about his deal he shakes his head. "Alas the story of how I and the wind came to our arrangement is not one for a setting such as this. Perhaps another time if you would be interested in having me perform."

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Melda sighed and let the wind relax. This man confused her. Perhaps another time… yes. When you have the chance, I would like you to find my chambers. I have never met another soul who has the capabilities to move with the wind. It is understandable that I be curious of you. She lifted her hood back over her hair. She wasn’t surprised to see that this man was disguised, and though she trusted no man, the fact that he had such power, as did she, made her wonder about him.

I trust that you will do as I ask?

[Rivers]

Rivers was surprised when Melda mentioned she had never met another wind mage, but he was sure not to let it show on his face. Instead again bows deeply as she instructs him to find her in her chambers at some point. “Forgive me Lady Vanya, but I do not know if I can fulfill that request. Meeting you in your chambers would undoubtedly start rumors of one sort or another, and it would not be good for me to draw such attention to myself.” He apologizes.

“That being said, I am sure that we can set up an appropriate rendezvous for the tale if you would like. If you would be willing to extend me an invitation perhaps I can bring some of my companions and we can perform at your estates.” He suggests in a gentle tone. As he rises the wind again gathers around him, enveloping and protecting him, though there is little in the way of a visible sign.

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Melda let a small smile crack on her face. I suppose you are right— how foolish of me. She let the small leave her face, not liking that she had had one at all. This man was very smart, she had to acknowledge that much. Smart and honest, two very good traits in a person so far.

Yes, I will arrange for something at a later time. I was not thinking properly before, and with so much going on in the kingdom lately, it would be wise to wait. She nodded firmly. Your name sir? So that I may extend such an invitation? Her face was back to how it had been, stern but far from angered. She found him very curious. She knew that there were others out there who had powers as she did, but having never come across one, she had been surprised. It was unlike her to act as she had, so impulsively. She reminded herself of another noble, one she was far from liking, and it made her disgusted with herself. As much as she would not like it, she would have to apologize to this man, for so rudely forcing questions upon him, despite the fact that she was above him.

[Rivers]

Rivers lifts his eyes to meet the woman's gaze for the first time as she begins to speak again. His pale brown eyes seemed to take in a variety of details, and the confidence behind them was rare. “It was not foolish at all Lady Vanya, I am sure that my concerns were needless,” He assures her helping her to pass off the slip if she wished.

As she mentions that it would be wise to wait he nods. Something about his woman made him curious, but if she was willing to extend him and invitation it would be a good opportunity to move among the elite and begin establishing connections.

“I am honored by your interest in a humble bard such as myself.” He thanks with another bow, when she asks for his name he stands up straight and says “a straightforward name ruins the mystery my patron so enjoys having me maintain. The name they have given me for this role is Chasm.” He introduces.

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She waved her hand at him, Regardless, being cautious would be wise. But thank you. She looked at his eyes, not surprised that there seemed to be more to him that what first she saw. Her own, were a lavender today, with purple hues around the edges. She did not know when she would be able to extend such an invitation, but having his name would be a start, and would make it easier when the time came.

Well then, Chasm, it was a pleasure meeting you, and I apologize for my haste in questions. I assure you that next time we meet will be far more appropriate, and less spur of the moment. She extended her hand to him, her chin held high. Apologizing did not come easy to Melda, but she knew when she needed to do it.