Unexpected advice

They’d had to wash the mud off before continuing the ride, but after the significant delay caused by their very enjoyable little detour the siblings made good time. The hill that had once been such a daunting prospect for Vel was barely an inconvenience now. Perhaps for the first time, Vel fully grasped just what this would mean. His disability was all he’d ever known, and while he’d seen the differences between himself and those with two legs, he’d never experienced what it was like to be whole.

Dina had of course been filled in quite well and knew what to expect in the cave. The two of them had not expected to find Fal though, so everyone was at least a little surprised. Introductions were quickly made, congratulations given on the pregnancy, and so on. Vel then suggested Fal and Dina might do some sword practice in the orchard or something. Which he realized wasn’t exactly subtle, but it worked and everyone got the hint, leaving him alone with Seph.

“What is it you wish to talk about, my liege?” Vel thought about how to best begin this, then decided Seph would need some context before he asked the question that was nagging at him. “I was going for a ride with two of my sisters the other day, and we happened upon a cara-“ Seph held up a hand and Vel fell silent. “Apologies for interrupting, my liege, but I believe I can save you some time. I am well aware of the story by now. It is all over town, and I have informers.” Vel nodded, that made sense. “There are some details I imagine you may have not heard about though.” Seph looked at him expectantly, and Vel told him about his use of magic in the rescue mission as well as what he had seen upon touching Lethiliie. “Interesting, my liege. It sounds somewhat different than the visions you’ve experienced so far. I fear I have little idea what it might mean, though I shall consult some the writings when you depart.” Vel nodded his thanks.

“There is one more thing though. The elven princess she… She invited me to visit them in town, and I want to go. Not just want to, I feel like I should. Like my gut is telling me it is the right decision. But surely it isn’t, right? She’s an enemy, and there is a singer with her. I can’t go, can I?” The words had kind of spilled out of him in a rush, he hadn’t realized how much this conflict had been weighing on him until just now. Seph gave him a little smile as he inclined his head. “That decision is for you to make, my liege. I am not in charge here, you are. You have been wise indeed to heed my council as well you have, but I am not infallible.” That was not what Vel had expected to hear, and it seemed Seph wasn’t done yet. “I advised you steer clear elves for your own safety, and it was good advice at the time. But I could never have foreseen the incredible speed at which your powers have grown. And look what happened after you went against my advice. You met the enemy, put one of them in your debt, and your leg was healed. I would say it has paid off.” Vel nodded slowly, trying to digest all that. It really wasn’t what he had been expecting. Seph leaned over the table a little, meeting Vel’s gaze. “Trust your intuition on this, Velas. If you think you should, then go to her.” The gravity of this being the first time Seph had called him by his name was not lost on him. Vel nodded again. “Thank you for that, Seph. I am glad I sought you out. Tomorrow I shall make my way to Townton and meet with the princess again.”

The ride home was again passed pleasantly with Dina, the two of them still having plenty to talk about. There were no stops though, Vel wanted to get home. And after the sublime experience the two had shared earlier, a quick tryst in a copse didn’t seem all that tempting.