(Dictated)

[tylendel]

(Let it not be said the castle is cruel. Yes, Tylendel lost his voice after making a wish for his lost (and beloved) Companion - Gala - yet he found a gift in the room he shares with Vanyel upon returning. She is tiny, delicate and adorably fuzzy.

That's right, a baby falcon.

What? Did you think she was something else?)

Gala returned to me after all. Just in an unexpected form. (There is the soft sound of a contented falcon in the background.) She shall never feel betrayed again.

(He chuckles.)

Does the castle think I'm a Tayledras?

Comments

dictated

[unmanned]

Mighty pleased over a bird, are you?

dictated

[tylendel]

Birds of this nature are considered great companions by some in my world.

dictated

[unmanned]

How so? [He's got time to kill.]

dictated

[tylendel]

There are those who can communicate to birds of prey. I never learned the secret, but I could communicate with my Companion. She...

It's hard to explain. She looked like a horse, yet her spirit was something...other. I fully believe the Companions were sent from the Havens. One look into their eyes tells it all.

dictated

[unmanned]

[On a normal day, James would say that sounded like some sort of child's tale, but then again... so does a magical castle that grants wishes.]

And instead of a horse, she's now a bird. Is that right?

dictated

[tylendel]

(The Companions are about the only fairy-tale aspect of the Collegium. Being a Herald is hard, hard work. They need extraordinary mounts.)

I wonder. I don't know for sure.

(He likes to think so. Gala and he had parted tragically. The Companion had suicided after Tylendel used his powers to murder party-goers.)

dictated

[unmanned]

I'd think there would be some way to find out, given all the colorful folk in this place. [Someone's got to... speak bird, or whatever.]

dictated

[tylendel]

I could try. (He sounds pretty hesitant, though.) Maybe I'll enjoy her like she is instead of reminding her of the past. She deserves it.

dictated

[unmanned]

[He wonders how much memory a bird's brain could hold, special or not, but keeps that pondering to himself.]

It's your bird, mate. Your decision.

dictated

[tylendel]

(Surprisingly, they can be very intelligent. The Tayledras certainly hold them in high respect, though he has never met the Tayledras in person. He has just heard stories.)

Sorry for sounding depressed. I'm Tylendel.

dictated

[unmanned]

No matter. [That's barely depressed.] James.

dictated

[tylendel]

Nice to meet you, James. How long have you been in the castle?

dictated

[unmanned]

Just about two weeks, now. Yourself, Tylendel?

dictated

[tylendel]

Over six months. (Has it really been that long? It amazes him.)

dictated

[unmanned]

[Six months. Lord.]

How's it been?

dictated

[tylendel]

...strange. My perspective is a little skewed. If I wasn't here, I would be dead.

dictated

[unmanned]

[Hm. He's honestly a little surprised to meet someone who just admits that. Similar to his own situation, but he's not really inclined to share where everyone can hear.]

My condolences. An unfortunate situation to be in.

dictated

[tylendel]

It was of my own choosing. (Though he hadn't been in his right mind at the time.) I was naive and selfish. I'm grateful to be here. The one I hurt most with my actions forgave me.

dictated

[unmanned]

[Borrowed time isn't something James likes, but it's better than none at all. And it's not like he'd give up this second chance.]

Then it truly is another lifetime, ain't it?

[So much at home doesn't even matter here.]

dictated

[tylendel]

Pretty much. If you look at it like that, it's not so bad. (He misses home and family and familiarity. Yet he likes to count his blessings rather than focus on what he's missing.)

dictated

[unmanned]

No use dwelling on what's outside our grasp or beyond our changing here. [Including the past.]

dictated

[tylendel]

Keep that attitude and you'll do just fine. But if you feel lonely, call for me over the journals or come visit the stables. I'm usually down there.

dictated

[unmanned]

Aye, I've seen the stables. I'll keep it in mind, mate.

[peacockherald]

There are worse things to be thought of as. Perhaps when she is older you can properly bond with her as the Tayledras do.