danceofcurse | ⚔ IC Inbox

Yes, it was very thoughtful. Thank you.

[If he's underage and shouldn't have received such a gift, Van doesn't seem to notice. Like Petyr, he's of the opinion that there are more intoxicating substances than wine and, more importantly, he's responsible when it comes to consuming anything that might impair his judgment. He has to be as both a warrior and a king.]

Actually, I'd wanted to talk with you about it. [A touch embarrassed, Van adds...] I'm sorry, but the letter wasn't one I could read. The writing of my world is very different.

Oh, my mistake. I apologize, I did not realize you utilized a different system for writing. Did you find someone to translate it for you, or did you need me to paraphrase what I had written?

[ Unfortunately, Baelish had written out so many different letters that he can't exactly remember what he wrote for Van word for word. But he believes he remembers enough about it to tell him basically what he said. ]

I haven't. That is, I haven't asked anyone just yet.

[What if there had been something private in the letter? Doubtful, but not impossible.]

If paraphrasing wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd be grateful. But if you wouldn't mind me having the letter translated, that's just as easily done.

[Probably, he could ask the Doctor.]

I do not mind in the least if you wish to know exactly what was written. But I did invite you to vote in this upcoming election, not only for myself but Lucy Pevensie as well. She is running for De Chima. A young queen from a place called Narnia. If you have not met her already, I believe the two of you would get on rather well.

You barely know me.

[A touch defensive...but then, Baelish has made more of an effort than some people, hasn't he? Van shouldn't fault him for trying; even if his timing speaks more for his political advantage than anything else, he's still the only candidate who thought to be so informative and had taken time to answer Van's questions in person when he'd arrived.]

What I mean is...I can't promise I will vote for you or anyone else. I don't really want to get involved in other world politics. [He just wants to go home.] But...I can promise to consider your counsel.

[Adopting a quieter tone, Van continues.]

I heard that you were attacked.

[People in positions of power or those vying for such positions are often targets, so Van doesn't sound surprised. He does, however, sound a little concerned.]

You're alive, and that's good, but are you really alright?

The gift basket is a gift given to you regardless of whether you choose to vote or not. I do not intend to force you to do something you do not want to do, but merely suggest that you allow your voice to be heard. The beauty about democracy is just that -- people have a say in who they wish to see as leader. It is not determined by bloodlines or power.

[ There's a pause, though this one is significantly longer. Heavier. The weight of the attack weighing on their conversation. ]

I am alive, yes. Thanks to the efforts of a young woman named Haen Hithiel and another young woman who goes by the name Power Girl. The ordeal as you can imagine was traumatic. Without their aid, I surely would have died. But the young man responsible was not in his right state of mind as many imPorts were not last week. I cannot blame him for what he did.

I can imagine.

[With how many close quarters conflicts Van has participated in, both with and without his guymelef, he can understand Baelish's position quite well. But even with assistance, the fact that the man has pulled through so quickly and sounds now so composed speaks volumes for his character.]

What about who is responsible, though?

[Magic like that which had altered peoples' memories and personalities so drastically, and for so long, is dangerous. How had it gotten so out of control as to have such a widespread backlash?]

Even if it was an accident, there has to be consequences. Do you know if anything is being done?

I am not certain who was responsible. I have an idea of who is powerful enough to have caused such a widespread epidemic. But no solid answer on the one behind such a power.

[ Of course, don't you fret, Van. Baelish is working on acquiring that information. ]

And from how defensive a few individuals who were responsible for reversing the magic became when some unhappy imPorts called them out on the network, I believe they are protecting that person from facing any consequences. I certainly hope the responsible party has equipped themselves with a power dampener, though. It would not do to have a repeat of this event.

No, it wouldn't.

[But with imPorts protecting the person responsible for the magical outburst, the only real way to prevent a repeat of events from taking place is to take matters into their own hands.]

What are you doing about your personal defense, Lord Baelish? The attempt on your life might have been a mistake this time, but in my experience, and regardless of the cause, incidents like that aren't usually isolated.

I have been searching for a bodyguard, truth be told. Exploring my options and seeing whether I would wish to go through a business or pay someone directly. Lord Miles Vorkosigan owns one such business and his brother had offered a lower rate. But I cannot help but feel that employing someone on my own would be a better route.

The only problem is finding the right person.

[ He laughs. ]

The unfortunate reality is that I am not much of a fighter. I tried during my youth to fight for the hand of the woman I loved. And I was cut down swiftly. I still carry a token of his esteem from navel to collarbone.

Skill with a sword isn't something you're born with. It takes discipline and practice.

[And sometimes even that isn't enough. Sometimes, one must endure some very harsh lessons before they make progress.]

If you ask me, though...it's worth it. A bodyguard's not a bad idea if you can trust that person absolutely, but what if you can't? And what if they fall? Then you're unprotected again.

I...

[Van hesitates. He's incapable of offering the tutelage Balgus provided for him, and he's nowhere near as good a swordsman as Allen. What right does he have to offer to his help? But what kind of person would he be if he didn't?]

...I've studied fighting and trained several years with one of the best swordsmen in all of Gaea. I'm no master, but I think I can at least make sure you won't be cut down so swiftly in the future. That is, if you want.

[ Does he want that? No, not really. But he can appreciate the magnitude of what Van is offering. And if it puts him closer to the boy king...then perhaps Baelish could endure the training. ]

You would have your work cut out for you. I do wish to reiterate that I am no fighter. Nor do I have the desire to become one. Though I suppose I could stand to learn some defense. Enough to disarm at the very least.

I'm sure you won't be half as much trouble as you think, or at least...not half as much as I'm used to.

[At best, Van expects he can teach Baelish enough to keep him alive in harrowing situations, and at worst...

Well, he supposes that if there's nothing at all that he can teach the lord, then nothing much will change. Things won't get worse—they'll just stay the same.]

Just try not to stab yourself in the foot, alright? I don't want to have to explain that to whoever you hire as a bodyguard.

[ With a soft laugh. ]

I will be certain to aim any and all blades away from my person. No promises that someone else may not get randomly caught in the crossfire by mistake should I lose grip of my weapon.

So we'll make sure to practice far, far away from anyone else.

[And then a touch curiously...]

Do you have a sword of your own?

I am afraid I do not. Not with me, at least. I do have a couple of blades back home, but none so important to me that I have bestowed names upon them as the knights will often do.

But I believe it would be relatively easy to have one forged within this world. Or even purchase one off of the internet. Do you recommend learning with a dulled blade, my king?

Ordinarily, I'd say training with a blunted weapon is a waste of time. If anyone comes at you with a sword here, it won't be to bludgeon you to death. It'll be sharp, as I'm sure their skills will be, too.

But...the point of teaching you how to handle a sword isn't to turn you into a swordsman. And since you already know what it's like to be cut by a sharp blade, there's no reason to make our lessons any more dangerous by involving sharpened steel. Something dulled would do just fine, or even a wooden practice sword if you can find one.

[A pause and then...]

I don't know about this internet, though. Whoever you get your weapon from, even if it's just for practice, make sure they know a thing or two about swords. And don't be persuaded by fancy names. Unless bestowed with magic, a name has no more power than what we give to it.

[ A wooden sword sounds even better than using dulled steel. It's bound to hurt less. But after Van's guidance, Baelish sounds moderately amused. ]

It sounds to me as though someone has tried to swindle you a time or two. I shall exercise caution in my purchase, you have my word. And I will seek something of quality to use. Although admittedly there is a difference in quality between those from a world that does not regularly utilize swords and those from a world like yours or mine.

[That point is debatable, as Baelish is sure to find out if wood winds up the chosen material of whatever blade he finds himself wielding during training. But the point either way won't be to cause harm or pain...and that's something else Petyr's bound to learn the more time he spends with Van.

For as well trained as the young king is in combat, for as handy as he is with a sword and however quick he might be to unsheathe that blade when threatened, he doesn't like to hurt people.]

Hm...merchants have tried, but I can't say they've ever succeeded. I know good steel.

[A pause, and then with noted pride he adds...]

If you need help picking out a weapon to use, just say so.

[ He lets out a soft, flattering laugh after Van's comment -- as though laughing at the expense of those who attempted to pull one over on the young king. ]

Well, I must say I trust your opinion more than my own. Let us plan a day where we may shop for a proper blade. Some time after the voting is done. I will be in touch, Your Grace. And hopefully with no more scars to add to my list in the meantime.

Hopefully.

[A sincere wish. They don't know one another very well yet, but Van would prefer Petyr not come to any further harm.]

I look forward to hearing from you, Lord Baelish.

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