Diplomatic Immunity--Preface: Vasha's Discovery

[Rystil Arden]

"I believe that he and Gralas borrowed the object for which I am looking together, though when I arrived, I ruled him out as the current holder since he was gone...I heard a lot of things when I was talking to the townsfolk, and he sounds like a brave man, and a true hero...Far better than a coward like me."

 

[Bront]

Vasha brightens at hearing praise of her father. "Why do you call yourself a coward? You stood bravely against the Burrower."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"It is easy to fight when you are cornered by a huge monster, but some things are scarier than fighting..."

 

[Bront]

Vasha looks into his eyes "What could you be afraid of?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

*Bertram can't quite meet her gaze, and he looks down.*

"There are many things I fear more than such a physical threat......Vasha...I am engaged to be married."

 

[Bront]

Vasha looks at him confused "Why is that such a feerful thing? I thought that was concidered joyous?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Well yes...it is joyous, and I love her very much, but...That's why I'm a coward...Because I let all this happen without telling you. I...I shouldn't have been so intimate...I've betrayed her."

 

[Bront]

Vasha puts a finger to his lips to hush him. "You still love her over me, I can tell. All we have done is share pleasure in many forms, as friends do. I've done nothing with you I wouldn't do with anyone else dear to me. There is nothing to be ashamed of." She smiles and kisses his forhead tenderly. "As long as your heart stays true, then you have done nothing wrong."

Vasha looks a bit sheepish "If I made you struggle, I am sorry. Since my mother took me to Amaranthia, I have been away from Arris, and have had very little to do with men. You're the first man I've met since my father who's made me feel secure, and perhaps I am still too used to the Amaranthian way, which is not yours."

She holds Bertrams hand and looks into his eyes "Can you forgive me?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

"There is nothing you have done that needs forgiveness...You are good and kind, generous and sharing, but women...and men too...are jealous creatures; not like nymphs...It is I who must apologise, for being such a coward..."

 

[Bront]

Vasha pulls Bertram into a hug "You have nothing to be sorry for. You've been a perfect gentileman, and I'm sure you'll make your fiance very happy."

Vasha perks up a bit, as if haivng a revelation, "If you want, you can help me try to work on that massage spell, and you can wow her with your newfound ability to share pleasure with her. I don't know how she could be mad at you for learning to make her feel better."