( video )

[heron]

[ the feed starts to show a large, dainty looking man with large white wings peering at the feed before pulling back, satisfied. ]

Greetings. My name is Prince Reyson of the Heron Clan.

As you know, we have trouble lately with the breach. To ensure such a thing does not occur so suddenly, I thought about proposing a part-time perimeter guard of the walls. I think we would be better prepared should anything happen again.

Also, as I know some people were hurt or struggling, you are welcome to see me. I have the power of the galdr which means I can soothe one's spirit, trauma and pain. Should you have need of my abilities, do let me know.

Comments

[heron]

[ reyson's wings flap idly. ]

It is a form of magic in the shape of a song. They can cure the sickness of the mind, pull out negative energies and purify nature.

[21kingpuddings]

A magic song? [His eyes widen a little in absolute delight.] That sounds amazing...! I don't think I really need anything like that right now, but I wanna see something like that!

[heron]

If you like, but you would have to see it in person.

I do not think the magic works across these devices.

[21kingpuddings]

[His world doesn't have anything magical enough to compare to 'soothing one's spirit, trauma and pain' via song, so if Reyson things it wouldn't work over the device, then... that's probably a more well-informed opinion than he could argue with.]

Maybe not. [Huh.] If anyone takes you up on the offer, think they'd mind if I sit in and check it out?

[heron]

A difficult question. I do not mind as the galdr is no secret, but others might. The galdr can trigger strong feelings in a person. Emotions they may wish to keep hidden.

So it is not my permission you need but the other person involved.

[21kingpuddings]

Guess that makes sense.

[That's not terribly discouraging. Patience isn't really his forte, but there's bound to be someone who would be okay with it, right? Probably! Either way, it's still really interesting to him.]

Are you good at singing without the magic part?

[heron]

[ reyson blinks, surprised. ]

I . . . assume so? All herons can sing and they have always been good at it.

[21kingpuddings]

Yeah? [He's not totally surprised, but he still looks pretty pleased with that answer!] You probably wouldn't lose much of anything just singing a regular song over these devices.

[No flashy magic going to waste, or anything like that.]

[heron]

I suppose I can give it a try . . .

[ there's a faint flush on his cheeks. reyson has never performed in such a manner before. usually he sang to aid people, to heal them of their burdens. it took him a moment to pick a song that was not galdr, an old ballad of a land sung only in legend now.

quietly, he starts, a little hesitant. his voice isn't particularly deep and hitting high notes isn't taxing. it lilts and falls, soft like rain, never too loud or expansive. ]

[21kingpuddings]

[Tamaki may not have the same kind of critical ear some of his other groupmates may, but he can at least recognize skill when it shows itself. His line of work keeps him pretty constantly exposed to jauntier tunes, catchy pop songs with plenty of energy to sweep an adoring crowd off their feet, but this... is very nice, in its thoughtful, subdued notes. Tamaki closes his eyes after a moment while he listens, just kind of soaking in the performance.]

Hmm... [He smiles, easy and genuine.] You've got a really relaxing voice.

[heron]

[ reyson's cheeks colour slightly. ]

Thank you? All herons sound pleasing to the ear.

[21kingpuddings]

Is that so...?

[Huh!]

That's a pretty valuable weapon to have on your side in the kind of work I do back home.

[heron]

A weapon?

How can music be a weapon?

[21kingpuddings]

You know. Give you a leg up on the competition, charm audiences, that kind of thing.

[He means it more to be like... a special asset, but that's really not how he's describing it.]

[heron]

Is that how music works in your world?

[ how odd. ]

[21kingpuddings]

For idols and stuff, yeah. I don't think any of us can do anything like purifying nature by singing, we just gotta make sure our fans are having a fun time watching and listening to us.

[heron]

That sounds normal. But the idea that the competition is intense is baffling to me.

[21kingpuddings]

Man, you have no idea.

[Competition can get pretty intense on an emotional level, but also, like... Sabotage is a thing too. It's rough.]

I guess jobs like this can be really cutthroat, you know?

[heron]

I wouldn't know. Herons lead simple lives and I've been privileged to be under the care of another.

It is a shame though. Art shouldn't be so . . . difficult.

[21kingpuddings]

It's not always bad, though. Like, if you have good competition, that just makes you want to do better, you know?

[heron]

I wouldn't know. I've never involved myself in such things.

Doesn't competition get rather heated?