those I've battled and met sometime. And I am... generally happy to hare knowledge." It's not like anyone here could do much with what she's just offered. "...You don't want to test it?"

There's not much more irritating to a bard than a name she can't place, but none of his dragons ring a bell. She tries not to let it show; he's just overcome his skittishness long enough for a proper conversation, no need to startle him now. - "I'll have to show you some illusions of-

"That is all I ask." Quiet, content, shedding her earlier exuberance – with a heartfelt smile, she downs her glass, then closes the small space between them to press a kiss to her cheek.

It's not as if she could have known. The wine simply offers a stark reminder: the topic she'd thought to turn towards must be broached with caution, in the proper conditions. It's no parlor trick. The thread of potential, for the moment, is severed. The moment, the now, weaves ever on. -

"No, dear - I was simply allowing our expert to field the question."

The phrasing catches her off guard, but with practiced grace, she smooths the wrinkles in her brow and the cracks in her voice away and brings her glass up to ring against Vivian's. "To [us,] if you'll permit me. We all change, but at your side? I believe I become my best self."

"That's... a very common question." [Bluff 49]

"I've never heard it explained better!"

"Good. I do so hate being possible." Despite continuing to bother the woman at her side, her tone softens, her voice just a little breathless. "...and yet, you've shown so many impossibilities to be within reach. I love you, too, darling."

Draping a blanket over her love... and quietly slipping out.