As Sylvari had continued to speak, Videl would remain quiet and simply take in everything that she had said. His own gaze had begun to falter at the mention of resentment but even as the worry had overtaken him, he had willingly pushed past it all. The life that he was willingly throwing himself into wasn't going to be an easy one. This much he had known, by her insistence on the fact. And yet that hadn't mattered to him. No matter the tribulation, he was more than willing to continue pushing on in service of his companion. Not out of attachment or love. Not out of pity nor guilt. No, this was pure and simple devotion. Devotion to the one that had remained by his side for longer than any other.

"I understand that it might come across as a reckless decision on my end. One that seems less thought out than it truly is. But I can promise you, Sylvari, that I have thought long and hard about all of this. The only life of regret and resentment that I could possibly lead is the one in which I let you slip away into the night again. You are the only person in my entire life to willingly stick by my side. My first friend. And the only one to show me the love that I have yet to feel elsewhere."

A bitter laugh would escape from his lips before he could bother to suppress it. "Not even my own tribe has shown me the affection that you have. The simplest of cares and worries. The only person that even comes close to such affections is my mother and she was too afraid of my fathers opinions to display it all that often. You may not like it, Syl, but you're the closest thing to family that I have. And the one that I've chosen to devote myself to. If this means fighting off the evils of the world until the end of time? Than I accept that burden. And if the day comes that you pass before my eyes? I'll stop at nothing to complete this quest of yours."

As he had spoken to the vampiress about his intentions, he would effectively lay out every part of his soul. Every truth that he could, so as to express his genuineness. And as this had occurred? The resolve behind his words would find themselves imbued with mana. The mans eyes would glow an icy blue as he swore these things to her. "I refuse to allow you to travel down this road alone, for any longer. If I need to prove my worth and ability to you? Then I shall."

Sylvari finally allowed herself a sigh and released her hold on her friend's face. She briefly considered taking him up on his offer to test his mettle to see if he was ready for the journey ahead before dismissing it entirely. She knew Videl to be a resourceful fighter, one whose prowess would only grow as his raw might expanded. This was a trial of mental fortitude first and foremost, and the worthiness of individuals for such pursuits could only be discovered through time and experience.

Sylvari looked up to the rising sun again, feeling a tiny seed of hope for the future for the first time in months. She knew it was selfish to take comfort in the fact that she wouldn't be alone any more, but in this moment, with the devotion of her beloved friend so readily apparent, she couldn't muster the self-righteousness to care.

"Very well. With my condition in place, our fates our bound, interwoven together in the pursuit of good for others. The least I can offer for such stalwart willingness is one last outing of fun and freedom before we engage in what must be done." An impish smile spread across the vampiress' face. "You seem to have done your research on these people, so I leave the fate of our leisure in your capable hands."

Sylvari arose from her seat, stretching out her limbs from how they had cramped in the long stillness of her nighttime vigil.

Graciously thankful for the fact that Sylvari had finally accepted him, a softer smile would take the time to spread across Videl's features. While he was willing to prove his mettle to her through combat, he hadn't quite believed that he could easily trounce her in combat. If anything, given her overall nature, it was likely that she would have pounded him into the ground before he had much of a chance to prove himself. "If that is what you wish."

As Sylvari had arisen, Videl was sure to follow suit. Once the pair had both found themselves fully standing, Videl would gesture to the vines that had cascaded down a nearby tree. This was their only way down, as far as he had been aware, and it was only proper to allow Sylvari to descend first. After she had made her way to the ground below, Videl would accompany her and find himself heading off towards his Frigid Steed. His smile would only grow as he had done so, the T'saya coming to pull the horse into a hug before whispering something into her ear. It was only after he had whispered in Lumi's ear that the horse would move over towards Sylvari, lightly brushing her head against the woman's shoulder before returning to Videl's side.

"Truth be told, I had initially come here to search for answers pertaining to this ability of mine. I figured that if anyone could speak on behalf of a god, that it might be the ones that had worshipped her. This.. is something that I'm not sure they can help with at the moment. But perhaps in the future, I'll obtain my answers. For now?" He would begin to gesture towards one of the nearby islands. "Why don't we head to the Lantern Wood? I've found myself curious as to the dance and poetry that they offer. It reminds me of my own people, in a way."

Videl would proceed to lead Sylvari off towards the center island, and into the Lantern Wood, in which the pair would find themselves beholden to a great deal of Ribbinynh culture. Ribbinynh of all shapes, sizes, and colors would find themselves present within the Lantern Wood. Each of them had been here for one purpose or another, either enjoying the festivities being held within the community center. Swathes of Ribbinynh were actively participating by putting on poetry jams, dances, story telling, jewelry making, and calligraphy contests. The others had meandered about, searching for anything that might catch their eye. To Videl's surprise, there had even been a few humans within the area. Tourists of the area to be sure.

"This is where all the fun should be had for the time being. Is there anything of note that catches your eye, Syl?" As he were to ask her this question, Videl would saddle himself alongside the vampiress once more. A single one of his hands would slip into her own, or attempt to do so at least. His own expression of appreciation and the care that he had had for her. Of course Lumi was sure to keep back once the pair had found themselves entering the Lantern Wood. While she might fit if she were to crouch down, the entrance to the Lantern Wood was too small for her to comfortably fit in.

Sylvari smiled softly as she and Videl began making their way to the Lantern Wood. Her eyebrows knitted together in concern, however, when Videl detailed his purpose for being here.

"Just take care not to use any of your flashier magic while we are here. Everything I have heard of the Ribbinynh mark them as being a superstitious and cautious people. They may not appreciate such displays of arcane mastery."

Sylvari's eyes lit up in wonder as they entered the Lantern Wood, her vision struggling to take in the great display of artistry and culture. Here and there, she could see people engaging in all manner of commerce and art, breathing an energized current into the atmosphere that Sylvari could detect almost as clearly as her vision for the arcane.

A playful smile spread across her face as Videl gave her choice of their first activity. "I do believe I spy some dancing just there. Care to be my partner? Surely such a spry and agile man such as yourself will have no trouble keeping up with me. I am clad in bulky armor so often, after all."

The glint in Sylvari's eyes betrayed her game: she was supremely confident in her physical grace. Her training had concerned mastering all aspects of physicality, rather than simple brute force. She was dexterous as a jungle cat and relished the opportunity to show off for her friend.

Much like Sylvari had mentioned, Videl had previously heard of the Ribbinynh's aversion to magics. More often than not though, from what he had gathered, that was more specific to those that had been of their people. Hoping to appease Sylvari's request however, Videl would nod along silently in acceptance of her request. So long as it wasn't a glaringly obvious spell, Videl would keep the majority of his magic hidden away.

Of course, as the vampiress had requested that the pair of them dance, Videl had strongly considered making use of his favorite spell amongst the bunch. Frozen Feet. With such a spell having been active, Videl would surely had glided around the wooden terrain with ease! Until such a thing was prompted by his companion, or found itself necessary, Videl would keep to his word and withhold such a feat though.

"I am more than willing to accompany you to the dance floor, milady~ Be forewarned though.. This will be my first time dancing with a partner." A soft and anxious laugh would escape the mans lips as his cheeks had found themselves dyed cherry in color. The majority of dancing that he had been aware of had all stemmed from his people's native dances. There wasn't much else in the way of dancing that he had noted. Figuring that Sylvari would be okay with it though, or at least take the chance to lead, Videl would nod to her anyway.

"Feel free to take over if you so desire.. Again, I've never danced with another before so this might come across as strange.." Although Videl had been unsure of his own abilities, when it had come to dancing with another, what he hadn't accounted for was all the effort that he had put in on mastering both his magic and his spearmanship. The footwork that was needed to obtain the level in which he was had been above and beyond simple variants of his people's dances.

With one of Sylvari's hands already within his own, as the pair had made their way over to the dancefloor, Videl would start things off. With a single flowing, gliding motion, mimicking the smoothness of ice, Videl would briefly entwine with Sylvari, his cheek briefly pressing against her own. His free hand would then reach out and softly place itself just above Sylvari's waist. From there he would place his right foot towards Sylvari's left foot, hoping that she would move it back in time with him. This would continue for a bit, the pair hopefully mirroring one another's movements, until Sylvari had either said otherwise or taken the lead. In the event that she hadn't though, after a few repetitive moments, Videl would initiate a sequence where they gracefully snake around Sylvari, using the fluidity of ice-inspired movements. He would then return to the initial movements while softly pulling her all across the dancefloor before throwing in another snaking sequence from time to time. Each time he would come to snake around the vampiress, he would be sure to lock eyes with her from behind her veil, his cheek softly brushing up against her own in the process.

Sylvari curiosity and mirthfulness were inflamed as Videl led her to the dance floor. Forestalling her own displays of prowess, supplemented by the instruction from dancing styles from all over Charon that she had studied in her travels, Sylvari instead allowed Videl to lead, eager to see his own heritage of movement. She clasped Videl's hand with easy acceptance, feeling his hand conservatively placed above her waist. As he began to lead her in a stepping motion, Sylvari smoothly followed his motion, her movements mirroring his own so perfectly as to be two halves of the same whole.

Sylvari couldn't help feeling like a princess as her surprisingly gifted companion directed her all across the dancing space. She took the opportunities where he moved in serpentine rhythm around her body to twirl and extend her hands, creating a dazzling display with her free flowing leaf robe for the growing crowd of spectators. While a practiced eye may have seen a slight hesitance between their interacting movements, betraying slight unfamiliarity in engaging with each other so, each dancer held such grace and fluidity in their own right that their combined efforts could only be described as serene. They were twin embodiments of practiced physicality, augmented by the obvious care they shared for one another, belying unity where there may have been slight nervousness.

Feeling the ambient music speed up, on one of Videl's snaking passes, Sylvari caught hold of him and murmured into his ear as he brushed her cheek. "My turn, V. Follow my lead."

Sylvari placed her left hand on Videl's shoulder and caught hold of his left hand in her right, extending out as if they were both pointing in the direction they meant to go. She pressed close to him, until they were mere inches apart and gave an impish smile, leading him in a stepping dance similar to what they had done earlier, but with more speed and bounce to the step. At certain intervals, when the music swelled, Sylvari would extend her body out, only their clasped pointed hands connecting them to one another, spinning and grinning widely, before coming back to the familiar close proximity of the dance.

As the song drew to a close, Sylvari wrapped her arms around Videl and dipped him low to the ground, before righting him again and bubbling with embarrassed laughter. "It's a dance from my homeland, but I took the male part to lead. I hope you don't mind."

Just as he had been directed, in the brief moment that he had been snaking around Sylvari's armored form, Videl would ultimately allow for Sylvari to take the lead. Videl grinned, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and delight as Sylvari took the lead. Her movements, now guiding him through the dance, showcased a blend of confidence and playfulness that captivated him. And the manner in which she had pulled the pair of them together? Given how intimate the entire situation had felt, Videl would only find that his cheeks were burning hot. 

"Now this is quite the twist," Videl remarked with a chuckle, allowing himself to be led with a newfound eagerness. He matched Sylvari's steps with a natural grace, adapting to the change in dynamics nigh seamlessly. The snaking motions became a collaborative exchange, each partner contributing to the dance in their own distinctive way. And as Sylvari spun and extended their clasped hands, Videl followed suit, mirroring her impish grin. The faster pace and lively steps added a dynamic energy to their performance, drawing cheers and applause from the onlookers.

When Sylvari dipped him low to the ground and then brought him back up, Videl couldn't help but laugh along with her. "I assure you that I don't mind whatsoever," he responded, his eyes reflecting genuine enjoyment. "It brings me an inordinate amount of joy to be able to partake in such a thing with you. Especially knowing that it stems from your homeland." His grin now brighter than it had been before, Videl would close the distance between the two of them, pulling Sylvari into a tight hug. "I'm so glad that I found you, Sylvari."

After a moment of embrace, Videl would reluctantly pull himself away from his companion. While he might have enjoyed the moments in which the pair were interlocked, he could understand how such a display might be embarrassing after prolonged periods of time. "Care for a drink? After such a dazzling display, I can only imagine that refreshments would be nice." His grin would start to die down into a comforted smile as he had prepared to make his way over towards a stall nearby. "One moment~" Shortly afterwards, Videl would return with a vaguely heart shaped pod of golden-orange color and vague glow.

"I gift my heart to you, Sylvari," he would tease whilst sending a wink in her direction. A short laugh would awkwardly belt out from the anxious T'saya as he presented one of the pods to the vampiress. "It's a Pekoe Pod. Exclusive to this area, according to the vendor, they produce a random tea blend! If you don't like the blend that yours contains, I'm more than willing to trade or share mine~" At that, Videl would crack his own pod open, revealing a soothing scent from within. Contained within the remnants of the pod was a magenta colored infusion that could only be hibiscus tea.

Sylvari's blush continued its spread across her face at Videl's sweet words and the hug following their dance. She bit her tongue to hide her distaste as Videl mentioned getting her a drink, her nausea for mortal offerings rising in anticipation of the forced meal, but for him, she would drink happily, as if it were the sweetest ambrosia.

Sylvari took the proffered pod wordlessly, speechless at Videl's giving of his 'heart'. Emotions raged within the justiciar: confusion, apprehension, gratitude, love, and pervasive bone-chilling dread, all mixed together in a meaningless jumble. Sylvari attempted to untangle the entwined feelings, welcoming the distraction as she quickly threw back the pod. 

She obviously held love for her friend; it was apparent as the noonday sun. However, she had always stopped short of assessing her potential romantic feelings, a prohibition that Sylvari became less and less sure pertained to her partner as time together passed. Lasting romantic love was a childish dream that had been neglected with her oath, and shut away entirely after her curse, thus explaining her darker emotions.

Videl had seen her low, but no one had witnessed the true depths that Sylvari had endured. She worried such close association would put him in harm's way not because of evil, but because of her unbridled instincts. The thought that terrified her more than anything else was that Videl may try to reason with her bestial side one day when she had lost control and be consequently killed for it. Such portents of doom were a product of her own neuroticism, however, and not based on current events, so Sylvari merely bottled them up and gave Videl the strongest smile she was able: a fairly weak and piteous thing.

As Videl had offered the pod to Sylvari, he would note that she wouldn't say anything in response. For part of the moment, her cheeks had been dyed a deep red and for the other, she had remained silent. Even with the weak smile that she had offered him, that silence had led him to believe that he had said or done something that had bothered her. Was it the offer of the pod itself? The cheesy words that he had offered alongside it all? A slight anxiety overtaking his heart, Videl could only watch to see if she would say anything. And yet nothing came aside from the smile that she plastered upon her face.

"Is it.. not to your liking?" In all honesty, Videl had completely disregarded the fact that those of a vampiric nature couldn't sustain themselves on typical foods and drink. This was something that he had never really considered and something that had only donned on him in this moment. "I.." A look of worry overtaking him, Videl would reach out for the pod that he had offered her, even after she had threw it back in the way that she had. "I'm so sorry Syl.. I honestly hadn't considered the fact that you can't sustain yourself off of this."

Recalling the time that he had witnessed her quite literally devour the magic that another had shot off at her, Videl's thoughts would turn towards that moment. Was that the only source of energy that her body would willingly welcome? Figuring that that must be the case, Videl would attempt to claim the pod that she had held. Regardless as to whether or not he had succeeded in this endeavor, he would then close the distance between the two before softly whispering within her ear. "I'm willing to accommodate any and all of your needs. If you need something a bit.. different from what I just offered than please let me know." This could also explain why she had been drooling the day before, when she had looked upon him.

Sylvari meekly handed back the empty pod as she considered Videl's words, causing her mouth to salivate. She caught herself before she let her imagination run too wild, and dismissed the thought with great force of will.

"No, V, don't be sorry. You can't be blamed for what you didn't know, and the particulars of my... affliction were not something we had discussed. As for your offer..." Sylvari's exhaled a hot and heavy breath, as saliva threatened to fall out of her mouth before she clamped her mouth shut and wiped her lips with the back of her hand. "I should think that beginning down that road would set a dangerous precedent, if we are to travel together. I have emergency rations if the need is great, and willing partners in most cities besides. I don't want to come to rely on your essence, or you on my taking..." Sylvari trailed off, feeling uncomfortable discussing the addictive properties that her feeding had in her partners.

Needing to think about anything else, Sylvari stood suddenly and whirled around, picking something at random to occupy her attention. "Let's go take a look at the calligraphy," she exclaimed, walking quickly in her pointed direction.

With a few soft nods in response, Videl would allow for the conversation to drift elsewhere. In his eyes, if she had truly needed it, than she would ask him for a bit of his essence or attempt to claim it for herself. So long as it hadn't gone too far, he wouldn't particularly have minded either situation at the end of the day. Given that she supposedly had partners to feed from though, all across Charon apparently, Videl would cease his discussion on the topic. It wouldn't do for him to push on this matter, after all, considering that she had been interesting in just about anything else. "As you wish, Syl. All that I ask is that you keep me informed if there is anything that you need." 

Following along after his companion, the pair would eventually make their way towards the calligraphy section. From what Videl could tell, as they had further approached the area, each of the Ribbinynh here had been working on their calligraphy for the more foreign patrons. Rather than parchment, Videl would notice that the calligraphy had been done on materials such as giant flower petals and leaves. A curiosity for the T'saya, if he had ever seen one.

"Hm.." Glancing at the works that the Ribbinynh had created or were in the act of creating, Videl would move closer to one of the nearby tables. "Might I requisition something from you," he would go on to ask one of the merchants nearby. Naturally, the vendor would agree to the task at hand, asking Videl what they had desired. A knowing smile upon the T'saya's face, he would lean in and whisper something to the Ribbinynh before sliding the vendor a few Solars and moving back to Sylvari's side. "So.. Is there anything here that catches your eye? If nothing else, I'm sure that we could requisition something to gift to our steeds."

A smile shone through the storm of anxiety in Sylvari's mind at Videl's suggestion. The justiciar bumped her shoulder into Videl companionably as a playful giggle erupted form her mouth. "You spoil Lumi too much, you know. That's why she is so dramatic and high-minded. Mercy knows I can't afford her extra luxuries on the path, and just look at Noe. He's all bones from how little I feed him!"

Sylvari let full-bodied laughter spill forth from her lips at her terrible joke, feeling relief for respite at last from her unending worry. This much at least, she could cede, was how Videl would make her a more effective justiciar. Without stress and a misguided drive to work herself into the ground, justice would have a sharper sword.

After a few moments, Sylvari let her more practical thoughts sober her mood back to neutral. The bite in her joke was born of a seed of truth: her mission would not afford the leisure and overabundant care which Videl was wont to lavish on his companions. It was a sad reality that Sylvari would have to impress on him, later. For today, she would just humor his desires as best she was able.

Caught off guard by Sylvari's joke, Videl would find himself bellowing out a hearty laugh in response. If one were to overhear their conversation, they surely would have misunderstood, but to the pair of them, the joke was certainly enjoyable. Enough to which Videl had blown past Sylvari's comment on over pampering his Frigid Steed. At first anyways. Once the bout of laughter had died down, Videl would nod along to the words that the vampiress had mentioned earlier on.

"I suppose that there is some truth in that. I just.. want to show those that I care for all of the affection that I can. Because if not from myself, then who else would they receive that affection from?" Tilting his head off to the side for a moment, Videl was sure to maintain his gaze with where he had presumed Sylvari's to be. "And of course, there are those within my life that deserve all of the affection in general. Life doesn't always permit such joys so I have to show them the love that I can, when they allow it." He had hoped that his allusions had been clear but wouldn't prod the situation more than he already had.

"Besides! It's just a bit of art, really. How much spoiling could that really be?" A teasing smile would crop up upon his lips as he had softly nudged Sylvari's shoulder with his own. "Don't we all enjoy having something to fawn over? I know that I've certainly found a few beauties to keep my attention from time to time, reassuring me of the beauty that this world has to offer."

His gaze quickly turning towards the vendor that he had just spoken to, Videl would give the Ribbinynh a quick nod. "There's something that I've requested before we depart so we should definitely come back here before we leave. For now though, is there anything else that catches your fancy? If not the calligraphy than how about the jewelry displays? And if not that.. Well, from what I hear, there are quite a few combat displays that are held from time to time."

Sylvari lifted an eyebrow, curious, and oblivious, of the nature of Videl's meandering words and meaning. "Oh, indeed, my dear? Come then: don't be so coy with your words. tell me of these 'beauties' you've found that have lightened your heart so. Gods know I could use such encouragement to better walk the path required of me."

Sylvari's following smile was as genuine as her social acumen in reading the subtext of the conversation was vacuous. She honestly wanted to share in the delights of Videl's heart, whatever they might be, blissfully unaware of how close they may lie. 

As Sylvari awaited Videl's answer eagerly, she would unconsciously drift toward the promise of combat. She was ever a martial student and inclined to see the combat acumen of new cultures, seeking to perhaps add unorthodox strategy into her own repertoire to continue growing in might for her mission.

Seeing that his companion would rather focus on their discussion than any outside activities at the moment, Videl would oblige her by answering the question that she had asked. Of course, as he had done so, his cheeks would only darken in color and his eyes would come to meet the ground. "Well, I mean, I felt like it was pretty obvious.." With an anxious cough that was covered by one hand, Videl was sure to use the other to rub at the back of his head.

Working up the confidence to continue on, Videl would attempt to meet her gaze but would only find that his own had continuously averted itself. "Well there's the wondrous landscape that happens to be provided to us, from time to time.. Lumi and Mercy would fall under the purview of these beauties as well.. And of course there is one glaring individual that happens to captivate my heart with each time that I allow my gaze upon them." Finally overcoming the anxiety that was riling within him, Videl would momentarily meet the vampiress' gaze. "And that would happen to be you, Syl."

As the words had leapt free of his mouth, Videl would find himself immediately turning around whilst maintaining his current place. He wasn't sure how she would react to him coming outright and stating how he had felt, given that they were more or less batting around the idea tonight. If she hadn't noticed his feelings after the several instances of him teasing her with his feelings.. Well he might have to be a bit more straightforward moving forward. This was all in hopes of the fact that she hadn't outright laughed at his efforts however. While she wasn't cruel enough to outright shut him down, from what he could tell, she might try and lessen his feelings if she hadn't understood his feelings or felt a similar manner.

"..a beauty amongst beauties, if I must come right out and say it.. Your beauty is as pure and untarnished as the freshly fallen snow, radiating a pristine and untouched elegance. In your presence, beauty emanates like sunlight glistening on the delicate crystals of freshly fallen snow, casting a mesmerizing glow. The sparkle in your eyes mirrors the ethereal beauty of snowflakes illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight, creating a captivating and enchanting allure. Truly a pulchritudinous marvel.."