Beyond the Sky - Session 30.5

Soon after, Adrian takes a break from researching with Night Eyes to socialise with the Prince.
Adrian: "Kallian, you seem quite occupied. I confess to some curiosity as to what you've been reading."
Prince Kallian: "It's nothing that interesting, just something for me to do as you two were, erm..."
"I'm not exactly well versed on what to do around people in those situations."
Adrian: "My apologies if my behavior was improper. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
Prince Kallian: "No, it's okay. I just don't have a lot of know how in relationships."
"I just know politics and books. Haven't socialised much with the opposite gender."
Adrian: "I can imagine so, with half the court chattering over it every time you look at a girl."
Prince Kallian: "Yeah... Uncle also didn't exactly approve of any of that. Kinda kept me stuck in the palace all the time."
Adrian: "If it was him keeping you stuck in the palace, then you have a little more freedom now, do you not?"
Prince Kallian: "Yeah, I've already managed to sneak out of the palace down to the lower circle."
"I even went and had a look around where Valaire works. She seems to have some nice coworkers in... what they do."
Adrian: "Please try to be careful doing such things, though. This is no time for succession feuds."
"How versed are you in using magic for self-defense?"
Prince Kallian: "I know a few spells to hurt people, and I have a lot of enchantments to mess with people and make a getaway."
Adrian: "Are you familiar with casting them under duress? It's worth practicing, if you plan to continue sneaking out without a proper escort."
"Which, you should know, I see no need to inform your mother or anyone else of, so you did well to confide in me about it, but you may wish to be careful in who you say as much to."
Prince Kallian: "...Uncle at least did prepare me for combat by making me fight with the guards. I think I can do that sort of thing."
"Oh, right! You've been away in Ashdale, haven't you?"
"I can't believe that slipped my mind. How did things go?"
Adrian: "I see. And yes, I have. It went better than I had dared to hope; one of their councilmen arrived with us to finalize the treaty. Furthermore, I am still more convinced that he, at least, had no part in your father's death. If it was their parliament that gave the orders, it was the work of a few outliers."
Prince Kallian: "I see... that's great news, isn't it?"
"We can finally accomplish what father wanted to achieve."
Adrian: "That we can. And you're proving yourself to be truly worthy of his legacy, if you ask me."
Prince Kallian: "...I don't think I'm anywhere near ready to live up to that, yet."
Adrian: "You have time. But I also have confidence in you. I have no hesitation to offer you my loyalty. You personally, Kallian, not just your station."
Prince Kallian: "That's good to hear, at least. Though what do you mean by 'your loyalty'?"
"Do you just mean you approve of me, or do you want to support more than just that?"
Adrian: "I suppose both. I mean that should you ever have need of my assistance, you have but to tell me. That whatever you tell me will be held in confidence even from the queen, if you wish. And that I offer you this aid willingly, and not just out of duty."
Prince Kallian: "Thanks a lot for that, then. I really appreciate it."
"Ah, yes! Since you're back here in Verseris, Valaire is, too, right?"
Adrian: "That she is. I believe she wanted to see you, in fact."
Prince Kallian: "How's she been?"
Adrian: "Mostly well. She picked up a sprite while we were in Kyaro."
Prince Kallian: "A sprite? ...I don't remember sprites being in Kyaro, aren't they something from Priffdinas?"
Adrian: "Yes, and so is this one."
Prince Kallian: "Then how on Esbern did... ah right, is she a familiar?"
Adrian: "I suppose I should let her explain the details, but- yes, precisely."
Prince Kallian: "Interesting. I hope I can chat with both of them soon."
Adrian: "I'm sure you'll have that chance soon enough. I'd rather like a little time in Verseris before anything happens again, so I expect Valaire will be here for a while."
Prince Kallian: "Great!"
"I mean, well, that's good."
Prince Kallian puts his hand to his head.
Adrian: "Something the matter?"
Prince Kallian: "Well, hmm..."
"Adrian, you're good at reading people, aren't you?"
Adrian: "I'd like to think so."
Prince Kallian: "Since you've spent a few weeks with her out in Ashdale... do you think Valaire likes me?"
Adrian: "Yes, I am certain Valaire is genuinely fond of you."
Prince Kallian: "Phew, that's great."
"I was worried the few weeks away might've changed things."
Adrian: "A few weeks is hardly that long."
Prince Kallian: "Just that we've only been interacting for a few days..."
"Still, thanks, Adrian. You've been a great help."
Adrian: "Kallian. You're a friendly and fine-looking lad, not to mention that you're the prince. Be more confident. It will help."
Prince Kallian: "I don't think royalty would or should have anything to do with it..."
Adrian: "It means, for one, that you have other causes to need confidence in yourself."
Prince Kallian: "True... I'll work on that. And if you ever want to find me I'll either be around here, in my quarters, or in the kitchen, usually."
Prince Kallian holds up a small cake.
Prince Kallian: "...I've rather taken to baking to fill some of my free time."
Adrian: "An interesting hobby. And fine work, from the look of it."
Prince Kallian: "Want to try one?"
Adrian: "Certainly. Thank you."
Adrian accepts one of the small cakes, taking a bite and smiling.
Adrian: "Very good indeed. I imagine it took a while to get the recipe right?"
Prince Kallian: "Yeah, and a week or so to finish a spell to cook food. Amazingly, that's not listed anywhere and I had to come up with it myself."
"At least now I'm capable of cooking in my rooms."
Adrian: "Convenient. I am surprised you couldn't find such a spell, it sounds incredibly useful."
"That reminds me, while I am glad we had a proper opportunity to talk. If you'll pardon me, I really ought to get back to trying to find some dusty tome in here with the answers we need."
Prince Kallian: "I'll be here if you need me."
Prince Kallian goes back to his book, picking it up, and waving to Adrian.