After Effects
Acolyte of the Faceless Conclave. That's what they dubbed him as so he could remain to listen to their scriptures. La'ret's sister, Muirnae seemed passionate about what this collection of Shadow Casters might have to discuss and Vin always had ambition to learn about what others believed in. After their second meeting, he was at a point where he was still unsure of what the others believed in that attended.
Smoke swirled up around his thick hair; he sat on the porch of the little farm house he and La'ret rented near Halfhill and barely noticed the ethereal glow of the waterfall near the cliffside, letting the thistle cig burn down between his fingers. It was late and he'd come home well after La'ret had gone to bed. His mind was a torrent of thoughts as always but this time all of his focus was on what happened above Deathknell.
He'd been having doubts as soon as he'd heard The Speaker. They talked of corruption and how the Conclave had a nameless enemy that was trying to suppress the ways of Shadow because of ignorance. His first thoughts were perhaps they were merely rallying soldiers for their enemy. Alinith and Teir had always taught him that unless an enemy is yours, it is not wise to fight them - and if you believe in the cause, it will be your enemy. Vin had not heard anything to even understand beyond a few sentences what they believed in to even know what The Speaker was fighting against - until tonight.
He'd waited for Muirnae to show, but went on without her when she didn't. It wasn't like they were the best of pals so he proceeded to the hills above Deathknell on his own and let the shadow disguise him, his hood pulled down. There were a few new shades but that wasn't too much of a concern other than The Speaker not asking them to sign the book like he'd had to. And when the speech began, again they spoke of an enemy that he'd never seen and was sure it was going to be his last meeting. It still might be. Tonight Vin's life was threatened by the presence of one of The Faceless, corrupting the mind of The Speaker and he was vacant with what to do.
No minds were responding to his calls... his family was all out of reach. Vin could count the times in his life where he'd frozen, helpless on one hand and this was one of the ones he would remember the most. Knowing what he was... who he was... what would they have done if they'd have turned the young elf's way and even caught his gaze? And when the golden figure came down to resurrect the fallen - perhaps he was far enough out of the excitement that they paid him no mind. But what if they had?
Donavin felt like he needed to run. To fight. To burn off more of this pent up nervous energy that was driving him insane. The cool breeze felt good on his bare torso but it wasn't enough. He salvaged one last draw off the thistle and levitated to the ground and broke out into a run in his bare feet. He didn't know where he was going and he didn't much care. He just felt like he had to get away.