Cut & Burn [Allendris but Talian and Lymsleia are welcome!]

Both brows raised high in surprise in the harper's direction, Allendris froze in mid-gesture as the full impact of Valerian's smart remark hit him - though it was less the words themselves and more than infuriatingly smug grin that had him clenching his teeth and firmly reminding himself that he was not so low as to return that volley. Much more important, indeed. Allendris drew back visibly, folding his hands in his lap lest he do something as revealing as clench his fists in his anger and incredulity at the other candidate's unusually acerbic wit. If it could be called that, anyway. Valerian clearly thought himself quite funny, but as far as the proud glass-smith was concerned, the other young man was little more than a childish slacker with a bad attitude.

As unused to being the butt of such remarks (and aggravating expressions) as Allendris was, he had somehow decided that the best way to meet them was with silence. Valerian would surely tire of it eventually. He hadn't yet, not now or in the entire week they had been acquainted as somehow the smart-mouthed harper had always done or said something to cause his composure to slip, but surely he would.

Resolute in this decision, Allendris instead turned his attention towards the healer, watching his movements with a detached interest while trying not to look too long at the slightly gruesome sight of blood and torn skin. Talian's touch appeared as soft as his voice, and Allendris could guess from his halting smiles and the long pauses between his words that he was a rather timid man. He wondered if Valerian would be able to keep his mouth shut around such a seemingly gentle personality, or if the young healer's hesitation would only further provoke his ridicule.

The glass-smith frowned. He had never met Talian, nor could he know after just a few words if his quick assessment of the healer's character was in any way accurate... but regardless, that didn't mean he cared to watch another fall victim to the hurtful remarks he was certain Valerian was already dreaming up. With a silent, mental sigh - as if giving himself up to the mercy of the cruel fates who had left him here in this room with two such men - Allendris directed a serene and obviously very insincere smile in the injured harper's direction. "Yes, how did you?"