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It has been a long time coming, but Hendrik has finally made his mind up. Though the road ahead may seem long and perhaps daunting, he's going to do it. He's going to try and learn Valorian. He's used to Sylv speaking it regularly, and as they've been travelling together for some time now, he thinks it's only fair. After all, he wants to understand Sylv fully when he talks. It's the very least he can do for all he has done for him.
So, the next time they're in Puerto Valor, Hendrik takes the chance to go to the book store and buy himself a dictionary.
Two words he knows the jester likes to use around him a lot are "estimat" and "carinyo"; a good place to begin, thinks Hendrik.
When he looks them up however, his face turns pink fast.
Hendrik: Those are... He has been using terms of endearment this whole time? ...That is understandable; he always smiles whenever he uses them. I suppose it could not hurt to try returning that favour. I can start with these; they are easy-enough to say.
With his newfound resolve, Hendrik sets out to find Sylv; with the town as big as it is, and none of his teammates nearby to help him, it'll be hard.
When he DOES find Sylv, he's buying ice cream.
Sylv: Hey honey, good timing; would you mind carrying some of these for me? I thought a nice treat on a day like today would be a good idea, you know?
Hendrik: Of course... Estimat.
Sylv: ...What was that?
Hendrik: What was what?
Sylv: You just... Did you really just-
Hendrik: My apologies; was it the wrong pronunciation? Forgive me for any offence I might have-
Sylv looks at Hendrik as though he might cry with happiness. He FINALLY called him "estimat"!
He wants to hug the man standing before him, but as he's holding the cones he can't. There's that old twinkle in his eyes though, the one he gets when he's very excited.
Hendrik: Sylvando? Are you alright?
Sylv: Oh, I'm more than okay, estimat! ...Now, come on and help me with these; you carry half and I'll carry half. Everyone's over by the bar; we mustn't keep them waiting~!
There's a spring in Sylv's step; he's over the moon that Hendrik used such a term!
Little does he know that his companion plans to learn more...
After dealing with their business in town, the party head back to the ship, whereupon Hendrik locks himself in his cabin to study. He's determined to learn at least twenty new words by tomorrow.
Hendrik doesn't see Sylv until the following morning, when he's making breakfast. Normally he wouldn't bother his friend when he's cooking, but he feels this is a good a chance as any.
He approaches, standing right behind Sylv as he lightly clears his throat.
Hendrik: ...Bon dia, Sylvando. It is a... Rather nice day today, do you not think?
Sylv: Oh! H-Honey! Bon dia! Yes; that sunrise this morning was perfect! ...Hold on, did you just say "bon dia"? Wait... Is this why you never came to dinner last night? Honey, are you... Are you trying to learn it? Valorian, I mean?
Hendrik freezes; Sylvando always was perceptive. Of course he'd figure it out that fast. He nods, admitting that by attempting to learn the language, he'd be able to understand him better.
Sylv can't believe what he's hearing; he's flattered Hendrik would even go that far for him, that he would take the time for him.
Hendrik steps back and waits for Sylv to say something else. Instead he turns around and gives him a great, big hug, right out of the blue.
Sylv: Oh, darling! I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you! Thank you so much!
Hendrik: Y-You are welcome, Sylvando. I shall endeavour to learn all that I can for you.
Hendrik even swears that upon the Pledge, though Sylv tells him there's no need to. When he does anyway, Sylv swears on the Pledge too to help him. Hendrik's often there to help him, after all; it would only be right.
After breakfast, they both hole themselves up in their cabins; Hendrik studies the dictionary thoroughly, while Sylv writes numerous small cards, each with a Valorian word and the translation underneath. With them, perhaps Hendrik won't have as much trouble. He can keep them with him all the time and he can learn on the go!
Come the afternoon, Hendrik has a headache from all of the words he's tried to learn; he needs a break, but he daren't move in case somehow he forgets everything.
He startles, sitting up when there's a knock on his door.
Sylv: Hendrik honey? ...Hendrik, hello?
Hendrik: ...Yes, Sylvando? Please, enter.
Sylv: Oh good! I was hoping you were here. Look at these and tell me what you think!
Hendrik: What are these? Cards? But-
He looks at them, carefully filing through them. Not only did Sylv write each one by hand, but he also illustrated them all. Each one looks like a small work of art.
Hendrik: Sylvando, may I ask where you purchased these from? They are-
Sylv: BOUGHT them? Honey please, I MADE them! For you! Now you don't have to stay in here all day studying from the dictionary! Honestly, I can't believe you were going to do that!
Hendrik: You made these... For me? Sylvando, I cannot thank you enough.
Sylv: Think nothing of it, really! Tell you what, how about you learn these basic phrases for now, and at the end of the week, I'll give you a quizzing on them.
Hendrik: ...That does indeed sound a fair challenge, Sylvando. ...Very well, I accept.
That time comes sooner than Hendrik would like, for one morning...
Sylv: Bon dia, estimat! Has dormit be?
Hendrik: Bon dia, Sylvando. Er...
Sylv: Oh, I asked if you slept well. To answer, you would either say "ho vaig fer" if you did, or "no ho vaig fer" if you didn't. So?
Hendrik: Oh, er... Ho vaig fer. Was that right?
Sylv: It was! Oh darling, I'm so proud of you!
Sylv can't help but give Hendrik a hug, and though stiffening, Hendrik manages to give a small smile back. He's actually rather proud of himself, and he gets the sudden impression that he'll be conversing with the locals with ease the next time they're in Puerto Valor.
After all, he's got Sylv as a tutor now; he'll drum every word in the Valorian vocabulary into Hendrik's head.