eachdraidh | [Video]

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[Vanyel's absence was brief and likely unnoticed, but he has returned...changed. His once black hair is now mostly white and his eyes are a much paler grey. He is sitting on the floor in his room with his back to the wall. Every inch of him says "don't touch me", yet something prompts him to open his Locket and use it.]

Why did you bring me back? What use am I...here? Without Yfandes? Without Stefen?

[His pillars have been ripped away and they expect him to stand; to fight?!]

I could kill whomever you wish. [There is something distant in his eyes. His heart can't handle the guilt of his actions.] I could drop them into the bowels of the Drabworld and leave them to suffocate.

Is that what you want of me? [He's beyond tears and out of answers.]

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Yes, how would you ever exist without someone who drags you into a dangerous territory and -

[His eyes glisten and he shakes.]

And who loves me even if he has to leave sometimes? And who protects me? And who is absolutely perfect even if he refuses to think otherwise? I wonder.

How could I not love you and protect you? [The "perfect" comment makes his cheeks burn and he shakes his head.] You are more amazing than you know. Your patience with me is...

[No word is good enough.]

I couldn't move, speak or take care of myself after. Yfandes and you took care of everything.

Don't go telling me that or I'll need new hats.

Now. What do you need?

You. Just you. [He shrugs off his robe, revealing the tattered remains of his Whites underneath. They have been cleaned to some extent, but there is still blood on them.]

[Sigh.]

You should change out of those. They look a mess, and keeping them on isn't doing you any favors.

[It's such a simple notion, but he doesn't like the idea of being bare. The clothes are a barrier of sorts.

But he's with Stefen. Breathing out, he moves to stand up and grab another tunic and pants.]

You can look away.

Alright. If you need me to, I will.

It's more for your state of mind...

[He turns away and shrugs off his shirt, revealing the battered body underneath.]

Vanyel, I'm more concerned for yours right now.

[He chooses a light blue tunic and brown pants, tying his pale hair back with a leather cord.]

I survived and I was healing. I'll be okay.

Is that actually true or are you just trying to protect me?

I have you, Stef. [He walks over and gingerly places his hand on Stefen's chest.] The Lifebond called me back.

I'm glad for that, but it doesn't answer my question.

You're half right and half wrong. [He wants to be okay, but he doesn't have any guarantees.]

I suppose that's better than all wrong. Will you please just talk to me?

I'm...the last Herald-Mage. Someone is targeting us to exterminate us. I have to find them. As long as I'm alive, I want them to know they are hunted.

[There is grief propelling him. He has lost friends - good friends - and he wants to avenge them.]

You were afraid I wouldn't come back.

That's understandable. I'm afraid of that every time you leave.

Well you're traveling with me this time and I'm glad of it.

Then I'm glad I could finally convince you.

I've gone too long without kissing you. [Talk about tragedies.] Once this Mage is dead, I'm going to spend time with you. We've more than earned it.

I'm sure. Please try to take care of yourself. I'm holding you to that promise.

[He makes an amused sound and pours two cups of wine.]

Alshoa... [The white raven tilts her head and takes flight, landing on his arm.] Stefen, I would like for you to meet this lady. She was given to me as a boon.

[From appearance alone, she is different from normal ravens. She's much bigger and there is a rare intelligence in her eyes.]

Ah... [He has never had to introduce himself to a bird before. Maybe if he just thinks of her like a Companion...]

Well-met, Lady. I hope you don't mind sharing.

[She isn't just any bird. Alshoa is a trained Tayledras bond-bird. So she inclines her head at his greeting, looking pleased.]

Her language is limited compared to Yfandes, but she is a friend of Zhaneel now.

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