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[This one looks rather ostentatious, though it isn't really through any choice of his own. He's red haired and dressed in Scarlets, muttering to himself and trying not to look too concerned. He's actually doing quite a good job of it, though the look in his eyes might give him away to anyone who knows how to read it.]

Safest Bard in Haven, indeed. [Never mind that he'd been the one to say that.] When Vanyel hears of this, I'll never hear the end of it. [Here he adopts a different tone, clearly imitating someone else.]

"Do you see, Stefen? I was right. My enemies will only use you against me." [Sigh.] Yes, he certainly needed another excuse to try and be rid of me.

Hellsteeth.

[He takes a few cautious glances around, but shakes his head. Apparently he doesn't like much of what he sees, but he does at least try to give an endearing, albeit self-deprecating smile.]

Would someone mind please informing me as to where I am? I'm afraid I've not much to provide in the way of a reward for your help, but I would certainly appreciate it. I'm sure I can find some way to repay you.

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[Color rushes to his cheeks and then he pales, eyes wide.]

...Stefen. [Surely he is mistaken? Grossly, ridiculously mistaken. Why would someone like Stefen be with someone like him?]

Is that why...? [There's pain radiating off of the young man. Even a novice Empath would be able to sense it.] You deserve far better than me.

That isn't true.

Which part? [His voice breaks.] I'm honored...and amazed. I know that sounds cliched, but I can already tell that you're remarkable.

You are absolutely perfect for me and I refuse to think otherwise.

I don't see why you should be honored or amazed, bit I suppose if I'm allowed to be biased then so are you.

Think of the burdens you've already accepted for Randy and Shavri. I will only add to them.

[He knows that much about himself.]

Do you even know that Jissa is mine? [Considering their line of conversation, he assumes Stefen knows a lot about him. However, if he is mistaken, there are ways to take precautions.]

And she isn't the only one.

I don't care. I didn't care in Valdemar and I sure as hellfire don't care here.

[He rolls his eyes again.]

Yes, Vanyel. Did you not pick up on that before? Would you like me to prove it? There are four in total. Jisa, Arven, Brightstar, and Featherfire. The last two are twins with those Tayledras friends of yours.

Edited 2014-07-31 19:09 (UTC)

[How does he respond to that? Stefen has thought this through far more than he realized. Vanyel feels hot and cold; not to mention his mouth is incredibly dry.]

I didn't know... [Which is hardly an adequate answer.] I never imagined someone would care enough to -

[And that has been his shield. So far, only two have made him question his loneliness, though he obviously hates it. He wants Tylendel back and no one can replace him in his heart.

Is it really fair for him to be with someone else knowing they won't have his full heart?]

How much do you know about Tylendel?

As much as the Collegium would tell me.

He was the first...boy...I had ever been with. Before I met him, I never understood why I wasn't happy with women. I had bedded them, of course, but it was mechanical. I never felt anything deeper.

[He exhales and pauses.]

I was horrible to him at the beginning. I acted like a proper pompous young lord because I was so confused about myself. My father had pushed me away and I wasn't sure I wanted to be at the Collegium under Aunt Savil's watch. I felt like it was a punishment.

But 'Lendel was always kind. It was like he understood how I felt. One night, I had a nightmare and somehow he heard me. Before I knew it, he was sitting on the end of my bed and I was spilling my heart out to him.

That was the beginning for us... Stefen, whatever you heard at the Collegium, all you really need to know is he was a good person. What happened to him was tragic and I carry part of the blame.

Edited 2014-08-01 07:10 (UTC)

I know he was and it's damn unfair what they're doing to his memory at Haven. I fought for every inch they gave me and I shouldn't have had to. Heralds should understand. Everyone has a breaking point. It wasn't your fault.

Edited 2014-08-01 07:14 (UTC)

His breaking point was because of what happened to his twin. He was connected to him on a level I didn't understand back then. It's possible that Staven had some of Tylendel's Gifts.

Regardless, Tylendel felt him die. How could anyone keep sane after something like that?

[He closes his eyes sadly.]

I just wanted him to be happy again. That's why I helped him learn the spells...

[His brow furrows.]

I had hoped things had changed. Apparently they haven't. I'm sorry.

Why are you sorry? You haven't done anything wrong.

Maybe not directly to you, but I haven't had as much influence over ignorance as I wished.

I hardly hold you personally responsible.

Then you see me as one man. I appreciate that.

Someone has to make sure you don't kill yourself trying to save the world.

[He bows his head and laughs shakily.]

You are truly one of a kind, Stefen.

I try to be.

I doubt you have to try hard. [And that makes him ache even more.]

I suppose you'll have to ask someone else that.

Like Medren? [He sighs tiredly and tugs Stefen into a quick embrace.] I can see the truth with my own eyes.

Medren's as likely to lie through his teeth just to watch me react.

[He likes that embrace far too much, though, and after a few seconds of shock, he slides his arms around Vanyel as well.]

...you shouldn't have done that. I'm liable to not let go.

Then I would ask him when we're alone. [Though, considering all the wonderful qualities his nephew seems to gain in the future, Medren would likely try the same trick on him.] He sounds like a breath of fresh air for the Ashkevrons.

[It's damn difficult not to melt into the hug. He trembles and fights to keep his composure.]

...maybe...I don't want you... [ "to" is mouthed against Stefen's hair.] How old are you, Stefen?

Edited 2014-08-05 01:51 (UTC)

Of the lot of you, he's one of the more tolerable ones, for certain.

[Sigh. It would come up.]

Old enough to know what I am and what I want.

Including me? [He smirks but it doesn't last.] In other words - you're considerably younger.

[Time to step back and reassess.]

What I want... What I need...

It's not fair to ask it of anyone.

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Re: [Action] ... thank you, phone, for TOTALLY DELETING THE WORD I DIDN'T WANT. B|

[Action] Phones do that. Frequently.

[Action] Yes. Yes they do sob.

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Re: [Action] OH MY GOD PHONE STOP IT

[Action] Phone, behave.

Re: [Action] It's so bad at this D:

[Action] It will learn. >B|

[Action] One can but hope

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