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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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[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.

You are included in the "tolerable" lot. Usually.

[But then Vanyel is pulling away and he just looks frustrated.]

Goddess, Vanyel, do not do this to me again.

[He arches a brow but refrains from commenting.]

...I'd like to see you again.

[Often.]

From what I hear, we'll be stuck here for quite a while. I imagine we'll be seeing quite a bit of each other.

Good. [His smile touches his eyes this time.] I might come to enjoy this kingdom.

I suppose it could have its charms.

It will give you plenty of material for composition.

I was rather hoping it would give me plenty of material for other things.

Like romance? [His smile is self-deprecating.] All I've known is work since -

[Then.]

I thought... With Shavri, but -

"But?" But what?

I wondered for awhile if I was in love with her. [It clearly pains him to question being a shay'a'chern.] Gods, Stef, 'Lendel was the only one I really opened up to.

I know who I'm attracted to, but what does that mean? How do people open their hearts again?

[He's going to be sighing quite a bit, it seems.]

I don't know. I've never had to. Gods. I've never made a secret of what I am. Hells, half the time I wasn't even discrete. But everything changed with you and now you don't even remember it.

Why did everything change with me? Why choose me? [The ache is growing and he wants so very badly to take what Stefen is offering. He has no doubt it would be amazing, but his heart stops him.]

You're young, beautiful, skilled...

I know the Bards give you a hard time out of jealousy, but if even one of them is shaych, they would be yours in a heart-beat.

Edited 2014-08-05 02:45 (UTC)

I don't care about the Bards, Vanyel. I chose you because we're supposed to be lifebonded, dammit! [There he freezes and just stares for a few moments, shocked at what he's just said. He hadn't mean to say that out loud, and he'd let his temper get the better of him.

Damn.]

I...I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't have-- I'm sorry...

[The reason he felt drawn to him is suddenly crystal clear. Such a strong bond can't help but echo across time. Guilty joy follows on the heels of the realization and Vanyel shakes from head to toe.

I don't have the right. I never stopped loving 'Lendel. He was - He is...

But Stefen sounds as miserable as he feels. His heart beats quicker and he cups the Bard's face between his hands.]

Shhh... [Tears burn his eyes and he focuses on breathing.] My life-bond, hm?

I'm... [So confused and so torn. His hands drop onto Stefen's shoulders and suddenly he's kissing the Bard with unrestrained passion. The bond practically sings and something inside of him reaches out for it hungrily, trying to make it stronger.

'Lendel, I'm sorry.

This is nothing like Shavri. Havens, this is what love feels like.

He's worse than he thought. How can he do this to Lendel and Stefen?

The kiss is broken and he hisses:] ...a monster.

[Stefen is shocked for a moment but once he figures out what's happening it's all he can do to keep from sobbing in relief. He's maybe just as desperate as Vanyel as he returns the kiss, grabbing fistfuls of the Herald's clothing and clinging until his hands hurt. Even if nothing came of this, it was a start, at least.

When they pull apart, though, he's just a touch breathless.]

No, Vanyel, you aren't. [He sounds rather firm about that.] There is nothing you could have done that will make me believe that you are, either.

[He smoothes over Stefen's hands, forcing himself to look into the Bard's eyes. Everything he wants is right here and it flies in the face of the vow he made to himself not so long ago. While he hasn't taken a vow of celibacy - he has taken a vow to not ever replace Tylendel in his heart.

A life-bond could - easily - push Tylendel further and further away. He lost his lover's body, his warmth, his smile, his understanding and now...

Is he doomed to lose the love they shared? Isn't that the ultimate betrayal?]

All the more reason - [His voice is choked.] You're perfect.

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[Action] Stef in a suit ahhh <3

Re: [Action] lolol adorable, right? XD

[Action] So cute.

[Action] lol I'm kind of in love with his PB and his FANTASTIC HAIR

[Action] His hair is gorgeous. I want to pet it. o_o

[Action] I KNOW, RIGHT

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