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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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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.

I'm nothing close to it, and don't go telling me that I am.

[The stubborn quality of Stefen's response makes him laugh breathlessly.]

Gods help me, it's the same.

"The same?"

It's a life-bond. [His voice wavers.]

...oh. I--I'm sorry. I can't imagine how it must be for you.

[Pain and discomfort are easy to detect and he drags Stefen back into his arms, his brow furrowing.]

No, thank you. It's the best thing I've felt in years. [He knows what needs to be done.] I want this; I want you.

Can we...

Take this one step at a time?

[This time he all but falls into Vanyel's arms, closing his eyes and standing still for a moment to appreciate the feeling.

This place is strange, but it seems some thing never changed.]

If that's what you need. Just don't try and send me away, please? I've a feeling there's more than enough trouble for me to get into around here.

[His eyes fall closed as well and he rubs over Stefen's back soothingly.]

I won't chase you away. [It's...beyond him to do so. The bond would undoubtedly cause them extreme pain if he forced them apart. While he doesn't care about causing pain to himself, he does care about Stefen.]

All I ask for is patience.

[That actually gets a small, albeit self-deprecating, laugh.]

I've never been very good at that. But I suppose for you I'll do anything.

That's a dangerous admittance. [He tries to lighten the mood, pulling back enough to take in Stefen's smile. The expression sends a tendril of warmth into the numbness he has felt since Tylendel's death.]

Something tells me anything a Herald would make me do, I'd have no issue with.

So you are depending on my sense of morality to keep you safe?

[With a smirk, he tangles their fingers together, admiring the calluses he finds.]

I haven't always followed the book.

A Herald's morality is certainly far less questionable than others'. But even breaking all the rules, I think, it's rather unlikely that you'll ask me to do anything too awful.

All I would ask of you is for you to find your happiness. [With or without him. Stefen has earned it by helping Randy and now -

The Bard is trying to heal his pain too.]

Then you may never be rid of me. You should be careful what you wish for.

Is that supposed to be a threat? [To never be lonely again? To have love?]

[That earns a rather melodramatic pout, though he can't keep the mischief off his face, either.]

Well, it was. I thought it was rather intimidating...

[A true laugh follows, unrestrained and Vanyel has to catch his breath before he responds.]

Terrifying! Have mercy on me, Bard Stefen.

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

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