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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'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.

I just might, Herald Vanyel. Seeing as you're far too beautiful for your own good.

I imagine there are plenty who outshine me. [He has let his peacock tendencies go - for the most part. There are scars on his body and calluses on his hands and feet.]

Not really, no. And I've seen my share of the beauties.

You've always known your preference? I didn't know it was possible until I came to the Collegium.

[He blushes and looks away.]

I suppose I was the quintessential sheltered child.

Since I was old enough to have one, I suppose. But I'd never really had anyone who told me I had to be otherwise.

Withen never told me I couldn't be that way. He just...impressed upon me...the importance of courting women. I wasn't truly a man unless I bedded them.

I suppose I didn't have that problem either.

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