[Video / Open to Both Courts]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[The locket is resting in the palm of Vanyel's right hand as he sits under a tree. His legs are crossed and his eyes are closed.]

No matter how hard I push, the barrier remains intact. [His eyelids open, revealing silver irises.] I have used every spell in my arsenal to test our colorful prison, but to no effect.

[Sadly, he isn't surprised.]

Do hot springs exist? I know I could put them to good use.

[How can he feel so old when he's so young? Rising and shifting the locket so his face stays in view, he stretches carefully. Old wounds are a pain.]

I would not wholly mind some company should I visit them either. The Tayledras are completely without shame where their hot springs are concerned. I promise to not follow in their footsteps.

[Meaning he will wear something instead of being fully nude.]

Comments

[Video] At least Van doesn't know that?

[wildgift]

I'll do my poor best. Once I've recovered.

[Video] It's better he doesn't know.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Your "poor best" is magnificent or else you wouldn't have been promoted so fast. I'd hate for that talent to go to waste.

[Video] Probably, yeah. Stef would not like being locked in a safe little room

[wildgift]

Then I imagine I'll have to find some way to make myself useful.

[Video] And smothered with love whenever Van has a free moment.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Stefen, it's not all about your usefulness.

[Video] Okay that part is more bearable

[wildgift]

No? Damn, here I thought I'd figured it out.

[Video] He might lose some of his focus as a Herald BUT WE WOULDN'T BLAME HIM.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

You haven't if that's what you believe. I like being around you. Just you.

[Video] NOPE NOT AT ALL.

[wildgift]

I hope it remains that way.

[Video] HE'S TOO PRETTY TO WORK ANYWAY. I MEAN -

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Why would it change?

[Video] /PREEN~

[wildgift]

I don't know. I might do something inordinately stupid.

[Video] TWO PEACOCKS.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Even if you did, I wouldn't abandon you.

[Video] THEY GO SO WELL TOGETHER

[wildgift]

And I am thankful for that.

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I know what that feels like and I wouldn't do it to you or anyone else if I could help it.

And, in your case, I can always help it.

[Video]

[wildgift]

I'll try not to forget that.

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I'll remind you as often as you need.

[Video]

[wildgift]

I suppose I should be thankful for that.

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Are you thankful?

[Video]

[wildgift]

[He pretends to think about that for a moment.]

Yes.

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

For? [He is genuinely curious. What does Stefen value?]

[Video]

[wildgift]

You.

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[The color on his face isn't a trick of the light. Yet his chest tightens and he shudders.]

Am I enough? [He shakes his head.] I'm not.

[Video]

[wildgift]

Yes, Van, you are.

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

That scares me.

[Video]

[wildgift]

Why?

[Video]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I thought I had that before. Someone was my everything.

And then I lost them.

[Video]

[wildgift]

Vanyel...I assure you I am far too attached to my life to throw it away. I'm not going anywhere.