[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

[Action]

[wildgift]

Good. Then I'm satisfied.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

That's all it takes? [It's horribly difficult not to grin.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm a simple man.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

There is nothing simple about you. You are remarkable.

[Action]

[wildgift]

You'll me me vain, love.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[His breath catches and he initiates another kiss, holding Stefen's face between his hands.]

So be it.

[Action]

[wildgift]

[That gets another laugh and he slides his arms around Vanyel's shoulders.]

You may not survive.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I'm not worried. [His lips trail kisses over Stefen's arm, his eyes closed contentedly.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

No? You are a brave man indeed.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

You'll find there's a fine line between bravery and stupidity. Many might think me stupid for dying for you, but I don't agree with them.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I would appreciate it if you wouldn't die at all.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

It would take a lot of power to end my life, don't worry.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I won't deny that's comforting to hear.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I spent last year pretending to be five Mages. [His work is never-ending.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

That sounds utterly exhausting.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

More than exhausting. [He lifts his shirt a little, showing the long white scars running down the length of his body.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Stefen looks a little sad when he sees the scars, and brushes over them with his fingertips.]

Don't you ever get a rest?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Vanyel is also probably thinner than Stefen recalls, but he has definitely put on some muscle from living on the Borders.]

I was supposed to. [He is exhausted.] Something always intervenes.

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Stefen sighs and kisses him again.]

Please at least try not to kill yourself.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[His eyes widen and he flushes.]

They never came close. Most of the scars are from attacks I couldn't block. I was hit by lightning once.

But I'm here, Stef. I'm not seeking death.

[Not anymore.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm not asking, I don't want to know.

[But he closes his eyes and smiles at the second part.]

Thank you. I know others need you, but I do too.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[The pain throbs through him and he brings their foreheads together.]

I need you. Gods, you don't know how much I need you. I don't let anyone support me aside from Yfandes.

[His eyes are haunted.]

None of my family - aside from Medren and maybe Meke - understand...me. They're either in awe of me or scared of me.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm right here. I'll always be here.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Then know that I will always come back to you. I'll claw through hell to see you.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I suppose I should stop worrying, then.