Return!

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I'm tired, Mun. What do you wish of me? I have played your games before and found little enjoyment in them.

[He looks up from darning a blanket. Why yes, he can darn. Shut up. It's manly.]

What do you mean anything is possible?

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[vanyel_ashkevron]

But you are using it to your advantage.

It's true. What you want...

I'm not worthy of it.

[wildgift]

And? Am I not to use every advantage I have?

[Sigh.] Don't say that. It isn't true.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

In a scheme, no one can fault you.

[He reaches out to Stefen, but stops himself.]

I'm a broken man. Beneath the Herald and the Mage lies someone who is woefully inept at love.

[wildgift]

Have you not noticed? Court is scheming.

Vanyel...that doesn't mean you don't need it.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I have noticed. I merely choose to stay out of it.

You are kinder than you know. For that reason alone, I know you don't deserve my burdens.

[wildgift]

Then you, Herald Vanyel, are a far greater man than I.

I think I can decide for myself what I do and don't deserve. Do you really think I don't know what I'm asking for?

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I have learned - you will too.

[He sighs and moves to sit down. Damn his shaky legs.]

It couldn't be...for fun. That would hurt too much.

[wildgift]

Not before they kill me, I'm certain.

It isn't. I don't want anyone else.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I won't let that happen.

What if you feel differently in the morning?

[wildgift]

That is an unadulterated relief.

I won't. I've had that long to stew on it. I know what I want, and that won't be any different after a few hours.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

They know I am fond of you.

You make it very difficult for me to say no. [He shakily brushes some red strands away from Stefen's face.]

[wildgift]

A blessed boon indeed.

That was sort of the point. Have you learned any better?

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I can watch over a Bard.

[He presses a kiss to Stefen's brow.]

I might be giving in.

[wildgift]

Are you certain of that? Beating off the Court Ladies may prove to be far more onerous a task than any Herald's circuit. [He's so humble right]

Good. At least that means I can stop acquiring bruises.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Ah, another reason to not pin him down. No, bad wording. No pinning.]

Do you have interest in them? [His chest aches hollowly even as he smirks.] I would prefer if you took care of yourself.

[wildgift]

Not in the slightest, though they all seem to think I do. Better safe than sorry, after all, and I'd rather not risk a woman's wrath.

Certain people make that far easier said than done. How else was I supposed to get you to notice me?

[vanyel_ashkevron]

A woman's wrath is something to fear. I have suffered the slings and arrows of it in person.

Stefen, you needn't hurt yourself to get my attention. I notice you.

[wildgift]

It's something I'd prefer to avoid.

It certainly didn't seem like it at the time.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Has it ever occurred to you that I notice you too much? [He turns to hide his expression.] You have had many partners. Why settle?

[wildgift]

No.

Because it isn't settling. Hellsteeth, haven't you figured that out yet?

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I do. You're beautiful.

[His body burns with desire and he hates it. Why is Stefen getting irritated so alluring?]

It wouldn't be on my end.

[wildgift]

It wouldn't on mine either. Gods, Van, since I met you I haven't been with anyone else. I just don't want to be anymore.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

You…haven't? No one? [His eyes widen in wonder.]

[wildgift]

No one. Ask Medren.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

He has said you're…different. I didn't know it was because of me.