Chapter Text
Vanyel’s intentions had been wholly innocent. All he’d wanted to do was convince Stefen that he was just a man, that he wasn’t the godling that so many people seemed to think he was, but as the night wore on, Van found himself more and more drawn to the young man. Before he knew it he was pouring the last of the second bottle of wine into their glasses and Vanyel blinked in surprise and turned his attention to the time-candle on the mantle.
When had it slipped past midnight? And more, the wavering in the candle flame was definitely not from a draft. Vanyel was clearly drunk, and when he turned his attention back toward Stefen he saw that the Bard’s eyes were glazed, although with a determined sort of focus born from an attempt to keep his intoxication from being obvious.
He had no idea how he was going to get the young man back to his room in Bardic. Tylendel wasn’t home yet and Stefen had proven himself far too valuable to risk; on top of that, Vanyel liked the young man. He didn’t have many friends left, and he had very much enjoyed talking about music with the young Bard.
When he looked back from the time-candle, though, he saw the way that Stefen was looking at him and blushed. The Bard’s gaze was burning over his skin like a wildfire and Vanyel shifted self-consciously, uncertain how to respond. Oh, he’d been propositioned before, by men and by women, under a variety of circumstances - but he didn’t think he’d ever felt so strongly in reaction to something as simple as a heated gaze from anyone besides Tylendel.
His face hot, Vanyel averted his eyes, wondering what had gotten into him. He’d never been even remotely tempted by anyone besides his lifebonded before and he had no idea why he should be tempted now.
But gods, he was tempted …
The door opened and Vanyel jumped, his gaze flicking guiltily toward his lifebonded, halfway wondering if he'd been flirting with the young Bard. It felt like he had been, a fact that put color in his cheeks. His gaze slipped back toward Stefen, whose wide hazel eyes were flitting back and forth between Vanyel and Tylendel. The Bard licked his lips, then seemed somehow bolder, more resolved, like he hadn’t known what he was getting into but was entirely ready for whatever was happening.
Tylendel closed the door and strode deliberately over to the other two men, stopping beside Vanyel and placing a hand on the Herald-Mage’s shoulder. He seemed intrigued, eyes dancing over Stefen’s figure as his thumb brushed over the side of Vanyel’s neck.
:See something you like, ashke?:
Vanyel blushed, his cheeks and the tips of his ears turning brilliantly scarlet. :I would never -:
:I know, love.: ‘Lendel dropped a soothing kiss on the top of Vanyel’s head, eyes still on Stefen. :Of course, if you wanted to, we could.:
Jumping slightly, Vanyel looked up at Tylendel. He’d never even considered - but he bit his lip, his eyes going back to Stefen as the Bard sat there wide-eyed, his eyes drinking in the pair of them and his lips slightly parted. He’d never been this tempted by any man other than Tylendel.
Stefen shifted, fiddling with his wine glass and gazing heatedly between the two Herald-Mages. For all that he’d been talking animatedly to Vanyel all evening, he seemed almost afraid to say anything now, as though he might break something if he shattered the silence. Vanyel watched, entranced, as the Bard licked his lips and took another gulp of his wine; he swallowed hard, leaning his head against Tylendel’s arm.
“‘Lendel - this is Stefen,” he said, his voice a little tighter than he would have liked. “He’s got something of a Wild Talent for - for relieving pain. He was helping Randi today.”
“Oh?” Tylendel’s interest was obviously split between what the Bard could do and the young man himself. “I’m glad to hear that; Randi can use any relief he can find.”
Stefen took another swallow of wine and smiled brightly at Tylendel. “I’m glad I could help,” he said, eyes tracing over the other two men. He fiddled with the stem of his wine glass again, tapping it with bandaged fingertips.
:You want him.: ‘Lendel’s Mindvoice was definitive and Vanyel’s blush reinvigorated itself as he dropped his eyes, shame coursing through him. He had ‘Lendel; how could he want anyone else? His discomfiture was instantly soothed by his lifebonded, love and acceptance coursing along their bond alongside definite interest. :I don’t see any reason why we can’t, ashke. He’s interested, we’re interested, and I know you’re mine no matter what.:
Vanyel felt entirely unsteady and it wasn’t just from the wine. He was interested, more than he wanted to admit. There was something enchanting about Stefen and only part of it was from his brilliant red curls and intelligent hazel eyes. Heart racing, Vanyel let his eyes travel over the freckles that brushed across Stefen’s face and down his neck, disappearing under the neck of his shirt. He swallowed hard, placing his hand over Tylendel’s on his shoulder, and nodded slightly.
Tylendel crooked a hand at Stefen; the Bard closed the gap like the blond had him on strings, depositing his wine glass on the table as he moved. Stefen glanced up at Tylendel as if for confirmation that this was all right, then cupped Vanyel’s face with a calloused hand, bandaged fingertips resting against his skin, and leaned in to kiss him.
The kiss burned through Vanyel like mage lightning and he gasped, leaning into it, his lips parting under the younger man’s. He hadn’t kissed anyone except Tylendel since he was fifteen; he hadn’t ever kissed anyone except Tylendel because he wanted to. And the young Bard was skilled and confident, letting passion build slowly before he pulled back to look up at Tylendel as though gauging his reaction.
One hand still on Vanyel’s shoulder, Tylendel reached down with the other to slide his fingers into the Bard’s vibrant curls and draw him up for a kiss. Vanyel watched, silver eyes wide as his lifebonded kissed the Bard slowly, lips lingering. His breath came faster and he felt his cheeks heating even more as his breeches started to get uncomfortably tight.
When the other two men drew back from each other, Tylendel gazed down at Vanyel knowingly, then slipped his hand down from his lifebonded’s shoulder to clasp his hand and pull him gently to his feet. Vanyel stood close by ‘Lendel’s side and eyed the Bard sideways. The way the redhead was gazing at the both of them made Vanyel swallow hard, skin tight with anticipation. He wasn’t sure how far this would go - how far ‘Lendel wanted to let it go - but gods, he was more than willing.
He felt the reassuring caress of his lover’s mind as Tylendel tugged them both toward the bed. As large as it was, chosen to accommodate Tylendel’s tendency to sprawl like a cat and Vanyel’s predisposition towards fitful sleep, there was more than enough room for three.
The three of them stopped at the foot of the bed. Tylendel leaned in to kiss Vanyel softly, teasingly, ending with a gentle nip to his lower lip. “Ashke, why don’t you help Stefen with his laces?” he teased, lips barely parted from Vanyel’s. “It looks like those bandages might get in the way.”
Vanyel thought his face might actually catch flame, but it seemed like they were going to do this. Shyly, he raised his hands to start untying Stefen’s laces; as he did so, Tylendel settled behind him, certain hands stroking over his chest and down his sides, his chin resting lightly on Vanyel’s shoulder as he reached around him to undo the laces of his Whites.
They all pulled apart a little once the laces were undone, tunics and shirts hitting the floor, and then ‘Lendel nudged Vanyel forward again. Hesitantly, Van reached out to touch the Bard, fingers grazing down the sides of his neck and over his leanly muscled chest. The young man was smaller than either of them, tough and wiry, but even more attractive half undressed.
Stefen glanced at Tylendel again, then grinned wickedly and slipped a hand around the back of Vanyel’s neck, pulling him in for another heated kiss. Tylendel pressed against Vanyel’s back, kissing the side of his neck softly, his lips trailing up to his ear, grasping the lobe between his lips and tugging softly. Vanyel gasped against Stefen’s lips as his hands slid up into the Bard’s hair and tugged him closer, giving himself into the kiss as the young man’s fingers slid over his chest, brushing against a nipple. Vanyel inhaled sharply, leaning into the other man’s touch as Tylendel’s lips released his earlobe and slid up the outside of the shell.
“You want him to fuck you, ashke?”
Vanyel shivered at Tylendel’s whisper, his face flushing brilliantly as Stefen pulled back from the kiss to watch him with definite interest. Vanyel swallowed, mouth suddenly dry. Gods - was it really all right that he did? This seemed half unreal, dreamlike, and he swallowed again. His voice barely audible, he confessed, “Yes.”
Stefen smiled brightly and pressed forward against Vanyel, one hand still wrapped around the back of Vanyel’s neck as the other reached around him to brush against Tylendel’s cheek. The Bard went up on his toes slightly to kiss Tylendel over Vanyel’s shoulder, grinding against Vanyel as he did so.
With a sharp gasp, Vanyel tilted his head back against Tylendel’s shoulder, keeping one hand tangled in Stef’s curls while reaching back with the other to twine his fingers in ‘Lendel’s hair. He’d never been in a situation like this before, never even really considered it. He reached out mentally for his lifebonded again, wanting assurances that Tylendel was truly all right with this. The feel of crisp apple-flavored laughter answered him and Tylendel broke away from kissing Stefen to turn and press his lips against Vanyel’s temple. “Relax and enjoy yourself, Van.”
Melting a little against his beloved, Vanyel turned his attention back to Stefen, worrying his lower lip between his teeth, then boldly leaning in to kiss the Bard. He slipped his fingers out of Tylendel’s hair, running his fingers down Stefen’s chest, then pressed back against his lifebonded briefly before he brought both his hands down to work at the laces of Stefen’s breeches.
He felt Tylendel press his bare chest against his back and Vanyel’s breath came a little faster as his lifebonded reached around to undo his breeches as well, slipping one hand inside as the laces were loosened. Vanyel gasped as ‘Lendel’s fingers brushed against his cock and he arched his back slightly, leaning into his beloved’s touch as he finished undoing the Bard’s breeches.
As he pulled down the young man’s breeches and smallclothes, Vanyel’s eyes traced the line of his hard cock. His breath hitched slightly and he ran trembling fingers over Stefen’s length with Tylendel’s hardness pressed against his ass.
Stefen gasped softly at the touch, leaning into it and running his hands down Vanyel’s sides to pull him close. Vanyel blushed again, and Stefen chuckled, glancing wickedly over his shoulder at Tylendel. “Does he always blush this much?”
Tylendel hummed an affirmative, kissing the side of Vanyel’s neck, then nipping where it met his shoulder. “He turns such a pretty shade of red, doesn’t he?”
The teasing only made Vanyel’s blush deepen, but it didn’t dampen his lust at all. He wrapped a hand around Stefen’s cock, stroking slowly as he pressed back against Tylendel. Stefen’s hazel eyes fluttered closed briefly, his mouth opening slightly, and he groaned as he pressed forward into Vanyel’s fingers. Tylendel eased Vanyel out of the rest of his clothes and pressed a light kiss to the nape of his neck, one hand caressing the curve of his ass.
Nudging Van lightly onto the bed, ‘Lendel smirked down at his lover and slipped off the rest of his clothes. He exchanged a look with Stefen, and the other men sat on either side of Vanyel, leaning over him to kiss slowly. Vanyel gazed up at Tylendel kissing Stefen and swallowed hard, reaching out to either side of himself to run his fingers down their chests, then wrapping a hand around each of their cocks. Carnival madness, that he should be in bed with his lifebonded and someone else.
The kiss broke and ‘Lendel gave Vanyel another gentle nudge, this time toward Stefen, a teasing smile on his lips. “You know you want to, love.”
As much as Vanyel felt like he was blushing to his toes, he couldn’t deny that Tylendel was right. He glanced at his lifebonded, then released ‘Lendel and turned to Stefen, shifting onto his knees. He stroked the Bard a few times, licking his lips, and then leaned in to take Stefen’s hard cock into his mouth.
Stefen groaned, the bandaged fingers of one hand tangling in Vanyel’s hair and his head tipping back slightly. “Oh gods, you’re good at this.”
“Isn’t he?” ‘Lendel’s voice was a fond caress as he stroked Vanyel’s ass lightly and then pulled away for a moment. Vanyel’s blush renewed itself as he heard the drawer of their bedside table open, but he concentrated on the feel of Stefen’s cock on his tongue, one hand resting against the Bard’s thigh as the other played lightly over his sack.
He groaned around Stefen’s length as he felt the familiar brush of Tylendel’s fingers against the base of his spine, followed by a soft kiss between his shoulder blades. Vanyel’s ears caught the sound of the cork being removed from the vial of massage oil they kept handy and he pulled Stefen’s cock deeper into his mouth, working eagerly as Tylendel’s slick fingers circled his hole briefly before dipping inside. ‘Lendel started with the teasing tip of a finger and Vanyel rocked between the other two men, farther onto Stefen’s cock and then back against Tylendel’s hand.
Tylendel’s finger worked in and out of him, slipping a little deeper each time, then joined by a second, the digits twisting and expertly finding the place inside Vanyel that made him tense and whimper around the cock in his mouth. Stefen’s fingers tightened in Vanyel’s hair, tugging just hard enough to make him gasp as the Bard cupped his face with his other hand.
Vanyel felt the bodies around him shift and glanced up to see that ‘Lendel had pulled Stef in for another kiss, his free hand curled around the back of the Bard’s neck and playing lightly with his hair. His fingers kept moving inside Vanyel, teasingly slow as the dark-haired mage kept his mouth on the Bard, one hand still on the younger man’s jewels as the other slipped from his freckled thigh to circle the base of his cock.
Tylendel pulled back from the kiss and leaned in to brush his lips against the back of Vanyel’s neck. “I want to fuck you while you’re sucking him off, and then I want to see him fuck you.”
With a whimper, Vanyel pressed his hips back against Tylendel’s fingers. He was already unbelievably turned on, and the idea of feeling ‘Lendel inside him while he did this … it seemed impossible even as a fantasy, and yet this was happening.
‘Lendel chuckled warmly, slipping his fingers out of Vanyel and taking a moment to slick his cock. Then the hot, velvet head pressed against Vanyel’s entrance, pushing in, filling him with its familiar thickness. Tylendel groaned softly as he slid into his lifebonded, one hand grasping a pale hip as the other pulled Stefen forward slightly, then trailing down the Bard’s spine.
The slide of Tylendel’s cock inside him started slow but built quickly to the snap of his hips that Vanyel was so well acquainted with. He moaned at the sensation of it, at the new and exciting addition of Stefen’s cock heavy between his lips, and he reveled in the breathy gasps of pleasure coming from both men above him.
“Gods, I’m close,” Stefen warned, his hand tightening farther in Vanyel’s hair, pulling hard enough that pressure edged towards pain without quite tipping over that edge. Vanyel pulled Stefen in completely, pressing his face into the red curls at the base of his cock as the Bard finished with a groan.
Vanyel pulled back slowly, rocking back against Tylendel as he did so, his eyes traveling up Stefen’s lithe form as he swallowed his spend. When his gaze met Stefen’s, the Bard’s hazel eyes were alight with wonder; he bent towards Vanyel, claiming his lips and reaching down to toy with the Herald-Mage’s hard cock.
The shift in position changed the angle of Tylendel’s thrusts and Vanyel groaned against Stefen’s lips. His lifebonded nipped lightly at his shoulder and then bit down more firmly, sucking a bright mark against his skin.
“Ashke.” Tylendel breathed the word against Vanyel’s skin, thrusting hard, his fingers brushing lightly over the pale, scarred skin of his chest. He kissed the side of Vanyel’s neck again and came with a low moan.
As Tylendel caught his breath and came back to himself, Stefen continued touching Vanyel, slow and teasing. A little uncertainly, Vanyel reached out to slide a hand down Stefen’s chest, a little surprised to find the Bard was already hardening again as he wrapped his hand around his length and stroked him slowly. Ah, the resilience of youth.
Tylendel slipped out of Vanyel then, adjusting their position as he pulled his lifebonded back against his chest and nuzzled the side of his neck. Vanyel could sense a sort of curious blend of satisfaction and interest through their bond as ‘Lendel wrapped one arm around his stomach while the other hand slid down his back to cup his ass briefly.
“Why don't you spread your pretty thighs, ashke?” Vanyel blushed, parting his knees shyly, his head resting back against Tylendel’s shoulder. He reached out for Stefen with one hand and placed his palm against the young man's cheek to draw him closer.
The Bard came willingly and settled between Vanyel’s legs, one hand slipping down to touch lightly at his hole. The bandaged tips of his fingers caught lightly on the rim as Tylendel reached down between them to stroke Stefen’s cock firmly, slicking it generously as he did so, then guiding it toward Vanyel’s waiting entrance.
Stefen slid into Vanyel with a soft moan, his lips catching Van's briefly before he turned his head so he could kiss Tylendel again. His hands settled on Vanyel’s hips as he started to move, fingers digging slightly into his pale flesh. He pulled back from Tylendel and focused wholly on Vanyel, leaning in to rest his forehead against the other man’s, gasping as he moved more firmly inside of him.
“Oh stars,” Vanyel breathed, feeling strangely secure with Tylendel’s arm around him as Stefen thrust into him, the movements growing harder, rougher, the younger man’s cock filling him wonderfully. He felt oddly unsure what to do with his hands; one moved to twine with Tylendel’s free hand, wanting to hold his lifebonded close. But the other moved to touch Stefen, a thumb brushing against his jaw before fingers trailed down his neck and traced over his freckled chest. He’d never had this before - never even contemplated it - and it felt absolutely insane. Tylendel was pressed against his back, holding him close, a warm and familiar presence, but Stefen was almost too hot, burning like the summer sun as one hand slid up from Vanyel’s hip to touch him elsewhere, teasing over his scars.
Breathing heavily, Stef traced the L-shaped scar where Vanyel had been stabbed in the gut with one thumb, the fingers of his other hand grasping Van’s hip tightly. His rough thrusts were starting to turn erratic, but somehow each one was hitting Vanyel just right, making him gasp and rock into them. “Gods,” Stefen groaned. “Gods, you feel so good.”
Vanyel whimpered softly, clinging to ‘Lendel’s hand, his thighs falling a little farther apart, shifting so that Stefen slipped somehow deeper inside him. They both gasped, moving together as they chased their end. Tylendel’s lips grazed along the side of Vanyel’s throat, traveled down so he could nip where it met his shoulder. Vanyel let out a sharp cry, tipping his head back toward Tylendel, and came. He slumped slightly between the other two men, panting softly, as Stefen finished deep inside him.
Tylendel kept his arm around Vanyel’s waist as he came back to himself, resting against his beloved’s chest; Stefen was shifting a little self-consciously, suddenly uncertain now that his role here was fulfilled. With a brief squeeze of Vanyel’s hand, ‘Lendel extracted himself from his lifebonded’s grip and Fetched a couple of handkerchiefs. He offered one to Stefen with an indolent grin, and as the Bard started cleaning himself up Tylendel gently saw to Vanyel and himself.
“You’re welcome to stay the night,” ‘Lendel murmured casually, tossing his handkerchief into the hamper. “Just don’t bother to get up when we do. We keep positively unholy hours, and we’ve got duties in the morning.”
Vanyel started slightly, then blushed; he had completely forgotten that they were due to perform a major spellcasting the next day. Clearing his throat, he smiled a little awkwardly at Stefen. “You really shouldn’t try to walk back to Bardic right now, and the bed’s certainly big enough for three.”
Stef eyed the expansive bed, a wry smile on his lips, and nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Chapter Text
Vanyel came awake all at once, the way he always did, and grunted softly as he tried to figure out some way to stretch out the kinks from the position he’d been sleeping in. Somehow Tylendel and the Bard were positively filling the bed, which didn’t quite seem like it should be possible. Tylendel was a tall man, yes, but Stefen was unquestionably slight. Vanyel, who had wound up sleeping in the middle, had one of Tylendel’s arms tossed over his stomach and Stefen’s hand resting on his wrist, and Vanyel fleetingly thought that this might even have been a nice way to wake up if not for the throbbing headache between his brows.
The thought made him blush, and Vanyel carefully extracted his wrist from under Stefen’s hand - the Bard slept like an angel, a small smile on his lips and looking utterly at peace - and turned toward Tylendel, burying his face against his beloved’s shoulder.
Blinking awake, Tylendel rolled toward Vanyel and reached out to gently brush his fingers against his cheek, keeping his other arm looped around his lover's waist. :Blushing over last night, are you, love?:
Vanyel dropped his eyes shyly, leaning into his lover’s touch. :It seems so surreal to think that we did that. I still have no idea why - why him.:
:It doesn’t matter.: Tylendel smiled. :It doesn’t bother me that you want someone else, ashke. It isn’t like anyone can shake what we have. We all three enjoyed ourselves. That’s all that matters.:
With an uncertain smile of his own, Vanyel turned his head to kiss Tylendel’s palm. :It was - nice.:
Tylendel grinned. :Only nice?: He chuckled softly when Vanyel’s blush deepened. :I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. That was the point, after all.: He turned Vanyel’s face gently toward him, giving him a soft kiss. :We’d better get up. Duty and all that.:
Vanyel made a face. :I had to go and get drunk the night before a major spellcasting. And stay up far too late, too.:
:It won’t be the first time we’ve had to function on too little sleep. It’s usually for much less pleasant reasons, too.:
Well, that was certainly true enough. With a rueful shake of his head, Vanyel nudged Tylendel toward the edge of the bed. :Let’s get up, then. We don’t want to keep Savil, Kilchas, and Tran waiting.:
Tylendel leaned in and kissed Vanyel’s forehead, then slipped out of the bed. Vanyel followed with a glance back at the lovely young man sleeping in their bed, and the pair of them gathered up their things and headed to the bathing room.
Once the door closed behind them, Tylendel flung an arm around Vanyel’s shoulder and kissed his temple. “I suppose if he’s helping Randi, we’ll be seeing more of him. Around Court.”
Vanyel hummed a distracted affirmative, leaning into ‘Lendel a little as they headed off for their baths. “His Wild Talent really seemed to help a great deal. He’ll probably be a permanent fixture for however long … until Treven is crowned.”
Tylendel’s smile slipped slightly; Randi and Shavri were good friends to both of them, and it was going to be hard to lose them. Of course, it would be hard on a lot of people, and hardest of all on Jisa and Treven.
‘Lendel cleared his throat, squeezing Vanyel gently before releasing him. “Well, if we’re going to be seeing more of him, we need to decide how to handle that.”
Vanyel made a face. Gods, he still couldn’t believe what they’d done, that they’d brought the young Bard into their bed, but it wasn’t something he could focus on now. They had work to do and he needed to steady himself for it, needed to thrust aside the strangeness of his feelings and turn all his attention to the magic they were to perform this morning. “Later. We can talk about it later.”
With a chuckle, Tylendel reached out to catch Vanyel’s free hand, twining their fingers together. “All right, love. I’m going to hold you to that, though. I don’t want you overthinking things and making it awkward.”
Vanyel blushed again; Tylendel knew him far too well. Left on his own, he would manage to make things awkward, which was hardly ideal if they were going to regularly see Stefen around Court. “We’ll talk about things after we finish with the Web.”
Stefen stretched, then blinked awake when his arm didn’t hit the wall of his room. This was hardly the first time he’d woken up in someone else’s bed, and he grinned as the memory of the night before came back to him. Gods. When he’d met Vanyel Demonsbane the previous evening, he hadn’t expected to actually make it into the man’s bed, and he certainly hadn’t expected to bed two Herald-Mages. That had been a great deal of fun and it was definitely an experience he wouldn’t mind repeating.
For a moment he lay there, appreciating the Herald-Mages’ bed. The perks of rank, Stefen supposed, and seeing as he’d only been a Journeyman for a few months and not left Haven yet … well, it would likely be some time before he got to command quarters like this of his own.
So much of what had happened the night before had been unexpected. He’d certainly been interested in Vanyel - gods, he’d been interested for years - but he had been surprised by the invitation back to his room after performing for the King. They’d definitely been flirting after a while, but Stef hadn’t expected it to go anywhere, not really. Everybody knew that Herald-Mage Vanyel was quite attached to his long-time lover, and Medren had let slip years ago that they were lifebonded. Apparently, they were also more open-minded than he’d expected.
While Stef had no idea where things might go from here, well, he was definitely open to seeing them again. He’d spent hours talking and flirting with Vanyel, and then when Tylendel had arrived and been interested instead of upset … the night couldn’t have gone better.
With a sigh, Stefen slipped out of the bed, going to find his clothes. He needed a bath, and breakfast, and to get on with his day. As much fun as the prior night had been, he could hardly laze about in someone else’s bed all day, especially when he had no idea when they’d be back from whatever duties had pulled them out of bed at whatever unreasonable hour they’d left this morning.
It wasn’t too hard to find his things, thankfully - they stood out against the Whites the other men had left on the floor the night before - but it took him a little bit to find his boots where he’d taken them off early on and tucked them under a chair. His bandaged fingers made getting them on a little awkward, but soon he was scooping up his gittern and music case from beside the door and slipping out into the hall.
Humming contentedly to himself, Stef made his way back to the room he shared with Medren in Bardic. It was hardly the first time that he’d failed to come home at night, so he knew his roommate wouldn’t be worried at least, but he also wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to the inevitable questions that would come when he got back. Medren certainly won’t expect me to have been where I was last night.
When he got back to his room, Medren was packing. Stef hesitated in the doorway before coming in to grab some clothes so he could go bathe. He’d already missed breakfast, but he’d learned as a student that his slight figure meant that a big-eyed look would have the kitchen staff rushing to feed him any time he came around.
“You’ve got messages,” Medren said, looking up from his packing to wave at the desk. The other Journeyman grinned at him. “Have fun last night?”
“I did,” Stef confirmed casually.
“What, no tales about your evening?” Medren teased. “Usually you tell me more than I want to hear.”
Stefen paused in the middle of gathering up clean clothes. “You wouldn’t believe me.”
Medren raised an eyebrow. “Try me.”
For a moment, Stefen considered his roommate. Well, in for a copper … “I was with your uncle,” Stef said carefully, “and Herald-Mage Tylendel.”
Silence. Medren stared, a confounded look on his face. With a shrug, Stef turned back to finish grabbing his clothes. When he turned back around, his roommate was still staring.
“What?”
“You - with Uncle Van and Uncle ‘Lendel?”
Stef shrugged again, feeling strangely self-concious. Usually, he’d be positively boasting if he’d managed to get into bed with two men; he wasn’t sure why last night felt so different. Like I care about what they’d think of me telling Medren …
“I played my fingers raw for the King yesterday,” Stef explained, showing his bandaged fingers as proof. “Vanyel took me back to their room to take care of them, and I suppose one thing led to another.” He shifted his weight, oddly reluctant to give many details. “It was just a bit of fun.”
“Just a bit of fun.” It seemed like Medren was having trouble processing the little he’d been told. “While I appreciate you sparing me the details - Stef, they’re lifebonded.”
“So?” Stef shifted again, feeling strangely defensive - but not of himself. Of Vanyel and Tylendel. “That doesn’t mean they’ve turned blind, and I was just - a guest performer, so to speak. I’m not stupid; I don’t expect anything to come of it.”
He didn’t want to see the dumbfounded look on Medren’s face anymore. “I’ll look at my mail when I get back. I need a bath and to beg some breakfast from the kitchen.” He hesitated. “You’re going somewhere?”
Medren shook himself. “Yeah - I’m going up north with a couple of full Bards for a Spring Fair. I’ll be gone for about a week.”
Stefen nodded. “Well, if you’re gone when I get back from breakfast, I’ll see you when you return.”
It was odd how disappointed Vanyel felt when they returned to their room to find that Stefen had already left. He was exhausted, leaning heavily on Tylendel, and he tried to stomp down on his regret. Gods, what’s wrong with me? It’s going to be strange enough to see him around Court all the time without making this something - something. I don’t even know what it would be.
No sooner had the disappointment settled, though, than guilt washed through Vanyel. He shouldn’t be wanting to see more of Stefen. Stars, he shouldn’t have been tempted the night before! He’d never even thought about straying from ‘Lendel before, and he couldn’t believe he’d let Stef touch him.
“Hey, don’t you start beating yourself up, ashke.” Tylendel gently helped Vanyel sit on the edge of the bed, bending to take his boots off for him. “This is about Stefen?”
Vanyel looked down at his lifebonded tentatively. “You really don’t mind? That I’m so - drawn to him?”
Tylendel shifted to rest on his knees between Vanyel’s legs, wrapping his arms around his waist and smiling wryly up at him. “If I minded, I wouldn’t have suggested that we take him to bed last night. You do remember that was my idea, don’t you?”
Blushing, Vanyel nodded. “I think I was flirting before you got home, though.”
“Probably,” ‘Lendel acknowledged. “I doubt you were doing it on purpose, though, or with any intent behind it. If I hadn’t gotten home when I did, I’m sure you’d have figured out some way to get him safely back to his room. But I did come home, and we all three enjoyed ourselves.” He pressed a soft kiss to Vanyel’s still-clothed stomach. “And if you’ll remember, I was definitely involved, too.”
“You were,” Vanyel admitted faintly. “But - I was disappointed that he wasn’t still here.”
“I was too, a little,” Tylendel said with a small shrug. “Van, he’s attractive and we had a good time with him. I wouldn’t mind having him back sometime.”
Surprised as he was, it took Vanyel a moment to respond. “You wouldn’t?”
“I’d very much enjoy it, actually,” Tylendel confirmed. “Love, I like seeing you enjoy yourself, and it isn’t as though he could come between us.” He nuzzled a little lower on Vanyel’s stomach, making his breath catch. “You’re mine no matter what, no matter who else touches you. And I think he understands what’s going on, but if we do have him back we’ll have a little chat to make sure.” He mouthed softly over the front of Vanyel’s breeches. “You need to rest, ashke, not get yourself all worked up. Let me help you relax.”
Vanyel inhaled sharply, leaning back slightly with his palms on the bed. ‘Lendel grinned up at him, slipping his arms from around him to undo the laces of his breeches.
‘Lendel knew what he liked; he pressed a sly kiss to the head of Vanyel’s cock and slipped his lips slowly around him, working his tongue impishly over him. Vanyel groaned softly, fingers tightening on the blanket as his beloved teased him. It was easy and unrushed, although Tylendel knew just how to make Vanyel gasp and tense and want.
“Gods, ashke,” Van breathed. He bit his lower lip, his head tipping back and his breath coming faster. “Please - oh stars, ‘Lendel -”
Tylendel moved a little faster, one hand playing lightly with Vanyel’s jewels. He liked teasing Vanyel as much as Vanyel liked being teased, although he wasn’t drawing it out as long this time as he sometimes did. Vanyel’s legs were trembling slightly with the effort of holding still, his breath coming in little gasps.
“I’m close, love, please, oh gods, oh stars, I -” Van bit his lip again, fingers twisting as he gripped the blanket, and he came with a soft cry.
Pulling back, Tylendel wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and smirked up at Van as he straightened his clothes for him. “Think you can get some rest now, love?”
With a blush, Vanyel nodded, leaning forward to brush his fingers through Tylendel’s hair and kiss his lover’s forehead. “You’re too good at that. At getting me out of my head.”
“I should be after all these years.” He stood and nudged Vanyel back onto the bed. “Scoot over, peacock. You might have done the bulk of the work, but I’d like some rest, too, and I’d like to hold you while I have the chance.”
Vanyel smiled, situating himself on the bed as Tylendel slipped in with him and pulled him close to his chest. With his head tucked under ‘Lendel’s chin, Vanyel let his eyes slip closed.
Stefen leaned against the wall outside the tiny Council Chamber in the heart of the Bardic Collegium. He was a Master Bard. It was completely unreal to think that, at eighteen, he was a Master. In fact, he was the youngest Master Bard in the history of the Collegium.
On top of that, Vanyel was to be his keeper around Court. That was certainly an unexpected bonus.
He wasn’t getting much in the way of benefit from this. He’d be in his old room at Bardic on the basic stipend and he had to work with the Healers, too. The only real concession being made to his new rank was one he was fairly indifferent to; they were moving Medren out so that his room would be private.
But he’d be in Court, in the public eye, where he could earn favor and reward. Stefen would be around people and he would be able to make connections. He’d be around Vanyel and by extension Tylendel. Of course, there was an expiration built into his position at Court. He’d seen Randale, he knew how ill he was; this wouldn’t last more than a few years. Maybe not even that long.
He had a limited time to make himself desirable, to secure his future. And in the meantime -
Well. Spending more time with Vanyel and Tylendel could definitely be pleasant.
Chapter Text
At the end of his second day in the High Court and his first day as a Master Bard, Tylendel had caught Stefen as he’d prepared to leave. “We worked a major spell this morning,” he’d explained, “and Van’s exhausted, but we’d like it if you could come by for dinner tomorrow. We eat late, usually, after Court, but I imagine that’s when you’ll be free, too.”
It was a promising invitation and one that was on Stefen’s mind as he retreated to his room for the night. Surely this meant that they were interested in repeating the experience of the night before as well - plus or minus a couple of bottles of wine.
Stef was exhausted enough himself after his day using his Wild Talent for Randale that he didn’t have long to muse on the invitation before he fell asleep, but it was certainly on his mind the next day as he got himself pressed and dressed and arrived at Court. Vanyel was there, of course, but not Tylendel; idly, Stefen wondered what the other Herald-Mage was doing. Obviously, he wasn’t as regular a fixture at Court as Vanyel, but Stef had been hoping to see him. After a moment’s disappointment, the young Bard shrugged it off. He’d see the both of them at dinner.
The day seemed to drag, at least when Stefen wasn’t in a trance. He just wanted to get through it to his dinner appointment, to hear what Tylendel and Vanyel had to say. Worst case scenario, they don’t want to see me again and want to make sure that I won’t make things awkward. He frowned slightly at that thought; why should he care whether or not they wanted him in bed again? It had been fun, but that was all. Still, the idea of them not wanting him back … bothered him. I won’t know either way until dinner. I should stop dwelling on it.
That was easier said than done. Every time he took a break it was hard to keep himself from watching Vanyel and wondering what the evening would hold. The man was unreasonably beautiful and the scars that Stefen knew his Whites hid did nothing to detract from his appeal. Vanyel and Tylendel both had far more white in their hair than could be accounted for by their age, which was curious, but just made them look a little otherworldly.
He couldn’t get the two of them out of his head. It was disconcerting.
Finally, Court came to a close, and as Stefen put away his music in its case a shadow fell over his gittern. When he looked up, he was unsurprised to see Vanyel, and yet the Herald-Mage’s arrival still made him smile.
Vanyel seemed nervous. He was doing fairly well at hiding it behind a cool, reserved mask, but there was something in his eyes and the way his hands curled against the fabric of his breeches spoke of uncertainty. The part of Stefen that was always calculating and looking for advantage tried to interpret that tension and find a way to turn it to his benefit; at the same time, he felt an urge to soothe Vanyel’s anxiety.
“Bard Stefen,” Vanyel greeted politely. “Tylendel and I were hoping to take some of your time, to see how you’re adjusting to your new schedule.”
Stef’s eyebrows rose slightly. That sounded like an excuse. A good excuse, one that would be easily believed, but somehow Stefen doubted that this was just a check-in. Well, at least not the sort of check-in that Vanyel claimed it was.
“Of course, Herald-Mage.” Stefen kept his tone polite, but from the way Vanyel briefly glanced away he was sure that the older man was remembering what had happened two nights before. It was pretty fantastic. Actually, given how much Vanyel had blushed during their encounter, it was amazing that he wasn’t blushing now. Stef hoped he would have another chance to make Vanyel blush soon.
Tonight, perhaps? That, he supposed, was the best possibility: that he’d been invited to take dinner with Vanyel and Tylendel because they wanted a repeat performance. And even if they didn’t want him tonight, maybe they would be open to him returning to their bed in the future.
He chatted idly with the Herald-Mage as they walked through the halls of the palace, watching Vanyel for anything that he might give away. Vanyel seemed to be very good at keeping his face impassive when he wanted to, but everyone had some tells, and all Stefen had to do was pick up on them. He could tell that Vanyel was nervous, but the way that the older man kept glancing at him out of the corner of his eye … maybe Stefen had a good chance of tonight going very well indeed.
They paused outside his room, Vanyel giving Stefen a hesitant look, and then he opened the door and held it for the Bard. Stef gave him a wry look and slipped inside, his gaze leaving Vanyel for a moment to take in the room. Tylendel was waiting there, and dinner on the low table in front of the fireplace. There were two armchairs there - the ones Stefen and Vanyel had occupied two nights earlier - and a small, two-person settee directly across from the fireplace. The large bed was on the other side of the room, curtains pulled back. There wasn’t much else, a desk with a ladder-backed chair and a spacious wardrobe, big windows with the curtains closed against the night. A few decorations warmed the space, most notably a few exotic feathered masks on the warm golden oak walls, and there were stands for armor and weapons and instruments. It was a homey space despite its simplicity, comfortable and inviting.
Tylendel came over to them as the door closed. He clasped Stefen’s arms in greeting, then turned to Vanyel and tipped the other man’s face up with a finger under his chin and kissed him softly. Vanyel’s cheeks colored faintly, rosiness warming his pale skin, but he leaned into the kiss slightly before pulling back and glancing back over at Stefen.
“I’m glad you came,” Tylendel told Stefen with a smile. He took Vanyel’s hand, leading the other Herald-Mage to sit with him on the settee and motioning for Stefen to take one of the armchairs.
Stefen slipped into his seat, eyes still on the other men. “I wasn’t exactly going to reject the invitation,” he said lightly. He accepted a glass of wine from Vanyel with murmured thanks as he tried to decide on the most delicate way to continue. Not that he was opposed to making Vanyel blush. After a brief moment, he settled on, “I did enjoy my last visit.”
He watched the color rise in Vanyel’s cheeks, silver eyes averted. Tylendel had been right the other night; Vanyel did blush very prettily. Of course, Stefen suspected that most things he did were pretty.
Tylendel rested a hand on Vanyel’s knee, still smiling at Stefen. The two of them looked so natural together that Stef felt a pang of - something. Not envy. Definitely not. “It was a great deal of fun,” Tylendel observed. “That being said, we wanted to make sure that there aren’t any misunderstandings going forward.”
“Going forward?” That wasn’t exactly the most telling phrase, but it did make Stef hopeful. He had to remind himself that they could still just be talking about the three of them seeing each other around Court. There were no guarantees yet that they wanted him to further intrude on their relationship.
Vanyel cleared his throat and nodded, his face still red. His voice was steady, though, when he spoke - a lovely baritone with signs of training. “We don’t want there to be any confusion,” he supplied, putting his hand over Tylendel’s. “This isn’t - we haven’t done this before.” His cheeks colored further. “You see, we’re lifebonded, and we don’t want you to feel led on.”
Stef nodded, absorbing the fact that he was apparently the first person the other men had brought in to act as a third. That was certainly flattering. Evenly, he said, “In other words, I shouldn’t get attached.”
“That’s it exactly,” Vanyel said, relieved and earnest. “We are interested in - continuing this.” He cleared his throat, glancing away before looking back determinedly. “We just don’t want you to think we’re offering something we’re not. And we don’t want to put any sort of claim on you; that wouldn’t be fair.”
“What Van means is that we’d like to keep things friendly, and we’re not looking for any sort of a commitment,” Tylendel said, smiling fondly at Vanyel. “That is, if you’re interested.”
”Of course I’m interested!” Stefen shifted slightly because he hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but it was true. He liked the idea of going back to bed with Vanyel and Tylendel, together or separately. Although how he fit with Tylendel was less immediately obvious than the way he fit with Vanyel … I certainly won’t take him bossing me around, but as long as we can come to an understanding … he’s definitely attractive. It all depended, Stef supposed, on whether Tylendel was so dominant because Vanyel wanted it or if it was because he needed it.
Tylendel’s lips twitched in amusement. “Good. I’m glad. We did hope that would be the case.” He leaned toward Vanyel, lips brushing against his temple, and then turned his attention back to Stefen as Vanyel shifted forward on the settee to serve their meal. “Let’s eat, and we can discuss things a little more.”
There had been less wine this time - only one bottle for the three of them - and once dinner was finished and they’d all emptied their glasses the serious conversation had been completed and they’d drifted into pleasantries. Van and Stef were talking about music while Tylendel watched them with a smile on his lips, occasionally interjecting a comment but clearly far less knowledgeable about the subject than either of them.
Placing his empty glass on the table, Tylendel gave Vanyel’s knee a light squeeze, then stood and reached out for Stefen. The Bard took his hand curiously, meeting him halfway, stretching up as Tylendel bent down and kissing him slowly. There was something uncertain and experimental in the contact of their lips, testing, tasting. Tylendel heard Vanyel’s breath catch, sensed his lover’s interest through bond and Empathy. He could almost Feel the way Vanyel leaned forward and he knew if he looked, his beloved’s lips would be slightly parted.
Pulling back slowly from their contact, Tylendel watched as Stefen licked his lips slowly, contemplating the kiss. Then the slight redhead went up on his toes, capturing ‘Lendel’s lips in a fiercer kiss, pressing forward and shifting sensuously against the older man. Tylendel groaned softly and heard Vanyel’s gasp. He smiled against Stefen’s lips, tongue caressing inside the Bard’s mouth, hands slipping down to his waist.
It was Stefen who pulled back this time, smirking wickedly at Tylendel before turning to look at Vanyel, still pressed against the blonde Herald-Mage. Stef lifted a hand almost lazily and crooked a finger at Vanyel, who stood abruptly and closed the distance between himself and the other two men in a single step.
Tylendel removed one hand from Stefen’s waist to tangle in Van’s hair, pulling his lover in roughly for a brief kiss before sliding his hand down to the back of the other man’s neck and turning his beloved toward the Bard. Vanyel hesitated for a heartbeat, then let his lips meet Stefen’s, gasping as the younger man took control of the kiss.
When they parted, Vanyel was flushed and his eyes darted to Tylendel, seeking reassurance. ‘Lendel’s hand tightened slightly in Vanyel’s hair, tugging him in for a slow kiss, then turning to kiss Stefen again. Stef pushed back deliberately against the kiss, grinding teasingly against Tylendel, hands exploring languidly. He was clearly putting on a show for Vanyel as much as he was enjoying ‘Lendel, and he smirked playfully when he finally broke the kiss.
With a grin, Tylendel stroked the back of Vanyel’s neck gently, his eyes still on the fine-boned Bard. Stefen was doing his best to pretend that all of his attention was on ‘Lendel at the moment, but he could tell from the younger man’s posture that he was very aware of Van’s eyes on them. Stefen’s fingers went to the laces of Tyldendel’s shirt, undoing them deftly, his lips trailing over the blonde’s neck.
Vanyel whimpered, pressing closer, nuzzling at the side of Tylendel’s throat. ‘Lendel felt Stef smirk against his skin; the young man had been trying to make Vanyel react. Stefen leaned back slightly to give himself room to pull off Tylendel’s shirt, still apparently fully focused on him. Tylendel watched as Vanyel’s attention shifted uncertainly, those beautiful silver eyes drinking in the redhead’s slender form. He’s already figuring out how to push Van’s buttons.
It was only when Vanyel reached out hesitantly to brush his fingers through Stefen’s hair that the Bard turned toward him, one hand still on Tylendel’s chest as the other curled around the back of Vanyel’s neck with ‘Lendel’s hand. Slowly, as though giving him time to object, Stefen pulled Vanyel in, kissing him hotly and nipping his lower lip.
As Vanyel gasped against the Bard’s mouth, his wavering fingers slipped down from Stefen’s hair, both hands going to untie the laces of his Scarlets. ‘Lendel’s fingers played with the fine hairs at the nape of Vanyel’s neck as he watched his lover shyly undressing Stefen, watched the way Vanyel’s breath came a little quicker in his nervous excitement, took in the color staining his pale cheeks.
There was nothing hurried about the way Stefen kissed Vanyel, but it was intense and implacable. Vanyel was losing himself in it, fingers moving more urgently as he unlaced Stefen’s clothes and then slipping into the gaps he made, tracing against his skin. Tylendel kept one hand on Stefen’s waist, caressing slowly, while the other traced lightly down Vanyel’s spine to cup his ass, squeezing firmly and making the other Herald-Mage gasp again.
Stefen pulled back from Vanyel slowly so he could pull his own tunic and shirt off, then turned back toward Tylendel with quicksilver laughter in his hazel eyes. He lifted himself up towards the Herald-Mage, kissing him teasingly, his hands playing over Tylendel’s chest and brushing over his nipples. Tylendel groaned, leaning into Stefen’s touch. It was still odd to be kissing someone other than Vanyel, but at the same time entirely enjoyable, especially with the way he could sense his beloved reacting to watching them kiss. He pulled Vanyel a little closer by the hand he had on his ass, wrapping his other arm more firmly around Stefen’s waist as he did so.
He knew what Stefen was doing. The young Bard was deliberately teasing Vanyel by focusing on Tylendel, heightening anticipation by denying him. Tylendel pulled the same sort of trick often enough, drawing things out to torment Van and sharpen their pleasure. It was a different approach to the same idea, and it was working to tantalize Vanyel and have him wanting and desperate.
Vanyel pressed against Tylendel’s side, rocking slowly against him, fingers tugging at his breeches. ‘Lendel chuckled warmly, turning from Stefen to claim Vanyel’s lips, kissing him demandingly. Vanyel whimpered softly, pushing closer and tugging Tylendel’s breeches and smallclothes down.
“You’ve got too many clothes on, ashke,” Tylendel murmured, smiling playfully at his lifebonded. Vanyel flushed, obviously helplessly aroused, and pulled back to start undoing his laces. Watching out of the corner of his eye as Vanyel undressed - always a delicious sight - Tylendel turned to guide Stefen out of his breeches, then wrapping a hand around the Bard’s hard cock, stroking firmly and nipping at the side of his neck.
Stefen groaned, pushing into Tylendel’s hand. His strong hands with their musician’s calluses slid around to grasp ‘Lendel’s ass and pull him a little closer. As Vanyel pressed back in, Tylendel slid a hand up his lover’s chest to tilt his head up and draw him in for a kiss with a finger under his chin. Vanyel kissed him hard and desperate, leaning eagerly into him, and when Tylendel broke away he chased after him briefly. Vanyel’s lips were wet and parted, his cheeks rosy, and Tylendel grinned as he slid his hand around to tangle in Vanyel’s hair and tugged his lover down onto his knees.
Vanyel looked up at the other two men, wide-eyed, and then reached for them and wrapped one of his hands around each of their cocks, fingers sure as he started to stroke them. Tylendel released Stefen to let Vanyel work, moving instead to touch Stefen elsewhere, to slide his hand over his ass and up his back, to slide his fingers into the back of his hair and play with is curls. Then he pulled Stefen in for a kiss, tongue sliding easily against the Bard’s as Vanyel continued to stroke Stef and slid his other hand down to cradle Tylendel's jewels. He leaned in then, pressing his lips lovingly to the head of ‘Lendel’s cock, swiping his tongue against the underside, then pulling his length between his lips.
Tylendel exhaled softly, enjoying Vanyel’s earnest skill, the familiar, eager feel of his lover’s mouth tight over his cock. Vanyel loved doing this, delighted in providing pleasure. He knew what Tylendel liked and how he liked it. With a soft groan, ‘Lendel let his hand slip out of Vanyel’s hair to cup his cheek, breaking away from kissing Stefen to watch what Vanyel was doing for a moment. “That’s so good, Van. Gods, you’re amazing.”
The praise made Vanyel blush. He worked fervently for another moment, pouring all his skill into the movement of his mouth and tongue over Tylendel’s cock and the way his hand played with his plums. Stefen watched with interest, hips pushing forward into the circle of Vanyel’s hand. “He likes hearing how good he is, does he?”
“He loves it,” Tylendel confirmed, sighing softly as Vanyel pulled off his length, panting and gazing up at his lover. He looked amazing like this, silver and black hair disarrayed, lips rosy, eyes dark with lust. ‘Lendel caressed his cheek as Vanyel’s hand slipped back around his cock, the motions sure and firm.
One hand still on Tylendel’s ass, Stefen reached out for Vanyel with the other, grasping Vanyel’s chin. “Come here and show me how good you are.”
Vanyel whimpered, lips parted temptingly as his gaze shifted from Tylendel to Stefen. He licked his lips, obviously uncertain, and Tylendel let his fingers stroke Vanyel’s cheek reassuringly. “Go on, ashke.”
Practically darting forward, Vanyel took Stefen into his mouth, drawing him in deep. Vanyel’s cock was hard and leaking between his thighs, ignored so far, but he was far more focused on pleasuring the other two men than seeking his own satisfaction. With one hand working formly over Tylendel’s cock with occasional breaks to fondle his jewels, the other slipped around to grasp Stefen’s ass, pulling him in as he worked his mouth tight over his length.
Stef gasped, pushing his hips forward into Vanyel’s mouth, encouraging. “Oh gods, yes - that is good. So good.”
Vanyel groaned around Stefen’s hard cock, one hand moving faster over Tylendel’s length while the other grasped the Bard’s ass, holding him close. He was clearly getting lost in what he was doing, enjoying himself and the sensations that spilled into him through his Empathy and their lifebond. Tylendel was certainly enjoying what he was getting mentally as much as he was the feel of Vanyel’s hand on him, his own fingers tangling again in his lover’s hair as Stefen’s hand cupped Van’s cheek, the Bard murmuring praise and encouragement.
Tylendel tugged on Vanyel’s hair and his lover pulled off of Stefen with a gasp, gazing up at the other two men. “Let’s move this to the bed,” he suggested, grinning at Vanyel’s blush.
Getting unsteadily to his feet, Vanyel let his hands wander up both men’s chests as they all disentangled themselves and leaned in to kiss first Tylendel, then Stefen. His cheeks still crimson, he took Tylendel’s hand, twining their fingers together; after a moment, he reached for Stefen as well and turned toward the bed, shyly pulling them both along with him.
He stopped hesitantly at the foot of the bed and Tylendel laid his free hand on Vanyel’s hip, nudging him down onto the mattress. Vanyel went easily, laying back with his hands curled above his head, his lithe pale body stretched out temptingly and his hard cock jutting up from between his thighs. He was still so beautiful, even after all these years, even with all the scars he’d collected.
Smiling softly down at his lifebonded, Tylendel climbed on the bed beside him, leaning in to claim an unhurried kiss, lingering against Vanyel’s lips. He pulled back from it slowly and turned his attention back toward Stefen, who stood at the foot of the bed, looking a little uncertain.
Havens, we haven’t actually asked if he’s done this before …
“You want him?” He wasn’t directing the question at either of them in particular, but it was Van who answered, at least in his fashion, dropping his eyes and nodding shyly, another blush coloring his cheeks. Tylendel reached out for Stefen, a Fetched vial of oil appearing in his hand. The Bard’s eyebrows raised at the casual display of Mindmagic, but he smirked and took the vial, settling over Vanyel with one leg pressed between his thighs.
Stefen’s momentary hesitation had eased completely now that he knew once more how he fit. He curled a hand around Vanyel’s cock, stroking slowly and deliberately, fingers deftly teasing. Vanyel gasped, pushing up against Stefen’s hand and grinding against his thigh, reaching up for Tylendel at the same time. ‘Lendel brushed a thumb against Vanyel’s flushed cheek as his lifebonded gazed up at him, silver eyes wide and dark with want, and gasped as one hand wrapped firmly around his length as the other cupped the side of his jaw delicately.
He could Feel Vanyel’s desire, his neediness, and Tylendel basked in it, enjoying the slide of his lover’s hand over his cock. ‘Lendel tangled his hand in Van’s hair again, tugging so that he tipped his head back, then curled over him to press hot kisses and sharp nips to the exposed column of his throat. Vanyel made a noise somewhere between a moan and a whimper, back arching and legs tensing.
“Please, ‘Lendel, Stef,” Vanyel gasped, his rich baritone tight with want, and he bit his lip, his breath ragged. “Please, oh stars -”
Stefen chuckled warmly and Tylendel turned briefly to look at him at the sound of the vial being uncorked. The Bard caught his eyes mischievously, coating his fingers in oil and sliding them down between Vanyel’s wantonly spread thighs as he positioned himself fully between them. Tylendel grinned at the younger man and then turned his attentions back to Vanyel, continuing his ministrations and then letting his attentions move lower. As he traveled down to Vanyel’s collarbones, his nips turned harder as he started sucking a series of brilliant red marks against his lover’s porcelain skin.
At the same time he was aware, so aware, of the way Stefen’s fingers traced against Vanyel’s hole, light and teasing, not enough. Vanyel whimpered, biting his lower lip hard, raising his hips toward that touch, hand trembling slightly as it moved over Tylendel. His other hand had slipped back, fingers threaded lightly through ‘Lendel’s curls, clinging as his lover left a trail of love bites where they’d just barely be hidden by his shirt.
Vanyel cried out as Stefen slipped a finger into him. Tylendel’s breath was almost as ragged as Vanyel’s, and he panted against his lover’s skin, sharing his pleasure. A second finger joined the first, twisting, seeking skillfully, making Vanyel gasp and moan as they found their mark.
Even as his hips lifted toward Stefen’s touch, Vanyel turned his face toward Tylendel, pressing his lips to the velvet head of his cock. The angle was slightly awkward, and ‘Lendel shifted closer to try to improve it as Vanyel pulled his length into his mouth with a breathy sigh, tongue tasting the tip before he tried to get himself more around the shaft.
Gods - it was no wonder Vanyel wanted this. He’d always loved being the cause of pleasure in others, even before he’d become an Empath. It was almost a shock it had taken Van this long and an infernally attractive young Bard to realize that having two men to touch him and to touch in return could be so enjoyable. Not that Van would have been willing before this, I think. He needed someone like Stefen to catch his eye.
Tylendel and Vanyel responded together as Stefen moved to replace his fingers with his hot, slick cock, ‘Lendel with a gasp and Vanyel with a drawn out moan. They were so tangled together right now, and when ‘Lendel reached out to wrap a hand around the back of Stefen’s neck and pull him in for a kiss there was no way to know whether it was him or Vanyel who wanted to kiss the Bard.
He pulled back from the young man’s lips slowly and rested his forehead against Stefen’s, breath coming in gasps as much from Vanyel’s reactions as from the feel of his beloved’s talented mouth on his cock.
“Harder,” he instructed breathily. “He wants it harder than that.”
Stefen’s eyes slipped closed briefly as he complied, thrusting more urgently into Vanyel and making him moan and whimper around Tylendel’s cock. None of them were going to last much longer, he was sure, not with the way Stef was snapping his hips forward into Vanyel, or the way Vanyel was moving against them both. He could feel his own desire curling tight, ready to break, and he tightened his fingers in Vanyel’s hair even as he pulled Stefen in for another kiss.
“Gods, Van,” he murmured against Stefen’s lips. “You’re so good, ashke. Doesn’t he feel amazing, Stef?”
“Incredible,” Stef gasped, fingers grasping Vanyel’s hips tightly as he drove into him. The Bard shifted to gaze down at Vanyel, avid and pliant between them. “Bright Lord, he feels wonderful.”
Vanyel whimpered, arching off the bed, fervent in his attentions to Tylendel’s cock as he pushed against Stefen, rocking eagerly between the other two men. Everything was building, building, and Vanyel and Tylendel reached the heights of pleasure together, Stefen tumbling after them a moment later.
The three of them collapsed into a tangle of limbs, all of them sated and breathing hard. It took a moment for Tylendel to reconnect properly with his body, but when he did he rolled onto his side and pressed a kiss to Vanyel’s brow, brushing his fine hair back from his face. It was mostly white now, less than a quarter of it still night black, but gods he was still so beautiful.
A gentle, unassuming smile curved Vanyel’s rosy lips and he kissed Tylendel lovingly, then turned to catch Stefen’s mouth. The redhead let his lips linger, exchanging a warm caress of tongues, and then pulled back to stretch contentedly.
“Well, that was certainly fun,” Stefen observed, loose and relaxed. He shifted slightly, obviously unwilling to move very much yet. Hazel eyes cut mischievously toward Vanyel where he lay with his head pillowed on Tylendel’s shoulder. “Vanyel’s positively delicious.”
Tylendel chuckled, leaning over his brilliantly blushing beloved to claim a kiss from Stefen, slow and lingering while his fingers carded gently through Vanyel’s hair. Casually, he murmured, “He enjoys doing things for other people.”
Still scarlet, Vanyel turned to hide his face against Tylendel’s shoulder. ‘Lendel grinned, fingers stroking the back of Vanyel’s neck tenderly as he turned his attention back to Stefen. “You’re welcome to stay again.”
Stefen hesitated, then shook his head. “No - I think I’ll sleep in my own bed tonight. Thank you for the invitation, though.”
“Don’t feel like you’ve got to leave right away,” Tylendel said languidly, shifting a little to get Vanyel in a more comfortable position beside him. Vanyel enjoyed Stefen’s company even outside of bed, and they were hardly rude enough to chase a bed partner away. “Stay as long as you’d like.”
“You really are welcome to stay,” Vanyel added, turning enough that he could look at Stefen. “As long as you want.”
Stefen smiled and shook his head. "Thank you, but no. I'll see you tomorrow, though. In Court, I mean."
"All right," Tylendel said, watching as the Bard slipped out of bed and gathered up his Scarlets. "Have a good night."
Chapter Text
Bringing Stef into their relationship was not something Tylendel would have anticipated even a week ago. He was certain this was a temporary situation since it was unlikely that someone could be content being the third for a lifebonded couple forever. Still, he welcomed the change, glad that Stefen was able to help distract Vanyel from his duties and the accompanying stress, enjoying the young man’s presence in their lives himself. It would be nice while it lasted, however long a time that was.
It had been two days since they’d last had Stefen over, although he had seen Van talking with the Bard at Court more than once in the interim. Tonight Tylendel expected Vanyel to be late, and he wanted a little time to talk with Stefen on his own. He also wanted to give Vanyel some time with just Stefen, and he hoped his lifebonded would be open to that. I’m really not upset that he wants Stef.
Maybe it was a little odd how unruffled he was by his lover’s interest in another man, but he knew that what they had was unshakable. There was no reason not to let Vanyel have everything he wanted. Besides, Tylendel was interested too, and he found the idea of getting Stefen into bed decidedly appealing. He didn’t know how Vanyel would feel about either of them going to bed with Stef without the other, but he wanted Vanyel to have everything he desired. Including the handsome young Master Bard.
Encouraging Vanyel to just do what he wanted was never easy, and Tylendel knew that even if he got his lover into bed with Stefen on his own, he’d probably have to reassure him that he hadn’t done anything wrong. Van was extremely good at tying himself into unnecessary knots, and this was definitely the sort of thing that he’d feel bad about doing afterward, no matter how clear ‘Lendel was that he didn’t mind.
I want this for him. I want him to have everything.
A light, rhythmic tap came on at the door, and Tylendel stood to let the Bard in. Stefen stopped about three steps into the room, obviously surprised. “Where’s Vanyel?”
“Still out,” ‘Lendel answered casually. “I wanted a chance to talk to you before he got home.”
Stefen hesitated, then nodded and took a seat in front of the fire. He looked wary, and it occurred to Tylendel that the young Bard might think that Tylendel wanted to rebuke him for something, or end things, which wasn’t the case at all.
Claiming the other armchair, Tylendel contemplated how to approach this conversation. It was a delicate subject, and he fleetingly wished he’d sent for a bottle of wine before Stefen had arrived. “I expect Vanyel back in a little while,” he tried. “I have duties to attend to tonight, but Vanyel is supposed to be free.”
Again, Stefen looked surprised. “You want me to keep him company?”
“If you’re not opposed,” Tyldendel confirmed with a small smile. “I know it’s not the same as coming to bed with both of us.”
Stefen tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the arm of his chair. “It’s not the same,” he agreed, “but I am interested. I suppose with the lifebond there’s no real worry about me coming between you.”
“Exactly right. There’s no reason for me to deny him anything.”
“And he wants me,” Stefen observed dryly. He shook his head, a deep red curl that had escaped the ribbon holding his hair back falling over his eye. He was still except for his fingertips as he contemplated the invitation. “I have to admit this isn’t a situation I’ve found myself in before.”
“I imagine it’s fairly unique,” Tylendel admitted. “It isn’t exactly common for lifebonded couples to get involved with other people even in the short term.”
Stefen nodded thoughtfully. “I am interested,” he repeated, “but I’d rather not take this too far and have things get awkward. Are you sure about this?”
“I am,” Tylendel said levelly. It would be - strange. Definitely strange. He was also sure that this wouldn’t damage his relationship with Vanyel. “He’s not good at asking for what he wants, but I’ve gotten very good at working it out.”
“And giving it to him, I suppose.”
Tylendel chuckled. “And that. I’ve had almost twenty-two years to figure out what Vanyel likes and how he likes it, and I’m more than willing to pass that knowledge on.” Tylendel’s lips quirked in amusement. “Just don’t expect the same insight from Van. He’s not comfortable talking about that sort of thing.”
“I’ve noticed he likes it kind of rough,” Stefen said awkwardly.
Tylendel hummed softly, agreeing with the Bard. “Not all of the time, but he does usually like it to be a bit forceful. I suppose you’ve realized that he likes - well, letting go? Letting us lead?”
Stefen nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’d been wondering how deep that goes. Does he like anything, ah, outside the usual?”
With a laugh, Tylendel sent Stefen a knowing look. “He’s terribly shy about it, and you’ll probably have to work up to it, but he does enjoy surrendering himself. You had something specific in mind?”
“Maybe one or two things,” Stefen admitted with a smile. Tylendel couldn’t help his curiosity about what the young Bard thought Vanyel might enjoy, but he decided not to ask. For all his reticence, Vanyel was capable of saying no if he wasn’t interested in something, and he doubted that they'd do anything particularly unorthodox tonight.
“Just don’t spring anything on him,” ‘Lendel said casually. “Ask, don’t push. And he probably won’t suggest anything, so don’t expect him to.”
Stefen raised an eyebrow. “I do know how to treat a man.”
“I didn’t mean to imply you don’t,” Tylendel clarified quickly. He knew he was defensive of Vanyel and he did want to make sure that the Bard treated him right, but it wasn’t fair to put that on Stefen. So far the young man had been a perfectly well-behaved guest. He smiled apologetically. “I’m just being unduly protective.”
The young Bard hummed a vague acceptance of the apology, hazel eyes inspecting Tylendel carefully. “You’re sure about this? I’ll understand if you want to keep things the way they are.”
“I’m sure.” He was nervous about this, but he was sure that he wanted to give Vanyel every freedom and every pleasure possible. “It’s just new. Do you have any other questions about Van?”
Stefen pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Is there anything I shouldn’t suggest? Or things I shouldn’t do? I don’t want to accidentally upset him.”
Tylendel hesitated. He was so used to Vanyel’s particular quirks that he didn’t have to think about them anymore. “He’ll take anything you say to heart,” he said slowly. “Even if he doesn’t mean to. Even if he knows you didn’t mean it. He can be surprisingly delicate.”
“I see.” Stefen gazed thoughtfully into the distance for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll be careful with him.”
Tylendel hesitated, then quietly added, “Please don’t leave him afterward, at least not until I get home.”
“Because he might feel used, if I just go?” Stefen hazarded. “I can stay until you get back.”
“It might be very late before I do get back,” Tylendel warned.
Stefen’s lips quirked. “Trying to get me to stay the night again?”
“You’re quite welcome to, but I don’t want to push. I just need to know whether or not to wake you up when I get back, if you’ve fallen asleep.”
“Please do. I feel like this will go better if we’re careful about boundaries.”
“That’s probably smart,” Tylendel admitted. “We certainly don’t want to kick you out - but if you’re more comfortable leaving in the evening, we won’t press you to stay.”
“You’ve made it clear that I’m welcome,” Stefen said, “but I know what this is and what it isn’t.”
Somehow that statement made Tylendel vaguely uncomfortable. He didn’t like the notion that they might be using Stefen, but he also didn’t know how they could promise anything more than they were. They were all just having a good time. Warily, he asked, “And you’re fine with that?”
Stefen’s smile was dazzling. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. Like I said - I know what this is. It will be fun while it lasts.”
Tylendel nodded - then looked toward the door a moment before it opened. “There you are, ashke.” He stood and went over to Vanyel, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I have to go, but you two have fun.”
With a playful look over his shoulder at Stefen, Tylendel squeezed Vanyel’s shoulder briefly and slipped out of the room.
Incongruously, Stefen was very aware that Medren was supposed to return from his trip up north the next day. He didn’t want to rehash the fact that he was sleeping with Vanyel and Tylendel with his best friend. In fact, he hoped that the Journeyman just wouldn’t ask, because he didn’t have anything prepared to tell him about what was going on. Face it, that’s halfway because you’re not entirely sure what’s going on yourself …
He knew what this wasn’t. It wasn’t a romance and it wasn’t even the sort of relationship he’d entertained in the past. He was an outsider here, a guest in Tylendel and Vanyel’s bed. And now he’d been invited to sleep with Vanyel without Tylendel present.
Assuming, of course, that Vanyel was willing, and judging from the wide-eyed look he turned to Stefen as the door closed behind Tylendel, he might not be.
“Have you eaten yet?” Stefen asked mildly. “Tylendel didn’t order anything, but if you’re hungry …”
Vanyel started slightly, then nodded and walked over to the pullcord to summon a page. He hesitated again before taking a seat, watching Stefen skittishly.
Skittishly, but with definite attraction in those silver eyes.
Stefen didn’t want to push Vanyel into anything, but he definitely wanted the older man. Both of them, really, but it was very obvious how he fit with Vanyel. He and Tylendel … well, if that came up, they’d figure it out. Surely they would fit together somehow.
He knew he was an extra here. That was fine; he wasn’t the sort for serious relationships anyway. It was also extremely complicated, being involved with a lifebonded couple. He knew that there were lines he shouldn’t cross, but he wasn’t sure where they all were. Unfortunately, he didn’t think Vanyel and Tylendel knew where they were, either. He only hoped this wasn’t one of them.
Of course, just because Tylendel thinks Vanyel wants to go to bed with me doesn’t mean he actually does. It was different, after all, without Tyendel there. Vanyel was attracted, and he had implicit approval from his lover, but that didn’t mean he’d be willing to act on his desires.
This wasn’t a situation where Stefen could just leap on Vanyel; he’d need to ease the older man’s mind first, get him relaxed. He’d have to approach this carefully and make sure Vanyel felt comfortable saying no or yes without any pressure. Gods, but I want him to want me as much as I want him.
A page came quickly and Vanyel sent him for food and wine, then returned to his seat. He was silent the whole time, eyes on Stefen, his entire posture uncertain. There had to be some way to help Vanyel relax, and the Herald-Mage clearly loved music. They’d had more than one conversation on the subject over the last week.
Glad that he’d brought his favorite twelve-string gittern with him, Stef reached for the instrument. “Can I borrow your ear?” he asked casually. “I’m under a lot of pressure to make my next composition flawless since I got jumped up to Master so quickly.”
Vanyel relaxed visibly. Modestly, he murmured, “I don’t have a talent for composition myself, but I have been told my ear is very good.”
“I’ll appreciate any insight you have,” Stefen said with his best smile, and he began to play.
Some time later, after they had finished dinner and a bottle of wine, Vanyel sat at his ease by the cheery fire he’d lit during the late meal with one elbow propped on the arm of his chair with his cheek resting against his elegant hand. He looked positively serene, the tension that he’d carried when Tylendel had left him alone with Stefen vanished. Stef still didn’t know if he was going to provide the sort of ‘company’ tonight that Tylendel had intended, but he was enjoying his time with Vanyel all the same. The man was quickly becoming a good friend.
A friend that Stefen had come in multiple times, and who he very much wanted to fuck again …
When Vanyel reached for his almost empty glass of wine, Stefen made his move, reaching out as well so that his fingers closed over Vanyel’s on the stem. Those silver eyes met his, startled, and Stef smiled reassuringly. He reached out with his other hand so he could clasp Vanyel’s in both of his, stroking gently, letting his fingers softly caress the other man’s.
Vanyel looked unsettled as his eyes dropped to their hands around the stem of the wine glass and then raised them to meet Stefen’s again. His lips were just barely parted, looking oh so tempting, and Stef longed to close the distance between them, to capture those lips and to touch more of Vanyel than just his fingers.
Shyly, Van extracted his hand from both of Stefen’s, carefully placing the glass on the low table. Stef felt like he couldn’t breathe; he could just as easily be told to go in this moment as he could be asked to stay. He didn’t want to overstep, but Tylendel was fine with this, so if Vanyel wanted it …
It was just a slight shift, really, just Vanyel leaning forward fractionally, but it was enough. Stef leaned in as well, closing the distance between them and ever so softly pressing his lips to Vanyel’s.
The kiss remained light for several heartbeats, and then Vanyel shifted again, tilting his head slightly and parting his lips under Stefen’s. The Bard didn’t hesitate to take advantage, opening his mouth against Vanyel’s and sliding his tongue between his lips, the fingers of one hand tangling in the Herald-Mage’s hair as he reveled in the warm caress of tongues.
They pulled back from the kiss slowly, Stefen’s hand still tangled in the other man’s hair and Vanyel’s lips still parted and shining wetly from the contact. Vanyel was unbelievably, unreasonably attractive, the sort of legendary beauty that came around once in a generation at most. He was powerful as well; everyone knew he was the most powerful Herald-Mage in Valdemar, and possibly the most powerful mage in the world. The fact that he wanted to submit to Stefen was heady.
Stef tugged Vanyel’s hair lightly, making him gasp, and claimed his lips again. The kiss was less gentle this time, Stefen invading Vanyel’s mouth, exploring thoroughly. Van whimpered softly, pressing forward toward Stefen and surrendering to the kiss.
Heady indeed. Vanyel was so deliciously pliant, and Stefen was already starting to harden just from kissing him.
When they broke apart again they were both panting, breathless from kissing. Vanyel’s lips were beautifully reddened and Stefen reached up with his free hand to run his thumb across the lower one, then pressed the digit in slightly. The Herald-Mage wrapped his lips lightly around the first joint of Stefen’s thumb, his tongue caressing the tip of it, and the young Bard groaned softly at the gentle contact.
Using his grip on Vanyel’s hair, Stefen tugged the older man's head back, his lips seeking out the pale column of his throat. It was tempting to leave marks where they couldn’t easily be hidden - but judging by the careful placement of Tylendel’s love bites, Vanyel wouldn’t welcome any signs he couldn’t cover with his clothes.
Stefen let his lips travel lower, brushing over Vanyel’s adam’s apple and the hollow of his throat before reaching his collarbone. There Stef bit down firmly, not hard enough to break the skin but using enough pressure to make Vanyel gasp. He sucked on the pale flesh there, then pulled back to inspect the bright red mark with pleasure.
Vanyel reached up tentatively, the tips of his fingers sliding up Stefen’s still-clothed chest, brushing up his neck and stopping to lightly cup his face. Then he drew Stefen in, seeking his lips again, parting his own as soon as they made contact to welcome the younger man in.
Gods. Stefen let himself taste Vanyel, savoring the kiss, one hand still tight in his hair as the other moved to the laces of his Whites. It wasn’t easy to undo his laces one-handed, but Vanyel clearly enjoyed having his hair pulled, enjoyed submitting, and right now the hand directing him by his hair was a reminder of which one of them was in control. The fact that Vanyel was allowing Stefen to take control was positively mad.
The Herald-Mage’s fingers were shy as they slipped down to Stefen’s laces, tugging their knots loose and pulling them open. Those clever, elegant fingers sought out the gaps in Stef’s clothing as quickly as they made them, touching skin as he gasped against the Bard’s mouth. He seemed to have completely let go of his reservations, at least for the moment, and he pressed eagerly closer to Stefen.
Stef’s desire for Vanyel was spiking. Suddenly impatient, he released Vanyel’s hair so he could get his tunic and shirt unlaced more efficiently, then pulled back from the kiss to strip the older man to the waist. Vanyel had an extremely impressive collection of scars - three parallel lines that looked like claw marks over his heart, an L-shaped scar over his gut, what looked like marks from fire and lightning, and more - but somehow they did nothing to detract from his impossible beauty.
His fingers sought out those scars, tracing them gently; for some reason, that made Vanyel blush. Encouraged by the color in Vanyel’s alabaster cheeks, Stefen followed his fingers with his lips and tongue, reveling in the flavor of Vanyel's skin. Vanyel gasped, fingers clumsy as he finished undoing Stefen’s laces and tugged at his tunic and shirt, impatient to get his clothes off.
Pulling back enough to let Vanyel remove his tunic and shirt, Stef looked up at the other man with a warm smile. Vanyel’s gaze was flattering as it drank him in, lingering on his freckled shoulders and chest, and Stefen could not help but preen a little in response to the proffered attention.
After a few scant heartbeats, Stefen’s hand darted out to grasp Vanyel’s chin, drawing him in for another kiss. He nipped Vanyel’s lower lip sharply, making him whimper, and dragged his tongue firmly against the pliant length of the older man’s. The fingers of his free hand found Vanyel’s nipple, pinching the hardened bud lightly and reveling in the sudden intake of breath.
The intensity of Stefen’s desire shook him. He’d felt the same for Vanyel and Tylendel the two times he’d gone to bed with the pair of them, and he felt it focused on Vanyel now. This beautiful, scarred man, half naked under his lips and fingertips, was all that he wanted at the moment. He wanted Vanyel possibly more than he had ever wanted anyone.
Would it be this intense if he had Tylendel alone? The potency of his desire seemed easier to manage split between the two of them, but with only one target for his wants he felt near insensible with desire. He moved to straddle the other man's lap and pressed hips forward, grinding against Vanyel, and their gasps mingled as their hard cocks rubbed together through layers of cloth.
He knew Vanyel was attracted to him. That had been pretty clear since that first night a week past, when Tylendel had caught them flirting and ushered the three of them into bed. Still, it was nice to have such obvious evidence that the passion building in this moment was mutual. His desire for Vanyel was intense; it was nice to feel that he was wanted just as much.
“Let’s take this to the bed,” Stef murmured, his lips barely parted from Vanyel’s. He knew where the Herald-Mages kept their oil - conveniently in the bedside table - and he fully intended to make use of it.
Eventually.
For the moment, he watched as Vanyel pulled back, blushing brilliantly with his eyes lowered. Then he looked up, silver eyes darkened with desire, and nodded.
Stefen stood and took Vanyel’s hand, then backed slowly toward the enormous bed, keeping his gaze locked on the other man’s. There was a great deal of lust in those eyes, but it was mingled with - affection. Certainly it was just the fondness of friendship, but it still made Stefen swallow, his mouth suddenly dry. This wasn’t new information. He knew Vanyel liked him as well as wanting him. It shouldn’t have made his heart race like this to see it.
When the backs of his legs bumped against he mattress, Stefen grabbed Vanyel by the waist with his free hand, twirling him around and playfully shoving the older man down on the bed. He climbed on top of him, straddling his hips and promising himself he’d extract himself enough to fetch that oil soon. For the moment, though, he let his lips capture Vanyel’s and then trail down the older man's pale throat. He dipped his tongue into the hollow of Vanyel’s throat, delighting in the way the Herald-Mage gasped under him and smiling against his skin.
“Gods, you’re beautiful,” he murmured, nuzzling at Vanyel’s collarbone. “Of course, I’m sure you hear that all the time.” There was no way Tylendel didn’t comment on Vanyel’s lovely face and finely sculpted body. He nipped lightly at Vanyel’s shoulder, then bit down a little harder, intent on leaving another mark on that fine, white skin. “You’ve got such amazing skin, and it turns such lovely colors.” He seemed to bruise fairly easily, lovebites appearing quickly and without as much effort as sometimes had to be put forth. “And you’re so willing."
Vanyel’s face was positively scarlet, his lips parted and his eyes wide. At the same time, he arched up toward Stefen, only slightly, pressing toward him barely enough to be noticeable. Stefen had meant every word, and it pleased him to see how affected Vanyel was by the praise.
Surely his cock was aching just as demandingly as Stefen’s was. Stef shifted and slid one of his thighs between Vanyel’s to nudge at the bulge in his breeches so that he had something to press against, a way to seek a little relief. Van gasped and whimpered softly, pressing against the offered contact and rocking slowly, reaching up to brush his fingers against Stefen’s cheeks and back into his hair. Tugging on his curls, Van pulled Stefen down for a kiss, lips parting with a small moan.
Stefen let his hands fall to undo Vanyel’s breeches as he kissed him heatedly, enjoying the taste of the other man and the way he gave himself up so easily. Vanyel gasped against his mouth, arching up towards him more insistently and pressing more firmly against the leg between his thighs. The laces came loose and Stefen tugged down Vanyel’s breeches and smallclothes, tossing the garments to the floor.
“We need the oil,” Stef said reluctantly as he moved to nuzzle at the side of Vanyel’s neck. Maybe he should have gotten it before he joined Van on the bed after all …
Vanyel apparently had the same ability as Tylendel, and he seemed as unwilling to give up their current position as Stefen. He slipped one hand almost reluctantly out of Stefen’s hair and reached out toward Stefen, the vial of oil suddenly just … there. Stef made a suitably impressed sound in his throat, taking the vial and leaning in to kiss Vanyel’s fingertips as he did.
As desperate as he was, Stefen wanted to draw this out. This might be the only time he got Vanyel in bed alone, and he didn’t want to waste the opportunity. He wanted to drive Vanyel absolutely wild, to make this memorable for both of them. Just in case.
Placing the vial carefully on the bed beside them, Stefen pressed his lips to Vanyel’s collarbone, then let them trail down his chest. He paused to rake his teeth over one nipple, smirking as Van gasped, then continued farther down his body. Stefen’s tongue dipped into Vanyel’s navel briefly before he finally slid his lips around the Herald-Mage’s perfectly formed cock.
Vanyel cried out, thighs tensing as he tried to hold himself still. Stefen grasped Vanyel’s sack gently, fondling his jewels as he sucked, moving his mouth slowly over the older man’s length. His other hand was braced against the bed, and Vanyel panted and moaned as one hand tangled in Stefen’s curls and the other sought the hand on the bed. The apparent desire to hold his hand while they did this surprised and delighted Stefen, and he shifted so that he could clasp Vanyel’s hand with their palms pressed together and fingers entwined.
Stefen continued sucking Vanyel off, slowly enough to frustrate the Herald-Mage, fingers teasing his sack, until Van’s moans turned into whimpers and the Bard thought the older man was going to lose his mind from trying not to thrust into his mouth. Then he pulled back and pressed his lips briefly to the tip, flicking his tongue against the slit. Shifting again, Stef squeezed Vanyel’s hand reassuringly as he moved the other one from the older man’s jewels to his thigh. That one demanding hand lifted Vanyel’s thigh and hooked his leg over Stefen’s shoulder, repositioning him, and then the Bard pressed his lips gently to the Herald-Mage’s entrance.
The sharp inhale as Vanyel lifted his hips towards Stefen, chasing the contact, was exactly what he’d been hoping for. Stef had thought Vanyel would like this and was satisfied to see his guess was correct. His lips and tongue teased at Vanyel’s hole, tonguetip probing and flicking against the ring of muscle. Van’s hips moved insistently under him, seeking the offered sensation, gasps and whimpers escaping his well formed lips.
With his own neglected cock straining against his breeches, Stefen focused on Vanyel’s pleasure, on making the beguiling man under him tense and want and shudder. Gods, but the man was gorgeous, and his obvious desire only made him more attractive.
“Please, Stefen,” he gasped, trembling under the Bard’s lips. “Please, it’s so good -”
Stef gave Vanyel’s hole a final caress of lips and tongue, then pulled back to wriggle one-handed out of his own breeches. He grasped blindly for the oil and managed to open it without releasing his grip on Vanyel's hand, unwilling to reclaim it and break that contact, and he clumsily poured more than was strictly necessary onto his throbbing cock. Once he was properly slicked, he teased around Vanyel’s hole with the leftover oil on his fingers, pressing in briefly with two at once, curling them skillfully inside of Vanyel just to make him gasp - and them slid them out and grasped himself so he could line up his cock and press slowly in.
Vanyel’s chest was heaving under him as he entered, that mostly silver hair spread haphazardly on the pillows, his eyes closed tight and his mouth slack with pleasure. He was so intensely, unreasonably attractive, and Stefen found it difficult to keep control of himself. The man beneath him was powerful in every sense of the word and wanted to give that all to Stefen. It was staggering to have Vanyel hand himself over so completely, and this time without Tylendel present to provide a solid sense of comfort and protection. Vanyel was offering himself to Stefen, without reservation, and trusting Stef to care for him.
Overwhelmed, Stefen took a moment to steady himself, breathing hard. He felt so connected to Vanyel in a way he didn’t understand, and he squeezed the other man's hand tightly as he brushed a few white hairs back from his face with trembling fingers. He leaned in to press a soft kiss to Vanyel’s forehead, breathing hard against his brow, and started to move.
He wanted to take it slow, to draw it out even further, but between his own need and the way Vanyel was moaning and moving under him he quickly found himself thrusting hard and fast, his own breath coming in short gasps. He knew, somehow, that he was hitting just the right place inside Vanyel, and Stefen pulled back slightly so he could watch the Herald-Mage’s face, those gorgeous silver eyes half-lidded and lips parted, the picture of rapturous pleasure.
“You’re so beautiful.” The words didn’t feel quite right, didn’t seem like enough, but Stef couldn’t find better ones. “You feel amazing, Van. Gods, you're perfect.”
Vanyel groaned, the nails of his free hand raking down Stefen’s back and making him gasp. This was perfect, completely perfect, and Stefen dipped to kiss Vanyel passionately, their breath mingling as his tongue slid against the other man’s. Cupping Vanyel’s cheek tenderly, Stefen pulled back from the kiss to rest his forehead against the Herald-Mage’s. He reveled in the feel of Vanyel’s inner walls tight around his slick cock, the push and pull of their bodies, the way they fit together like he’d never fit with anyone before -
It was too much. Stefen groaned, his eyes drifting half-closed as Vanyel gasped under him. He shifted, capturing the other man’s lips again, the kiss warm and boundless, and came with a cry pressed deep inside Vanyel. The way that Vanyel shuddered and moaned under him as he spilled white between them was almost better than Stefen's own orgasm.
Panting, Stef collapsed on top of Vanyel. Their joined hands were an anchorpoint, holding them to reality, to each other, and Stef gently nuzzled against the junction of Vanyel’s neck and shoulder as he waited for his heart to slow to a more reasonable pace.
When he shifted to gaze down at the Herald-Mage, Vanyel looked equally overwhelmed, silver eyes bright with wonder. Unsteady, Stefen slipped out of Vanyel with a vague sense of loss, then rolled off of the other man, their hands still entwined. He stared at the bed canopy for several heartbeats, then shifted again, pulling Vanyel closer without letting go of his hand, wrapping his other arm around him and letting Van’s head settle against his shoulder.
He felt like he should say something, anything, but he didn’t have the words. Instead, Stef just moved slightly so he could press a kiss against the top of Vanyel’s head, his thumb brushing tenderly against he back of the hand he still held.
Tylendel carefully and quietly opened the door to the room he shared with Vanyel. The sense he had of his beloved through his lifebond told him that the other Herald-Mage was asleep, and he didn’t want to wake him. He was less certain of Stefen; his Empathic senses spoke primarily of quietude, but he didn’t know whether or not the Bard had actually fallen asleep.
He was a little surprised when his eyes lit on the bed and he found Stefen awake and half-upright, one hand twined tightly with Vanyel’s and the other carding gently through his lover’s hair. He stared for a moment, trying to take measure of the scene before him. Yes, he had asked Stefen to stay, but he hadn’t expected to find such an intimate scene upon his return.
It should have made him uncomfortable. Tylendel was sure of that. Still, somehow it didn’t. It seemed … right … to find Stefen holding Vanyel like that.
Briefly, Tylendel’s brow creased in confusion, then he shook his head and padded softly over to the bed. He’d wanted Vanyel taken care of, and Stefen was taking care of him. This was exactly what he’d asked for. Gently, Tylendel sat on the edge of the bed next to Stefen and reached out to place a soft hand on his blanket-covered thigh.
There was a certain cagey wariness in Stefen’s hazel eyes when he looked up from Vanyel’s sleeping face. ‘Lendel had, of course, felt Vanyel’s pleasure through their bond. The feedback had been strangely comforting, at least once Vanyel had gotten past his nerves and started enjoying himself. It had assured Tylendel that his lifebonded was having a good time and made him feel better about leaving Vanyel and Stefen alone.
He was just thankful that his duties hadn’t needed his full concentration, because it would have been impossible to properly focus with his sense of Vanyel in his head, and it would have been just as distracting to shield their bond and not know what was happening.
“You’re sure you want to go?” he asked quietly. While Tylendel didn’t want to pressure Stefen to stay, he did want to make it clear that the offer was still on the table. Plus the Bard looked … comfortable. Like he belonged right where he was.
Stefen looked back down at Vanyel, his face unreadable, then nodded. “I really should. I - it was a good time, but I really should head back to my room.”
“If that’s what you want.” Tylendel squeezed Stefen’s thigh gently, his eyes on Vanyel. He looked peaceful. Satisfied. “I’m glad that you and Vanyel are becoming friends, too. He doesn’t have enough friends.”
With a soft chuckle, Stefen shook his head and smiled fondly down at Vanyel. “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. He’s so distant at Court.”
“I know.” They had a few mutual friends among the Heralds - Mardic and Donni, Tantras, Randi and Shavri, and of course Savil - and a few in k’Treva, and Vanyel had a few friends of his own, but the people he connected with were few and far between. He’d always struggled with that, and it had been a long time between the last time that Vanyel had opened up to someone new and when he’d met Stefen. “I’m glad we met you.”
Stef gave Tylendel a winning smile. He still had one hand tangled with Vanyel’s and his other resting gently against the other man’s hair as he held ‘Lendel’s lifebonded close. Tylendel briefly inspected his feelings about that, reassuring himself that he wasn’t jealous of the younger man. Maybe he should be, but honestly he was just glad Stef wanted to take care of Vanyel.
The Bard’s smile faded and he turned his gaze back to Vanyel, then shook his head softly. “I’m glad, too, but I really do need to go.” Gently, he squeezed Vanyel’s hand, then shifted to lay him down gently and carefully extract himself from the bed.
With a small sigh, ‘Lendel shifted out of the way and stood, running a hand back through his curls. He wasn’t sure whether or not it was a good thing that Stefen wouldn’t be here in the morning. It would certainly be easier to soothe any worries or guilt Vanyel manufactured by himself, so maybe it wasn’t bad that Stefen didn’t want to stay. “We’ll see you in Court tomorrow, then.”
Stefen nodded and turned to gather his Scarlets. The sight of the long, pink scratch marks Vanyel had left on the young Bard’s back made Tylendel’s lips quirk in amusement, and he turned to smile down at his lifebonded and gently stroke his hair before he went to gather up the Whites that had been left on the floor. Neither of them spoke further as Stef pulled his clothes back on and located his boots - once more under the edge of one of the armchairs - and Tylendel dropped Vanyel’s clothes in the hamper. He looked up as Stefen gathered the last of his things and paused by the door, offering the Bard a smile and a nod. Stefen hesitated, then nodded in return and slipped out of the room.
The door closed behind Stefen and Tylendel stared at it briefly, then shook his head and started to undress so he could get into bed with Vanyel. He didn’t know why he wished Stefen would have stayed. It didn’t make sense, and the young man’s reasons for wanting to return to his own bed were logical. Still, it would have been nice …
Shaking his head again, ‘Lendel climbed into bed and pulled Vanyel into his arms. Once he had the blanket situated over them, he pressed his lips briefly to the crown of Vanyel’s head, then let his eyes slip closed. With his lifebonded tucked in against his chest, everything was right in the world.
So why, as he drifted toward sleep, did he feel oddly unsettled?
Chapter Text
Vanyel woke slowly, body loose and relaxed, a delicious feel of comfort and safety offered by a pair of strong arms around him. He turned toward the body that had been pressed to his back, eyes still closed, and nuzzled sleepily at the collarbone. “Stef?”
A warm, familiar chuckle made Vanyel’s eyes pop open as he pulled back, scarlet mortification painted across his face, and gazed guiltily into the once-brown eyes of his lifebonded.
“Stefen left after I got home last night,” ‘Lendel murmured, kissing Vanyel’s forehead softly. “I didn’t want to wake you; you looked so peaceful, and I know how rare it is for you to truly sleep well.”
“‘Lendel, I’m so sorry, I -” Vanyel’s blush deepened as he tried to find the words to apologize. He’d fallen asleep in Stefen’s arms the night before, so maybe his confusion wasn’t entirely unwarranted, but certainly he should have been able to tell the difference between the Feel of his lifebonded and that of the young man they were currently bedding. “Gods, I didn’t mean to -”
Tylendel cut him off with a finger pressed to his lips. “Van - it’s all right. He was still holding you when I got home, and it makes sense for you to think he’d be here.” He removed his finger in order to kiss Vanyel softly, his lips feeling like home. “I do hope that you enjoyed yourself, ashke. It seemed like you did.”
He was never going to stop blushing. Vanyel buried his face against Tylendel’s shoulder, pressing tightly against his lifebonded. Last night had been - gods, it shouldn’t have been that good without ‘Lendel with him. He’d been half convinced that going to bed with just Stefen would break the spell of attraction the young man had over him, but if anything it had only intensified it. Shame coiled in his gut as he wrapped his arms around Tylendel’s neck, pulling him closer.
“Hey, hey, stop that.” Tylendel hooked a knuckle under Vanyel’s chin, tilting his face up until their eyes met. “Van-ashke, there’s nothing for you to feel guilty about. I wanted last night to be good for you! That was the whole point of it, after all.”
Vanyel swallowed, leaning in slightly to rest his forehead against Tylendel’s. There was an incongruity between what was happening and the way he’d always perceived himself. The idea of going to bed with a man other than Tylendel should have repulsed him, and the fact that he was so attracted to Stefen … “I’m still yours. Always.”
“I know that,” Tylendel murmured gently. “I haven’t doubted it for a second.” He brushed a thumb over Vanyel’s lower lip, then followed it with a soft kiss. “Van, nothing could ever come between us. Nothing.” He pressed Vanyel onto his back and rolled on top of him, pinning him lightly to the bed with his body. “It’s not like wanting him has made you want me any less. Right?”
Vanyel’s breath caught and he nodded, reaching up to brush his fingers against ‘Lendel’s jaw. “Of course I want you.” He hesitated. “I just want him, too.”
“Right this second?”
A knee pressed between his thighs, and Vanyel gasped and licked his lips. “No … not right now, no.”
Tylendel threaded the fingers of one hand gently into the back of Vanyel’s hair and kissed him slowly, his passion carefully contained and held close behind tenderness. “I want him, too, love. He’s a very attractive young man. But that doesn’t mean I want you any less - and I know you want me just as much.” Lips trailed down his neck in kisses that made him gasp at their softness. Tylendel’s free hand brushed down his side, the barest touch of fingertips. “I love you, Vanyel. I always have, I always will. What’s between us - nothing can ever break that.”
Vanyel whimpered, head tipping back as he let his eyes flutter closed. He rocked slowly against ‘Lendel’s thigh, seeking friction but unwilling to break the soft spell his lifebonded was weaving about them. Tylendel’s lips brushed over his collarbone, pressed lightly to his shoulder. A tongue caressed his nipple, lips closed around it, a gentle tug. Tylendel knew him, knew how he liked to be touched, knew when to deny him and when to give him everything. This was not something that could be replaced or replicated, and Vanyel let himself sink into it, let everything that they were wash over him.
A strong, sword-calloused hand took one of Vanyel’s, and Tylendel lifted it to his lips, kissing the tip of each finger, lingering. The other hand slipped out of Vanyel’s hair and brushed down his back, caressed his ass, his hip. Vanyel whined softly, already achingly hard, and let his eyes blink open so he could gaze adoringly up at Tylendel. “Ashke, love, I want you. I do want you.”
“I know.” Tylendel pressed a light kiss to the hollow of Vanyel’s throat. “I want you, too, my beautiful peacock.”
Vanyel reached out toward the bedside table and Fetched the oil, proffering it for Tylendel. He took it with a gentle smile, squeezing Van’s hand softly, and expertly uncorked it with his teeth. Vanyel watched, enchanted, as his lover poured the oil over his beautiful cock and then the last of it over Van’s hole. With the empty vial discarded, Tylendel slicked himself slowly, then brushed his fingers over Vanyel.
He still felt so relaxed and easy from being with Stef mere hours before, but the feeling of Tylendel’s fingers pressing inside him made him gasp. Van reveled in the way ‘Lendel’s fingers caught briefly on his rim, the soft slide of firm digits inside him, teasing him, touching at that place that made him gasp in pleasure. He loved this, loved the feeling of being stretched around his lover’s fingers, loved the way Tylendel touched him so certainly.
“Please, love,” Vanyel gasped, letting his legs fall farther open for ‘Lendel, his fingers twined gently with his lover’s. “Oh, ‘Lendel, I want you inside me.”
Tylendel chuckled warmly and pressed a soft kiss to Vanyel’s lips, tongue slowly mapping out the familiar landscape of his mouth. At the same time, he eased gently into Vanyel. The wonderful feeling of being filled was especially amazing drawn out like this, and Van arched up toward Tylendel, gasping at the sensation.
“I love you.” ‘Lendel breathed the words against Vanyel’s lips, thrusting slowly into him, the easy slide of his cock making them both gasp. “Gods, Van -”
Vanyel caught Tylendel’s other hand as well, holding them both, fingers entangled. ‘Lendel pressed Van’s hands to the mattress, one on either side of his enraptured face, tenderly accepting his lover’s soft surrender.
“Oh yes - oh ‘Lendel -” Vanyel felt like he was coming apart in slow motion, hips rising to meet each of his beloved’s steady, deliberate thrusts. It was wonderful, too wonderful, and he bit his lower lip as his breath came faster, punctuated by gasps and moans and whimpers.
“I know - my darling love -” Tylendel pressed his forehead against Vanyel’s, his lips parted blissfully. He kept things deliberately slow, gasping as he drew them to the end, spilling into Vanyel as he came between them. They rocked together through their shared ecstasy, hands grasping each other and lips finding lips, locked together in prolonged joy.
Tylendel pulled reluctantly out of Vanyel, lowering himself to rest on top of him, panting as the aftershocks of pleasure ran through them both. Vanyel felt positively awed by their deep love, their connection. No matter what, they had this forever. Forever. For this life and ever after, they had each other.
Stefen woke achingly hard, the remnants of a very pleasant dream clinging to his mind. He let a hand drift down under his blanket, brushing teasingly over his bulge, and he bit his lower lip as he let his memory wander. The sex he’d had with Vanyel the night before had been spectacular, and then toward morning he’d dreamed of both Herald-Mages, of them kissing him, touching him, their lips on his skin and their hands on his cock.
His own fingers dipped into the soft, loose pants he wore to sleep in, curling around his length, stroking lazily. He pulled himself out of his clothes and kicked the blanket down around his knees, relaxing back against his pillow. Gods, Van had dropped himself completely into Stefen’s hands the night before, nothing held back; the memories were delightful, the experience something the young Bard very much wanted to repeat. And his dream -
Gods, the pair of them were so incredibly sexy. He wanted them both, together and separately. He thought of the dream-fragments, one hand on his cock and the other on his jewels. His thumb brushed over the head of his length as he stroked himself, his mind on Tylendel. He didn’t know how he fit with the fair-haired Herald-Mage, but he was as attractive as Vanyel in his own way, a burning sun contrasted with Vanyel’s otherworldly moonlight. Vanyel was easy, beautiful and pliant, but Tylendel would be a match for him in a way that Stef contemplated with thrilled anticipation. He was insatiably curious about how things might take shape between them, what sort of interplay they would have. He doubted either of them would submit to the other, and definitely not to the extent Van liked to, but the idea of getting Tylendel alone and figuring out how they could tantalize each other excited him.
He touched himself roughly, hand moving faster over his cock. His mind kept flitting back and forth between Vanyel and Tylendel, between all three of them together. Tylendel was still a half-unknown, but Stefen was perfectly capable of fantasizing, of thinking of what he’d like and wondering how the fair-haired Herald-Mage might react to bold confidence. He was certainly already that watching him with ‘Lendel would have Vanyel eager and wanting.
“Van - ‘Lendel -”
The door opened as Stef gasped out the names and time stopped. Stefen spilled over his hand with a groan, mouth slack as he stared at his roommate standing in the doorway, face a picture of scarlet mortification.
Stef clamped his mouth shut, swallowing hard and quickly yanking the blanket up to cover himself, grabbing at a discarded shirt to wipe his hand on. Not that he was uncomfortable with Medren seeing him unclothed, but his best friend and long-time roommate hadn’t been happy about Stef sleeping with his uncles when it had supposedly been a one-time thing. Which it decidedly was not anymore …
“Were you just -” Honestly, it was a little impressive how red Medren was.
“Do you really want me to answer that?” Stef asked, his voice tense. No, Medren was not going to be happy about how things had developed while he was on his trip up north, but Stefen was hooked. He was going to ride out this thing with Vanyel and Tylendel as long as it lasted.
Dropping his face in his hands, Medren leaned on the doorframe and groaned. “Gods - Stef, they’re my uncles.”
“And they’re lifebonded,” Stefen finished. “I know what I’m doing, Medren. We’re all just having a good time.” He stubbornly ignored the way his heart clenched at that statement. This was just fun, nothing more.
Medren hesitated, looking extremely discomfited. “Ah - they want me to move into another room. So you can have this one to yourself, since you made Master. That - that might be a good idea.”
Stefen’s stomach dropped. Medren had been his first real friend. They’d been close for ages, defending each other when people attacked Medren for being a bastard or Stefen for being a shaych former street rat. He hated the idea of straining things with Medren, especially over a temporary dalliance -
I can’t give them up. I can’t. Not as long as they still want me.
The thought was completely incongruous, but it felt so right and natural that it didn't give Stefen even a moment’s pause. “We’re not doing anything wrong,” he said stubbornly. “Do whatever you feel like you need to.”
His fine mood ruined, Stefen kicked his trews the rest of the way off and rolled to face the wall, presenting his back to his best friend. He wanted Medren to stay, to tell him that everything would be all right between them, but after a tense moment of silence, the door shut behind the Journeyman as he walked away.
Chapter Text
As much as Stefen tried to put the strain between him and Medren out of his head, it still affected his mood. Medren had been a constant in his life since he was ten and the distance that had suddenly opened up between them hurt. He wasn’t doing anything wrong! Vanyel and Tylendel wanted him, they’d invited him into their bed. All he’d done was say yes. It wasn’t as though Medren would have said no if two women as attractive as Vanyel and Tylendel had asked him to come to bed with them; expecting Stef to refuse Vanyel and Tylendel was ridiculous.
Even feeling sullen over the rift between him and his best friend, Stef had duties to perform. He had to work with the Healers, something that he’d been avoiding as much as possible because he’d rather spend his time with Tylendel and Vanyel. He had to appear in Court and play for the King. He had to act as though nothing was different despite the fact that he wasn’t in the best mood.
He thought he faked it well enough through Court. Thankfully, he didn’t have to interact much since his primary function was performing and blocking the King’s pain, and Vanyel, as his keeper, was the person he spoke to most often. Talking to Vanyel was easy, soothing. Pleasant. Their brief conversations, interspersed with the rest of the day, were definite bright points.
He came out of a trance for his final brief break of the day and immediately noticed Tylendel, who had arrived sometime while he was playing and was now standing next to Vanyel. Havens, they do make a pretty picture. Tylendel was always one of the most beautiful men in any room he was in, although it was hard for anyone to hold a candle to Vanyel’s looks.
That man is unspeakably attractive. I can’t imagine anyone passing up an invitation to touch him.
With Vanyel and Tylendel both … the combination was beyond tempting. Together and separately, the two Herald-Mages were positively alluring.
Stefen finished his cup of cider, shaking his head slightly; ruminating about the men he was bedding was pleasant, but ultimately pointless. He was in a sort of limbo with them, always unsure whether or not he would be invited back. They’d said they didn’t want to lay claim to him, but he hadn’t so much entertained thoughts of another man since he’d first gone to bed with them.
For now, he had the tail end of Court to play for, and then he could escape for the evening back to his now solitary room in the students’ wing at Bardic.
Except when he finished playing again, there were Vanyel and Tylendel, standing side by side and - more importantly - only a few steps away from Stefen himself. Well, then. An invitation back to the Herald-Mages’ room for ‘dinner’ would be more than welcome, and certainly would be diverting enough that he wouldn’t be thinking about anything else.
As he put away his lute and gathered up his music case, Stef kept watch on the two men out of the corner of his eye. Vanyel was talking to Shavri in a low voice, but Tylendel caught Stefen’s discreet gaze and smiled slightly.
Now looking forward to his evening, Stefen made a show of checking to make sure that he had all his things and looked the right amount of surprised when Tylendel stepped away from Vanyel to come over to him.
“Dinner?” The one-word invitation was accompanied by a sly quirk of ‘Lendel’s lips and humor in his warm pewter eyes. They were such an unusual color; Stefen didn’t think he had ever seen anyone else with that particular shade. Of course, Vanyel had very distinctive eyes as well. Maybe it was a mage thing.
“Thank you for the gracious invitation,” Stefen said, perfectly poised and polite. “I’d love to join you again.”
Although Tylendel maintained a good mask of civility, the signs of amusement in his face were perfectly clear to Stefen. He was enjoying this game of pretending they were merely professional acquaintances. “Good. Someone has to make sure you don’t play your fingers raw again.”
Stef shifted a little, slightly embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to play that long the first evening. He hadn’t even realized he’d done so until he came out of his trance. It also wasn’t something he could properly regret, since it had led to his entanglement with Vanyel and Tylendel. It had then led to Vanyel’s assignment to see to his needs at Court, which was an excellent excuse for him (and by extension, Tylendel) to associate with Stefen.
Not that anyone would ever suspect what they were actually doing. Medren’s disturbed disbelief was likely what would be faced if anyone else found out that a lifebonded couple was inviting a man half their age into their bed …
It’s probably best if no one else knows.
“Van should be done in a moment,” Tylendel continued. “I’ve already caught a page and ordered dinner, so hopefully it should arrive about the time we do.”
Handy, that. There were a great many things that Stef had to do without to avoid any appearance of favoritism connected to his quick promotion, and conveniences like that were only one of them. Briefly, Stef wondered how long he’d be treated like he was still a Journeyman before he was given the rights and privileges of a Master Bard in truth - but there was nothing he could do about it at the moment, and he had more pleasant things to think about this evening.
The food at the palace was definitely better than what Stef got at Bardic, and the wine that had been delivered was truly fantastic. Stef had done his best to shove his own problems out of his mind in favor of easy conversation with the Herald-Mages. Vanyel did earnestly ask how Stef was doing, but the young Bard just focused on his professional life when he responded to that. He did not need nor want to bring them into his issues with his best friend. Especially not given the fact that they were Medren’s uncles.
It felt good that he was able to keep up with Tylendel and Vanyel conversationally. They had different educations, yes - when the Herald-Mages had made some brief comments to each other about some spell, he hadn’t had the slightest idea what they were talking about - but when it came to topics they had in common he was able to participate and even impress.
It felt natural, at this point, for the discussion to come to a comfortable end, for glances to start to linger and turn heated. They all knew what they were ultimately here for, and as much as Stefen appreciated the meal and conversation, he very much wanted these two beautiful men. This was just what he needed right now, something simple and easy despite its inherent complexities. And he was impatient tonight; he reached out for Tylendel for no reason other than that he was closer than Vanyel, cupped his face, and drew him in for a rough kiss.
Tylendel’s response seemed oddly soft and giving, letting Stef take what he wanted from the kiss, letting him push and nip and taste and demand -
He broke the kiss with a gasp and reached out for Vanyel; he came willingly, moving to perch on the arm of the chair Stefen was seated in and letting himself be drawn down and kissed as well. It was just as rough and demanding, Stefen’s fingers tight in Vanyel’s hair as he invaded his mouth and took what he wanted, insisting on the Herald-Mage’s surrender.
Stef pulled back from Vanyel more slowly, keeping his hands tangled in the other man’s hair. Beautiful. His heart clenched strangely, and he slid one hand out of Vanyel’s hair, reaching for Tylendel again. ‘Lendel came easily, sat on the other arm of the chair and reached down to cup the back of Stefen’s neck, fingers tracing softly against his skin. Gods, this was nice, the way they were focused on him at the moment. A little overwhelming, but heady.
He wanted them both. Their previous encounters had been very much centered on Vanyel, but it seemed as though this evening their focus was on Stefen. It was strange and wonderful and, gods, he needed it tonight.
The Herald-Mages shared a look - and maybe more, Heralds were forever thinking at each other - and Vanyel tipped his head back slightly as though relaxing into Stefen’s grip while Tylendel slid his hand down Stefen’s chest and palmed the front of his breeches. Stef inhaled sharply, tugging a little at Vanyel’s hair to pull his head back further, enjoying the sight of his lovely arched neck.
Their current position was awkward. The Herald-Mages were already both taller than Stefen, and having them seated on the arms of the chair made a great deal of what he wanted to touch hard to reach. And they were all wearing far too many clothes.
Eager to move things further, Stef pushed briefly against Tylendel’s palm, then stood. He took a moment to kiss and nip at the exposed line of Vanyel’s throat. Van made such delicious noises, little whimpering gasps, and Stef wanted more of them - but they were all three still fully dressed, and he was eager to see the other two men in their skin.
Reluctantly releasing Vanyel’s hair with a final swipe of tongue against his adam’s apple, Stefen grasped the laces of his own tunic. Tylendel looked amused and moved to help Vanyel out of his clothes. Stefen watched hungrily as the Herald-Mages undressed each other, putting on a bit of a show, and he pulled his own clothes off and dropped them to the floor, red among the fabric of their Whites.
Stefen thirstily drank in the sight of them, Vanyel’s lovely pale skin and Tylendel’s broader tanned form. They were both in exquisite shape, perfectly sculpted figures like works of art. Stefen felt unrefined and gangly next to them, but the way that Vanyel and Tylendel were looking at him was entirely flattering.
Boldly, Stef reached down to grasp ‘Lendel’s cock, feeling its firm weight, reveling in the velvet-smooth skin against his palm. He wanted both of these beautiful men, and as he toyed with Tylendel’s cock he grabbed Vanyel by the chin and kissed him heatedly. Vanyel’s lips parted so easily, the touch of his tongue gentle and sweet under Stef’s more demanding probing.
He pulled back with a gasp, staring hotly at Vanyel. He gave ‘Lendel’s cock a firm caress as he shifted his grip around to the back of Vanyel’s neck and pushed him firmly down to his knees. It was intoxicating to have him go so willingly, to see the way he gazed wantonly up at Stefen with his lips slightly parted and his eyes dark with lust. His hand slid back into Vanyel’s hair, grasping roughly, and he released Tylendel so that he could cup Van’s chin and brush a thumb over his lower lip. Distractedly, he noted Tylendel moving to stand behind Vanyel as if he already knew what was on Stefen’s mind.
“Gods, I want to fuck that pretty mouth of yours.” Stef brushed a thumb across Vanyel’s lower lip again, gazing down into his gorgeous silver eyes. Vanyel, naked and hard on his knees, was quite the delicious sight. Tylendel threaded his fingers into Vanyel’s hair, grasping roughly. Vanyel gasped and licked his lips, his breath coming faster. “Do you want that? Do you want me to take your mouth?”
“Yes.” Vanyel’s voice was husky and tight with desire. “Please, yes.”
Stefen pressed his thumb briefly into Vanyel’s mouth, letting him caress it with lips and tongue as he tugged the fine strands of the Herald-Mage's hair, reveling in Vanyel’s gasp. With one hand still in Vanyel’s hair with Tylendel’s and the other still grasping his chin, he pulled him in closer to give him a teasing taste of the tip of his cock.
Vanyel whined softly and tried to lean forward; the hands in his hair restricted him, prevented him from taking Stefen into his mouth. Tylendel chuckled, keeping one hand tight in Vanyel’s hair as he gently caressed his cheek with the other. “Impatient, are you, ashke? Maybe Stef will give you what you want if you ask him nicely.”
Flushing helplessly, brilliantly scarlet, Vanyel’s eyes widened in incredulity. He tried to look up at Tylendel despite the way he was held, gaping, desire warring on his face with desperate embarrassment. Stef almost felt bad about that - almost - but the amused, playful look on Tylendel’s face made it clear that he was aware that they were pushing a line and that it wasn't a problem.
“I -” Oh, there was something deeply attractive about Vanyel being tongue-tied. Stef watched, intrigued, as the Herald-Mage licked his lips and gathered his resolve. “Please, I want you to - to - please - take my mouth.”
Stef groaned softly, hand tightening in Vanyel's hair. This beautiful, powerful man was on his knees begging for Stef to fuck his mouth. He pushed forward slightly and gasped as Vanyel’s tongue darted over the tip of his cock, tasting eagerly. How a man could manage to look so demure and so wanton at the same time, Stefen had no idea, but Vanyel did it, kneeling there in his skin with his hands on his thighs while he rushed to work his tongue over the little he was offered. Such a wonderful contradiction.
Fascinated, Stefen gave Vanyel another inch, thrusting slowly, reveling in the Herald-Mage’s impatience. Tylendel stroked Vanyel's face gently with his free hand, fingers brushing against his cheek and jaw and neck, soothing and grounding as Stef tormented Vanyel.
By all the gods, this was perfection. Stefen kept thrusting deliberately, giving Van a little more each time. The easy surrender offered by Vanyel, not resisting, giving everything, was intensely alluring. Stef wanted to give Vanyel enough time to adjust, but it wasn’t easy to hold himself back when he seemed so willing.
Sliding his hand from Vanyel’s chin to cup his cheek, Stefen tugged the Herald-Mage in closer as he thrust into his mouth and bit his lower lip at the soft groan that answered that action. Vanyel liked this, and that drove Stefen further mad with desire. He shoved his cock forward into Vanyel’s mouth with a gasp of pleasure, reveling as much in the willing surrender as in the welcoming warmth around him.
This was too good. Stefen thrust roughly, one thumb caressing Vanyel’s cheek while the other hand twisted tight in his hair. His fingers brushed against Tylendel’s, and Stefen’s gaze flicked up from Vanyel’s lovely face to the other Herald-Mage’s pewter eyes. He looked fascinated; Stef leaned in to kiss Tylendel, letting the other man cup his face as he rhythmically fucked Vanyel’s mouth. Vanyel was gasping and straining against the hands gripping his hair as he tried to take Stef in deeper while Tylendel kissed the Bard heatedly, their tongues warring passionately.
Stefen broke the kiss with a gasp, gazing back down at Vanyel. Those beautiful silver eyes were half-lidded, his face alight with desire. Van reached up to grasp Stefen’s ass with one hand, trying to pull him closer as he cupped his jewels almost delicately with the other. Stef kept thrusting, picking up the pace slightly as he shifted the hand on Vanyel’s cheek so that he could grasp his artfully formed jaw more firmly. Heat was pooling low in his gut and he wouldn’t be for this much longer, especially not with the way Vanyel was giving himself up, eager to please and practically radiating desire. And ‘Lendel -
As Stef’s eyes moved back up to Tylendel, the way that he looked as he stood there with his cock hard and leaking beads of precome made Stefen groan as his hips stuttered as he thrust into Vanyel’s willing mouth. Gods, and Van was trying so hard, his tongue caressing Stefen’s length with each thrust, his lips held tight, one hand gripping the Bard’s ass while the other played lightly with his plums.
“So good, Van. You’re doing so good.” He looked back down at the Herald-Mage, at serenity twined with lust as he surrendered on his knees to Stefen’s desires. His thumb brushed against Vanyel’s cheek, a fond caress. “I’m close.”
The warning just made Vanyel more eager, made him redouble his efforts to take Stefen’s thrusts and bring him off. Stef tried not to get too lost in the moment, tried not to thrust too hard, but gods his control was slipping as his movements turned erratic, and as he came Vanyel coughed and sputtered around his cock.
His breath coming in gasps, Stefen relaxed his grip on Vanyel and tried to pull himself back together, letting his cock slide out from between the older man’s lips. Lady’s tits, these men - these beautiful men - Stefen didn’t think he’d ever wanted anyone this much.
Abruptly, Stef released Vanyel’s face and seized Tylendel’s, pulling him in and kissing him heatedly. Perhaps another time he would have been content with what he’d already received, but tonight he was feeling greedy and he wanted more.
He wanted Tylendel.
There was still an uncertainty there. Stef didn’t know how he and ‘Lendel fit together, didn’t know what the other man would want or be willing to give. But he was ready, more than ready, to do more than this bare testing they’d done so far.
Stefen slid his fingers out of Vanyel’s hair, gave him a gentle caress, then turned his attention fully on the light-haired Herald-Mage. He reached down to toy with Tylendel’s erection, thumb rubbing against the tip and spreading the fluid beading there. No, he didn’t know how he fit with ‘Lendel, but there was plenty of room to experiment and maybe even find out a little of that.
“The bed,” he demanded, giving ‘Lendel’s cock a firm squeeze before releasing him. He felt completely caught up in the madness of feeling, in want and pleasure and a strange sense of - of connection. That didn’t make sense, but Stefen pushed that away as he turned toward the large, inviting expanse of the Herald-Mages’ bed. He stopped at the foot to turn back towards the other men and let his gaze drink in their lovely, naked figures.
It was insane how much he wanted these men. Stef had never felt so drawn to anyone, and to find himself this entranced by both Vanyel and Tylendel seemed impossible. He had no idea how he’d manage when they decided they were tired of him.
Ignoring that thought, Stefen reached out for Tylendel, drawing him in for another kiss and then shoving him down on the bed. He moved to straddle the older man’s thighs as Vanyel followed them onto the mattress and stretched out beside his lover. Briefly, Stef turned to Vanyel and reached out to run a hand down his chest and stomach and give his cock a few strokes. His hand still playing over Van’s hard length, Stef leaned in to kiss Tylendel’s neck, to let his tongue flick against a nipple, to trail his lips lower and take his hard cock into his mouth.
The way Tylendel moaned and lifted his hips up to meet him as he sucked made Stefen groan. He reveled in the feel and taste of the other man, in the sound of his voice as he swore softly in some language Stef didn’t recognize. This was always fun, taking a man apart like this, and Stef focused on teasing ‘Lendel slowly with his lips and tongue, in taking him in as deep as possible, with one hand braced on one of the Herald-Mage’s thigh and the other spared to give Vanyel’s desperately hard cock a little attention.
And gods, Vanyel - the way he gasped and rocked against Stefen’s hand was intoxicating. He could feel the other men shift, and as he glanced up at them without halting his rhythm he saw them move to kiss each other, slow and lingering. He wanted - he had no idea what that sight made him want.
Shoving the fluttering, amorphous desire aside, Stef returned his whole attention to sucking down on Tylendel’s cock. His hand on the older man’s thigh prevented ‘Lendel from thrusting up to meet him very much, let him keep control of the pace and pressure. The smooth, velvet heat of Vanyel’s cock under his palm was lovely, and he enjoyed the way both Herald-Mages rocked toward him, seeking the pleasure he offered.
He was good at this. He knew how to give a man what he wanted, knew the ways of exchanging pleasure. He didn’t know anything about the sort of relationship his current bedmates shared. The way they cared for each other - why did a part of him want that?
It was ridiculous. Stef knew what they were doing here. He focused on what he was doing, on the way Tylendel’s cock felt in his mouth and Vanyel’s in his hand, on the gasps and moans he was bringing out of them. He could probably bring them both off like this, but he didn’t want this to end that quickly and he wasn’t sure how swiftly the others could recover. But Tylendel -
He wanted that. Wanted to be the one to get ‘Lendel off.
Stef kept his hand light on Vanyel, stoking lust more than relieving it, but pulled his mouth tight around Tylendel, using his tongue to tease his length as he moved his lips back and forth over his cock. He focused on Tylendel’s breathing, on the way it came faster, on the little gasps and sighs accompanying each jerk of his hips.
Glancing up again, Stef watched for a moment as Tylendel reached out for Vanyel, teasing his chest, brushing a light touch over his nipples. Vanyel kept giving little breathy moans and arching into both men’s touches but refraining from touching them himself. His hands clutched the blanket, his lips parted slightly and his eyes fluttered closed, pretty silver-white eyelashes brushing against his cheeks. He was the absolute picture of frustrated bliss, lost in the throes of desire. He was completely beautiful.
Both of these men were, really. Stef turned his focus back to Tylendel, on dragging pleasure out of him. There was something both relaxing and exciting about doing this, and something powerful in bringing another man off. As Tylendel gasped, reaching down to grasp Stef’s shoulder tightly with one hand, the Bard pulled the older man’s cock as deep into his mouth as he could. ‘Lendel came with a strangled cry and Stefen pulled back slowly, swallowing his spend and licking his lips as he gazed down at the other man with satisfaction.
But he wasn’t done yet. Stefen’s eyes flicked to Vanyel, still hard and wanting. He grabbed the Herald-Mage’s hips, rolling him closer. “Come here so we can both reach you.”
Vanyel groaned softly and complied, letting Stefen position him on top of Tylendel, straddling his lover’s hips. ‘Lendel reached up to pull Vanyel down for a lazy kiss, fingers stroking his cheeks tenderly. Tamping down on a tendril of some strange, unidentifiable emotion, Stef caressed Vanyel’s hips and pressed his lips to the small of his back. He was quickly learning what Van liked and how he liked it, and he spread him open with a firm touch of his thumbs, let his breath play against his skin, watched him shiver in anticipation. Stef pressed a soft kiss to Vanyel’s tailbone, let his tongue slip lower, then finally teased gently at the Herald-Mage’s hole.
The soft cry that escaped Vanyel’s lips at the first touch of Stefen’s tongue was intoxicating. Stef reveled in the way that Vanyel tensed under his hands and mouth, the way that he gasped in pleasure and rocked into the contact. Vanyel seemed to like this a great deal, and Stef enjoyed the wanton little sounds he made and the way he moved under his lips and tongue.
Then ‘Lendel reached down to stroke Vanyel’s cock, and the Herald-Mage moaned in a way that Stef knew he’d never forget. He wanted to make him cry out more, wanted to see how loud he could make him scream.
Stef paused briefly to suck on two of his fingers. He’d retrieve the oil later, but right now he wasn’t done using his mouth on Vanyel. Still skillfully teasing the other man with his tongue, he slipped his fingers along the area between Vanyel’s hole and his jewels, touching lightly, then letting his fingertips catch lightly on his rim. Vanyel was gasping and moaning, tight breathy little sounds, as he rocked between Tylendel’s slow stroking hand and Stefen’s lips and fingers.
By the time Stef actually slid his fingers into Vanyel, seeking his pleasure point, the Herald-Mage was gasping and whimpering, one of his hands tangled in Tylendel’s curls and the other grasping the blanket tightly. Stefen pulled back briefly to watch the Herald-Mages kiss again, Vanyel radiating desperate passion, ‘Lendel almost seeming to be trying to soothe and reassure him. Gods, he wanted -
“The oil,” Stef gasped out, pressing a kiss to the base of Vanyel’s spine. He needed this - this connection to the other two men. That was an uncomfortable thought, and one Stef didn’t know what to do with, and he shoved it violently aside and focused instead on what he was doing, on making Van gasp and arch desperately.
He was less surprised this time when Tylendel just reached up to offer him a full vial of oil. He shifted to position himself behind Vanyel, careful of the way his legs interlocked with ‘Lendel’s, and ignored the way his hands were trembling as he oiled his cock. Stef took a moment to rub a little oil around and inside Vanyel’s hole, then lined himself up and pushed into him with a groan.
Vanyel gasped as Stef slid his cock into him, pushing back toward the young man behind him. Stefen grabbed his hips roughly, letting his fingers dig into Vanyel’s pale flesh, and pulled back briefly before shoving back inside, aiming at driving Van wild. Vanyel whimpered, his back arching as he buried his face against Tylendel’s shoulder. Stef’s breath came quicker, harder, as he let his hips snap faster into Vanyel, and ‘Lendel stroked his lover’s face and hair gently as he murmured softly for Van to relax and let go.
“Lady’s tits, Van, you feel so good,” Stef managed to gasp out, slamming harder into the Herald-Mage’s body, losing himself in the pleasure of the moment. Vanyel whimpered again, then cried out louder, his voice muffled against Tylendel’s shoulder. Stefen reached down with one hand to touch the corner of Van’s mouth gently, brushing his thumb against his cheek. “Let me hear you.”
Giving another whimper, Vanyel turned his head to the side, and then he cried out again as his body tensed with building pleasure. Stef felt entirely caught up in it, in the way their pleasure was entwining, in Tylendel curled around the edges of them as he held them together. A distant part of him observed that there was something different about this, something these encounters had been building toward, but it was hard to think on that when he was driving into Vanyel’s tight hole and making him cry out louder and louder with every thrust.
“Oh gods, Van, I can’t -” Stef broke off and bit his lower lip, the fingers of one hand still digging into Vanyel’s hip while the other brushed lightly against his jaw. “I want you to come for me, Van.”
Vanyel cried out again, back arched and body tense, and Stef had no idea if his words had affected Vanyel or if it was a coincidence but the way the older man’s body clenched around him as he finished was more than enough to trigger his own orgasm. He collapsed against Vanyel’s back, pressing his lips gently to the nape of his neck and gasping softly as ripples of pleasure ran through him - through them both - through all three of them? He was fairly certain Tylendel hadn’t gotten off a second time, but Stef still had an odd, vague sense that the light-haired Herald-Mage was reveling in the fringes of their shared climax.
It took a moment for them to catch their breath and shift into a more comfortable pile; Stef was not at all sure how he wound up between the two Herald-Mages, Tylendel’s arm around his waist and Vanyel’s head on his shoulder. He felt oddly content in his place between them, boneless and relaxed, and he gently reached up to stroke Vanyel’s hair as if he belonged there.
With a contented hum, Vanyel leaned into his touch, lovely silver eyes fluttering closed for a moment. Then they opened again and Van reached up to cup Stefen’s cheek and draw him in for a soft, lingering kiss. “Feeling better?”
Stef blinked in surprise, going completely still. He hadn’t mentioned he’d been having a bad day, had actively tried to hide what he was feeling -
Tylendel chuckled and leaned in to press a kiss to Stefen’s temple. "We’re both Empaths, Stef. We could tell you were a bit off today.” He wiggled a little, settling into a more comfortable position, and propped his chin on Stefen’s shoulder. “You don’t have to talk to us about whatever was bothering you, of course, but we are here for you.” His lips found the side of Stefen’s neck, the barest caress against his skin. “Whatever you need.”
Clearing his throat, Stef shifted a little, uncomfortable with the assertion. This wasn’t supposed to be anything but a bit of fun. He certainly didn’t have any right to ask them for anything more than what they were already giving.
“We want to be here for you,” Vanyel clarified, nuzzling Stef’s jaw lightly before he settled back on his shoulder. “This isn’t - this matters. What we’re doing might not be exactly conventional, but we do care about you.”
They both sounded so earnest. Stef looked back and forth between the other two men, at a complete loss. This was supposed to be a bit of fun. The Herald-Mages had said they didn’t want to put any sort of claim on him, and surely he didn’t have any right to make demands, but here they were, offering to let him put his burdens on them.
“I - thank you.” Stef’s voice felt particularly small, and he turned slightly so he could nuzzle the crown of Vanyel’s hair softly. His heart felt tight and suddenly he didn’t want to go anywhere, didn’t want to return to his solitary room and his narrow bed. He hesitated, licking his lips, then asked, “Would you mind if I stayed tonight?”
He could practically feel their brilliant smiles. “We’d like nothing better,” Tylendel assured him. Then he nudged him lightly in the ribs. “We should get cleaned up and get under the blankets. And the two of us have another early morning tomorrow, but you’re welcome to take your time waking up.”
Vanyel stretched against him, slow and sensuous. “We really do keep the most unholy hours. They don’t tell people that when they talk about the Companion’s Choice, but I swear sometimes we got more sleep when we were down on the border.”
“There are a lot fewer meetings with stuffy nobles down on the border,” ‘Lendel pointed out with a yawn, giving Stef a gentle squeeze before he got up to fetch some handkerchiefs and a jug of water. He took a long swallow, then offered the jug to Stef as he leaned in to start gently wiping Vanyel clean. Van hummed softly, relaxing further as his lover saw to him, his head still nestled on Stefen’s shoulder. “We certainly don’t want to force you to keep our hours, though.”
Stef took a long swallow from the jug and smiled. “I appreciate that. Honestly, my new schedule is exhausting enough without waking up earlier than I have to. Especially on the days the Healers manage to catch me.”
“You’re using your Gift all the time,” Vanyel said vaguely as he took the jug from Stefen and passed him a clean handkerchief. “Probably a lot more than you’re used to. Of course that’s exhausting.”
“Huh?” Stef paused in cleaning himself up, peering at Vanyel in confusion. “Why would that be tiring me out?”
“Using Gifts uses energy,” Tylendel said, sounding surprised. “Don’t they teach you anything over at Bardic?” He paused and sighed. “Of course, the number of times that Van has worn himself to a thread, you’d think no one ever told him that, either.”
Vanyel looked very much like he’d like to throw a handkerchief at Tylendel. “I’m the only one who can do what I do,” he said primly. “I don’t wear myself out needlessly.”
Tylendel snorted and reached out to take the water jug from Vanyel. “Whatever you say, ashke. Come on, let’s get ourselves tucked in. We need to get some sleep, and dawn comes early.”
Chapter Text
Tylendel always came awake a little more slowly than Vanyel, with a slight period of transition between sleep and wakefulness. He shifted slowly, a smile on his lips; he was half-tangled with Stefen as they sprawled together over most of the bed, and one of his arms was tossed over the Bard’s stomach, Vanyel clasping his hand as he lay snuggled against their young lover’s side. Van always slept better in company than alone, and it delighted ‘Lendel to see how peaceful his lifebonded looked at the moment. Like somehow Stefen was just what they needed.
As nice as this was, however, he and Vanyel needed to get up. Duty called, and it was rare that they had an opportunity to lounge in bed in the morning. It would have been nice to have a leisurely morning with Stefen, and ‘Lendel was sure they would get one eventually, but this wasn’t going to be that morning.
With a soft sigh, ‘Lendel stretched again and reached out mentally for Vanyel. :Ashke? It’s time to wake up, love.:
Vanyel grumbled softly but came awake all at once, squeezing Tylendel’s hand as he shifted against Stefen. The lovely, lithe Herald-Mage peered at the delicate redhead he was curled up against, blushing prettily, and ‘Lendel chuckled softly. :Van, dearest, are you really going to blush over a little cuddling? After last night? After what we’ve been doing since we met him?:
Vanyel ducked his head and bit his lower lip, then peered across Stefen at Tylendel. :It’s just all so surreal. ‘Lendel, I - why does this feel so right?:
That was the question, wasn’t it? Tylendel turned his attention briefly to Stefen, watching the young Bard sleep. He did fit with the pair of them in a way that ‘Lendel hadn’t expected, and Stef was a welcome addition to their lives. :I don’t know why, love, but I’m hardly objecting. He does fit with us quite nicely, though, doesn’t he?:
It had been a little odd, letting go for Stefen the night before. ‘Lendel was so used to Vanyel wanting him to be in control that it hadn’t occurred to him before that Stef might want to be dominant simply because that was what he liked. Not that Tylendel thought he’d ever want to yield to the point that Vanyel liked to, but it had been nice to let Stefen take the lead a little and take what he wanted.
:I suppose he does,: Vanyel sighed. :I - I suppose I almost wish this could be - more permanent. But that would hardly be fair to him.:
That was a startling admission, but after his initial shock, Tylendel had to admit it made sense. After all, he was the only man Van had ever been with before this, and his bondmate did tend to put his whole heart into everything he did. Of course he felt connected to Stefen. Of course he didn’t know how to do anything but put himself into this completely.
What was surprising was that Tylendel felt the same way.
:He has been a lovely addition to our lives,: Tylendel agreed. Stefen was enjoyable company as well as being a great deal of fun in bed. Tylendel liked the young man and already considered him a friend. Honestly, he felt like he was at least as close to Stefen as he had been to most of the handful of lovers he’d had before meeting Van … and closer than he’d been to some. :I wouldn’t mind him staying around long-term, but I also don’t want to stop him from going after someone else if that will make him happy.:
:I do want him to be happy,: Vanyel agreed with a sigh. He sat up slowly, careful as he disentangled himself from Stefen, and turned to put his feet on the floor. :I don’t want to hold him back from anything else, but I - I don’t want to let him go, either.:
Tylendel understood that all too well. He gazed down at Stefen for a moment, at the way the young man was sleeping so peacefully, sprawled across the bed as though he owned it, and ‘Lendel sighed. :All we can do is offer him a place with us as long as he wants it, ashke. Then when he does want to leave … then, all we can do is let him go.:
With another sigh, Tylendel extracted himself from Stefen and sat up as well, running his hands through his silver-streaked curls. He heard Vanyel stand and looked up to watch as his lifebonded walked over to pick up their discarded clothes from the night before, laying Stefen’s neatly over the arm of the settee and depositing theirs in the hamper before proceeding to the wardrobe. Vanyel was a truly beautiful man, and ‘Lendel let his gaze linger as his beloved pulled out a fresh set of Whites. :I almost never get to see you in anything with color anymore.:
Vanyel glanced over his shoulder, and his lips twitched in suppressed amusement. :Unfortunately, ashke, the uniform comes with the job.:
:I miss my peacock sometimes,: Tylendel commented, standing and going over to wrap his arms around Vanyel from behind, resting his chin on his lover’s shoulder. :At least you do still know how to dress dramatically when you have occasion to wear something other than Whites.:
With a soft, warm chuckle, Vanyel leaned his head briefly against Tylendel’s. :You just like it when I dress up for you. Not that you let me keep anything on longer than you have to …:
:Why would I when your skin is so pretty?: Tylendel turned his head slightly, brushing his lips against Vanyel’s neck. :Come on, let’s get dressed, love. With any luck, Stef will still be in our bed when we get back.:
Stef woke slowly, stretching in the large, soft bed. The bed clearly wasn’t his - but he knew right where he was. He’d woken here once before, the morning after the first night he’d bedded Vanyel and Tylendel. It really was a very lovely bed -
But Stefen had barely started to appreciate it when the sound of muted conversation reached his ears. The young Bard propped himself up on his elbows, peering at the two Herald-Mages where they were seated in the two armchairs, already in pristine Whites and eating what looked like a leisurely breakfast.
His own Scarlets, he noticed, were tidily folded over the arm of the settee.
Tylendel noticed he was awake first and smiled at him, lifting a hand to beckon him over. “Good morning. We had some time between meetings, and we thought you might like a little late breakfast. Well - late for us, anyway.” He glanced toward the window, the curtains opened just enough to see a slice of blue sky outside. “I believe most people consider this to be a completely reasonable hour for their morning repast.”
Stefen eyed the two men warily, then nodded and slipped out of bed, completely unbothered by his nakedness. He ran his hands back through his sunset curls in a vague attempt to tame them, then strode over to his clothes and started pulling them on. “I - thank you. That does look good.”
Once he had his breeches and shirt on, the shirt only half laced, Stef dropped onto the settee and grabbed a bun - still hot! - off the tray on the low table. He smiled as Vanyel passed him a steaming mug of tea, wondering again at how a man who was so commanding in public could look so demure behind closed doors.
He was fairly certain breakfast wasn’t going to lead to sex, not if the other two men had more meetings after they ate, but Stef supposed they could all make it through a companionable morning after meal without things turning awkward.
“We really do keep the most unreasonable hours,” Vanyel said diffidently as he shifted back into his seat to get back to his own breakfast. “Up early, home late, and mostly busy in between. We try to carve out a little time for ourselves, but it isn’t always easy.”
Tylendel chuckled and lifted his own mug to take a gulp of his tea. “We’re lucky we’re both stationed in Haven. When we were younger, we sometimes went months without seeing each other. They do try to station lifebonded pairs together, but they’re more successful with some than with others. Mardic and Donni are lucky that they’re far more effective together than separately, but unfortunately, Vanyel and I are powerful enough individually that we were rarely needed in the same place at the same time. Especially Vanyel; there never has been much he couldn’t take care of on his own.”
Vanyel blushed faintly behind his thick ceramic mug. “I just do what I have to do.”
“He always says that,” Tylendel told Stefen. “Never mind that Savil and I are the closest behind him in power, and he could easily overpower both of us together.”
“It isn’t as though my magical strength has anything to do with anything I did. It’s something I was born with, just like the color of my eyes.”
“Which is equally notable.” Tylendel smiled fondly at Vanyel, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. “But enough about us - how are you doing, Stefen? You slept well, I hope?”
“I slept very well,” Stef answered with a cocky smile. Between the excellent sex and the amazing bed, Stefen felt entirely rested. He wouldn’t mind more nights like that -
But he wasn’t sure he should ask for more. The gods knew he shouldn’t get used to this. Eventually, he wouldn’t be a novelty anymore, and Tylendel and Vanyel would get bored with him.
He did, he thought, believe them when they claimed to care for him. Still, caring was hardly the same as a lifebond, and Stef could never hope to compete with what Vanyel and Tylendel already shared. He would always be a third wheel at best. He wanted that not to matter, and he didn’t know why it did.
“My new schedule is keeping me busy,” he continued quickly, “but I’m managing. I suppose I need to find a better way to put off the Healers, though, if using my Gift is what’s draining me so much. I certainly can’t cut the time that I’m playing for the King at all.”
“Just tell the Healers they can observe while you play for Randi,” Tylendel suggested around a mouthful of breakfast; that earned him a sharp look from Vanyel, and he swallowed and then grinned cheekily at the other Herald-Mage. “You might as well be doing some good while they’re observing you. It might even work better that way.”
Stef nodded, accepting the advice silently. It was probably good advice, even. At the very least, he could see how it would save him trouble and apparently energy if the Healers just watched when he was already using his Gift anyway. That suggestion was more proof that the older pair were trying to take care of him, at least to some extent - but that’s actually their job, isn’t it? Vanyel was supposed to be Stefen’s keeper around Court, and this sort of thing surely was something he was supposed to be doing.
It was too easy to dismiss their kindness as something they had to do, not something they wanted to do.
But what about the night before? They hadn’t needed to focus on him like that. They could have continued focusing more on Vanyel’s wants and needs and on how Stefen and Tylendel could drive him wild - which was enjoyable, but it had been very nice to have the two older men completely intent on him and what he wanted.
The whole situation was confusing.
The two Herald-Mages seemed content to let him lapse into silence for a moment, not pushing for more. Not that the silence lasted long before Vanyel sighed and looked down at his empty plate. “Well, you two may be able to lounge around a little longer, but I have to go. Duty.” He smiled wryly at the other two men and stood, leaning in to kiss Tylendel softly. He hesitated a moment, then bent to kiss Stefen as well, letting his lips linger. “I’ll see you both at Court later. And, Stefen, of course, you’re welcome to join us for dinner tonight.”
“Just dinner?” Stef couldn’t help teasing, arching an eyebrow suggestively.
Vanyel blushed brilliantly and cleared his throat, then hesitated before he turned to go. “Tonight, then.”
There was silence when the door closed, and Stef busied himself with his tea, pretending that he wasn’t watching ‘Lendel out of the corner of his eye. The man was handsome: tall and well-muscled, his tousled curls an even mix of silver and gold, his eyes that curious shade of pewter. Tylendel finished off his own tea and placed the mug on the table, turning deliberately toward Stefen.
“You are welcome to stick around if you want,” Tylendel said, calm as anything. “I’ve actually got a couple of candlemarks before I have to be anywhere.”
Stefen raised an eyebrow again. “I need some time to bathe and put on a fresh uniform before Court, but I’m free for the moment.”
Tylendel smiled broadly, running a hand back through his curls, and leaned back lazily in his chair. His eyes ran easily over Stefen’s figure, lingering, and the young Bard grinned impudently. This was different than Vanyel’s light, subtle flirting; Tylendel’s desires were bold and obvious … and Stefen was not opposed.
He didn’t have to be in court until midmorning, after all, and there were candlemarks until then. Plenty of time for them to have their fun and for him to bathe after.
Stef stretched slowly and then stood and languidly made his way over to Tylendel. He paused, gazing down at the Herald-Mage, then cupped his cheek and leaned in for a lingering kiss. Stefen let his eyes slip closed and his lips part, feeling Tylendel’s mouth open under his. Their tongues met, exploring, testing each other.
There was something strangely exciting about this, something that made Stefen’s heart flutter in his chest. Oh, Vanyel was delicious, but Tylendel was a mystery far harder to piece together. He knew what Van wanted to some extent. Not so Tylendel.
As Stef pulled slowly back from the kiss, he grinned at Tylendel and licked his lips. Yes, this was going to be a great deal of fun, and Stefen looked forward to seeing where it led.
Other than, of course, back into the Herald-Mages’ bed.
Lazily, Stefen moved to straddle Tylendel’s lap, letting their bodies brush lightly against each other. Kernos’s balls, Stef loved this, loved feeling another man against his body. He let his hands trail down Tylendel’s sides, grinding against him as the Herald-Mage gasped softly and tipped his head back against the chair. A thrill ran through Stefen as he realized Tylendel intended to continue to show him the more yielding side of himself he’d revealed the night before.
Stefen smirked and slipped his hands up the front of ‘Lendel’s chest, holding his gaze as he unlaced his tunic and pulled it off, then continued with he laces of the Herald-Mage’s shirt. Once he had the older man stripped to the waist, Stefen leaned in to press his lips to his jaw, to slide them down his neck, to nip at his collarbone, and then he flicked his tongue against the taut point of his nipple. Tylendel inhaled sharply, hands coming up to thread his fingers into Stefen’s vibrant curls, holding him close but not demanding anything.
Gods. Stefen pressed tighter against Tylendel, rubbing his body against the older man as he let his fingers explore his body. The planes of his muscles were firm, the feel of his breathing as it changed under Stefen’s hands intoxicating. The hitch in his breath, the way his body tensed just noticeably - Stef was the cause of that, and it thrilled him.
The Bard rocked slowly against Tylendel, gasping softly as his body rubbed against the older man’s. His lips caressed ‘Lendel’s neck, then he nipped sharply at his shoulder, feeling him gasp. He was delicious, sensual, and for the moment - all Stefen’s.
This was thrilling, but it felt strange. Tylendel hadn’t had a new lover since he was sixteen and had gone into Vanyel’s room that long-ago night to soothe his nightmare. He’d forgotten what it was like to be with someone new, the excitement of it.
They were unhurried so far, still exploring each other, feeling out what the other wanted and what they wanted to receive. It reminded Tylendel a little of the early days with Vanyel, when they’d been discovering each other and Vanyel had been learning his own desires. It wasn’t the same, of course; Stefen clearly already knew what he liked.
“Vanyel won’t be upset?” Stefen’s voice was almost distracted, like his attention was more on Tylendel than on what Vanyel might think of what they were doing.
‘Lendel smiled, his hands resting on the younger man’s hips. “You think he didn’t know what we would do when he left us here?” Vanyel had been fully aware of Tylendel’s intentions, and he’d known Stefen would likely be receptive. He was, from the feel of him forever nestled in Tylendel’s mind, nervous about this - but also full of fluttering acceptance that something unforeseen was happening between the three of them. “He knew before he walked out the door.”
Stef nodded slightly, calloused fingers sliding up Tylendel’s chest to brush lightly over his nipples and continue upward, palms resting on his shoulders with his thumbs brushing lightly against the front of Herald-Mage’s throat.
He could Feel Stefen’s curiosity and uncertainty balanced against definite interest as clearly as he could feel the Bard’s eyes drinking him in. The young man looked beautiful, and Tylendel’s eyes traced the freckles dotted down his neck and chest, his shirt unlaced past his navel and exposing the beginning of a narrow trail of fine red hairs leading further downward. Tylendel felt a certain amount of hesitation alongside his own thrill of anticipation. He didn’t know how they were going to proceed, which was both exciting and a little disquieting.
“And you want this?” Stefen’s tone was a mix of desire and uncertainty, seeking reassurance that Tylendel wanted this as much as he did. His lips brushed against the side of ‘Lendel’s jaw almost experimentally, as though he was unsure how to proceed.
“I want you,” Tylendel confirmed with a breathy edge to his voice. He was unsure how they fit together, but the idea of finding out delighted him. Stefen was so very different from Vanyel …
Stefen smirked, nuzzling Tylendel’s jawline before nipping roughly at the side of his neck. ‘Lendel’s breath caught slightly; the newness of this was exciting. There was so much to learn about the redhead, so much to explore. It was clear already that Stefen liked to take the lead, something Tylendel wasn’t used to, but which certainly had its own attraction. It was different. Exciting.
For a brief moment, Tylendel was struck with the strangeness of the situation. He was lifebonded, and yet here he was, shirtless with another man straddling his lap. He’d had his share of fantasies about threesomes and such, especially after he and Vanyel had started their training in k’Treva, but it had always been thoughts of situations where Vanyel was with him. To be alone with Stefen was strange, surreal … but there was something about the young Bard that made it make a strange sort of sense. ‘Lendel just couldn’t quite put his finger on what.
The young Master Bard pulled back slightly, tugging his shirt off and tossing it to the side, and then he was back, his lips on Tylendel’s in a demanding kiss, one hand tangled roughly in the Herald-Mage’s light curls. ‘Lendel gasped against the younger man’s lips, reveling in the newness of it all, his hands sliding up his sides and around to his back, feeling his skin as he pulled him closer.
They needed to find their balance still, but gods, Stefen felt good against him. Tylendel let his eyes slip closed, his body rocking gently against the young man on top of him. Stef pressed his hips tight against Tylendel’s and rubbed slowly against him, languidly dragging his lips down the side of the older man’s neck.
There was a feeling of tension in the air, of hesitation. It was clear that neither of them knew quite how to proceed, but they both wanted this. He could feel Stefen’s desire pressing hard against his own, and he groaned softly as the Bard pulled back just far enough to break the contact, the Herald-Mage’s hips rising to chase the sensation.
Stef chuckled, a surprisingly rich sound, and brushed his lips lightly against Tylendel’s. “We might want to get comfortable.”
Tylendel grinned, leaning his head back into the chair for a moment and watching as Stefen stood. His eyes lingered on the younger man’s lithe form as Stef slipped out of his pants and underclothes, then reached out a hand for Tylendel. He took the offered hand and let Stefen pull him to his feet, let the young man undo the laces of his breeches as he kicked off his boots, and let him strip him bare.
It was odd yet delightful to have Stefen leading him toward the bed for all the world as if it was his own. The young Master Bard lay back on the bed, pulling Tylendel down to straddle him, and then reached up to pull him down into a heated kiss.
This was surreal. Stefen had Tylendel naked in bed with him, his legs spread as he straddled the younger man’s hips. The lithe, redheaded Bard let his fingers tangle lightly in Tylendel’s curls, not tugging but just holding the other man close as he kissed him more fiercely as he pressed up against the older man, their hard cocks sliding against each other and making a shared gasp mingle against their lips.
He still didn’t know where this was going to end; he didn’t know what Tylendel would be open to. Stefen knew what he wanted - what he fantasized about - but it was clear which role Tylendel was accustomed to with Vanyel.
“I want you,” Stefen breathed, sliding one hand down Tylendel’s back, his fingers brushing over the curve of the other man’s ass. He felt a fluttery, nervous excitement at having avowed that desire, one that seemed strangely shared. They didn’t have to, of course. There were plenty of other ways they could find pleasure together, and Stefen was willing to backstep and follow one of those paths instead. But the idea of being inside Tylendel … that was an idea that struck a deep cord of desire in Stefen.
Tylendel hesitated, pewter eyes dark with want, then shifted so that Stefen’s cock slipped behind his plums, pressing against the tender flesh there. “I think that can be arranged,” he answered, his voice oddly soft. He didn’t have to say it had been a while - Stefen had been with Vanyel enough times, both with Tylendel and the once alone, that he knew that without being told. Gods, it’s probably been years.
Stef propped himself up, pushing gently into a seated position with his hands on ‘Lendel’s hips. It hadn’t been particularly long for Stefen, merely a matter of months, and he knew something of what Tylendel would need.
“Pillow,” he murmured, nuzzling against the side of ‘Lendel’s jaw. He nudged the other man, urging him gently to roll over and smiling as Tylendel moved with him. It would be enjoyable to let Tylendel have him as well, but at the moment, he desperately wanted this.
‘Lendel reached up almost lazily, grabbing a pillow and letting Stefen tuck it under his lower back to position his hips at a better angle. The Herald-Mage proffered a vial of massage oil that he’d seemingly pulled from the air, and Stefen took it almost reverently. The air was thick with mutual excitement hedged by trepidation; if this didn’t work for them … it has to.
Softly, Stefen trailed his lips and tongue down Tylendel’s chest, his teeth scraping lightly over the older man’s nipple and making him gasp and arch slightly toward him. He continued lower, his tongue tracing around ‘Lendel’s navel, his lips pressing against the head of his cock as he opened the vial of oil and generously coated his fingers.
Tylendel gave a sharp gasp as Stefen’s mouth slid down over his cock as his calloused fingertips caught on his tight hole was intoxicating, and Stefen focused eagerly on coaxing more breathy sounds out of the older man.
It had been a very long time since Tylendel had been in this position. He was on his back with his knees up and open, his feet resting against the bed as his fingers tangled in Stefen’s sunset curls. The Bard’s talented mouth was on his hard cock, slick fingers skillfully massaging his hole. He and Vanyel did do things this way on occasion, but it was terribly uncommon for them. Vanyel liked what he liked - and Tylendel was distantly aware of his beloved trying to press more shields between the two of them, trying to block out his sense of what Tylendel was feeling.
At the moment, Tylendel’s focus was on Stefen, on the way the other man’s mouth and fingers felt, on the sense he had of the Bard’s carefully contained eagerness. There was more than that, brushes of emotions too quickly suppressed for ‘Lendel to properly identify, but at the moment, little mattered outside their mutual caring and desires.
Tylendel gave another abrupt gasp as Stef slowly probed at his hole with a deft finger. He slid his slick digit carefully in and out of the older man, slipping in a little deeper with each pass, carefully urging Tylendel’s body to open for him. He groaned, warm and throaty, as Stefen’s tongue teased his length, his legs relaxing, easy and open for the young Bard. This was not what he’d seen from Stefen with Vanyel, not the rough and domineering young man that gave his lover exactly what he wanted. This was a softer side of Stefen, seeking connection as much as pleasure.
A second finger slipped into Tylendel and was met with a gasp, then a sharp cry as Stef found that place inside him that made pleasure shoot through him. As much as he appreciated Stefen trying to take his time and make sure ‘Lendel was comfortable, he was getting impatient, his hips rising to meet the Bard’s lips and fingers, their mingled desire building and begging for fulfillment.
“Stars, Stef - another,” Tylendel gasped breathily, his head tipped back into the mattress, his fingers tugging lightly at Stefen’s curls. He did his best to force himself to relax further. There was something strangely natural about this, about having Stefen touch him like this, something that tugged at ‘Lendel’s consciousness before dissipating under the waves of building pleasure. He groaned in delight as Stefen complied, stretching Tylendel around his fingers.
Stefen shifted slowly, raising his head and letting Tylendel’s hard cock slide out from between his lips, brushing a soft kiss against the velvet head. He met Tylendel’s gaze, looking very much like he wanted to say something but was at a loss for words.
There was a moment’s hesitation, a careful heartbeat of something being weighed between them, and then Tylendel nodded decisively.
The Bard smiled precariously, grabbing the vial and uncorking it again, pooring oil over his length and slicking his cock with one hand as he continued to slowly tease Tylendel’s hole with the other. Then he slid his fingers out of the older man and lined himself up to press the head of his cock against his enterance.
They were both breathing heavily as Stef pressed slowly inside with steady, tiny thrusts. Stefen braced one hand against the bed, the other hand wrapping around Tylendel’s thigh, holding him gently. ‘Lendel did his best to breathe with Stefen’s movements, to stay relaxed, to accept the younger man into his body.
He didn’t remember it being this intense, other than the rare times he’d done this with Vanyel.
Finally, finally, Stefen was sheathed fully inside Tylendel. The two of them were still for a long moment, just breathing together, their eyes locked. Tylendel gazed up into the younger man’s wide hazel eyes, a strange thrill running through him, a haze of lust and tangled emotion clouding his mind. Then he nodded again, his fingers slipping out of Stefen’s hair to caress his back with firm fingertips and settle on his hips.
Stef met the nod with a smile and started gently thrusting, soft, shallow movements to give Tylendel plenty of time to adjust. ‘Lendel slid his hands back up to Stefen’s shoulders, pulling the lovely young man closer, claiming his lips in a heated kiss. As unused to this as he was, he knew he’d be sore after, but this was more than worth a little discomfort.
This was mad. Stefen’s heart was fluttering strangely as he picked up his pace slightly, gasping against Tylendel’s lips as he did his best to keep control of himself. ‘Lendel felt amazing, meeting Stefen’s gentle thrusts as they slowly increased in intensity, their hips moving in slow waves as their pleasure built. This was different than being with Vanyel, but no less intense, no less heady. Stefen didn’t know what it was about the two Herald-Mages that drove him to such acute desire, such ardent passion, but he didn’t want to let it go.
“Gods, this is -” Stef didn’t know how to finish that sentence. He felt like he and Tylendel were strangely knotted together, like they were truly connected, truly sharing this. The only person he’d ever felt anything like this with before was - Vanyel. What is it about these two?
“I know,” ‘Lendel murmured, a strange light of wonder in his pewter eyes. “Touch me, I - gods, I want this.”
They both were practically insensible. Stefen slid his hand from Tylendel’s thigh, his fingertips brushing against the Herald-Mage’s length before he wrapped his palm around it, reveling in the feel of the hard cock in his hand as he started stroking him slowly.
Tylendel groaned, his hips moving in response to Stefen’s thrusts and the motion of his hand, his fingers digging pleasantly into the younger man’s shoulder blades. Stefen’s eyes fluttered closed briefly, then blinked open in wonder. There was a light of the same in Tylendel’s gaze, of something more than mere desire.
He knew, somehow, that the other man was close. Maybe it was the breathy gasps, or a slight stutter in his movements, but neither of them was going to last much longer. Stefen leaned in to catch Tylendel’s lips again, to kiss him slowly, savoring his breath as they sighed their way to their mutual release.
Trembling, Stefen let himself collapse slowly on top of Tylendel, his head pillowed on the older man’s shoulder as their breathing slowed. He wasn’t the only one, either; as ‘Lendel reached up to smooth Stef’s brilliant curls back from his face, his hands were shaking slightly as well.
It was all so much, and Stef turned to press his face against the side of ‘Lendel’s neck, holding the other man close. Gods, what was he going to do when Vanyel and ‘Lendel decided they were done with him?
Chapter Text
There was no question of what Stefen and Tylendel were going to do with him gone. Well, he didn’t know the specifics, but he knew they would be intimate. He couldn’t begrudge Tylendel that, not after he’d arranged for Vanyel to be alone with Stefen, but he couldn’t help but be nervous about the notion of his lifebonded going to bed with another man.
He knew his anxiety was unfounded. ‘Lendel would always love him, always want him. Still, the idea of not being the one to fulfill all of his lifebonded’s desires was strange and a little alarming. Vague, half-formed what-ifs tried to flit through Vanyel’s mind, and it took an act of will and determination not to let himself focus on them. He had other things he needed to concentrate on, and he couldn’t do anything else at the moment to calm his nerves anyway.
It certainly didn’t seem like Stef and ‘Lendel were wasting any time. Vanyel was all too aware of his beloved’s stirring interest, of the locus of Tylendel’s attraction being focused on their young lover. That was certainly something that Vanyel understood. He didn’t know how to describe Stefen properly, not in any way that didn’t seem wholly inadequate, but he did understand the deep attraction that they both had for him. By the time Vanyel took his seat for the Council meeting, he could tell that his lovers were starting to get started in earnest. As he Felt Tylendel’s building anticipation, Vanyel carefully laid a shield between himself and his lifebonded, intent on concentrating on the meeting. He fully expected it to be both long and dull.
At first, that was just what Vanyel got. The Council meeting, as expected, began with a long, drawn-out, sonorous speech by one of the noble members of the Council. Vanyel tried not to let himself be distracted by what he knew was happening back in the room he shared with Tylendel; his attention was needed here and now. He could go to Tylendel after, could make sure everything was still all right before their arranged meeting with Stefen that evening.
Vanyel’s shields must have slipped, though, because he suddenly Felt the heat of outside lust blended with trembling uncertainty. Whatever ‘Lendel was up to with Stefen, it was clear he both wanted it and was unsure about what was happening. But nerves solidified into decision as desire won out, and Vanyel had to bite back a gasp at the feel of fingers intimately touching his lifebonded.
They were not, of course, always aware of the other’s body. That would have been even more impractical than lifebonds already were. But that was something they were used to sharing in intimate moments; Tylendel must be doing so reflexively now. Trying to pretend he was not at all distracted, Vanyel tried to strengthen the shield between himself and his beloved, and when that didn’t work, he tried to layer more on top, to block out what Stef and ‘Lendel were doing, the sense of fingers playing at his hole.
He was aware that ‘Lendel liked things that way sometimes, but he was a little caught off his guard that he wanted to do it with Stefen. It made sense after his fleeting surprise, but Vanyel hadn’t expected it. He definitely didn’t expect to feel like Stefen’s fingers were in him.
Stefen was being careful with ‘Lendel, trying not to go too fast or too hard. Vanyel knew that level of tenderness; he felt it himself when he was with Tylendel in that way. He struggled to pull himself back from the sensations in his head and his body, the clear awareness of ‘Lendel being patiently stretched, both parties filled with heady delight.
“… and I am sure that the Heralds will agree …”
He couldn’t concentrate on the Council, no matter how much he tried to shield ‘Lendel out. He was getting frantic now, doing his best to block his lifebond. Still, he could Feel Stefen enter Tylendel, Feel the way he thrust carefully, both of them lost in the sheer intensity of the moment.
The phantom sense of a fine cock sliding into him was potent enough to make Vanyel shudder for all that he tried to suppress his reactions. He didn’t know why he couldn’t block ‘Lendel out - why this was so much. Of course, he’d never been in quite this situation before, never been rooms away while Tylendel was in bed with someone else. He could tell how badly Stefen wanted this to be good. He wasn’t being rough, not the way he’d been with Vanyel, but this was how Tylendel liked it - soft and slow and easy - it was the way he had Vanyel take him on the rare occasion they did this.
Vaguely, Vanyel was grateful for the table in the council chamber. He was as hard as a rock under the surface of it, his cock straining at the fabric of his breeches as he tried futilely to block out the sense of his beloved being fucked by their lover. Gods, he wanted - he wanted - he could feel their finish, and he tried to catch his breath, glad that he hadn’t finished as well.
Of course, that left him with a throbbing erection as he tried to catch up with what was happening in the Council meeting, hoping that he hadn’t missed anything important, and that he could manage to calm down by the time he had to leave the table.
While the physical signs of how affected Vanyel had been by Stef and ‘Lendel’s lovemaking had dissipated by the time the Council meeting was over, that didn’t stop him from seeking out his lifebonded in their room the moment he was free. He didn’t have any words for what he was feeling. He certainly wasn’t upset, but there was something - and whatever it was, it was buried under his physical neediness at the moment. As soon as the door of their room closed, Vanyel turned toward his beloved, twining his arms around his neck and pulling him in for a heated kiss. Tylendel responded in kind, kissing Vanyel demandingly, thrusting his tongue into his mouth and claiming what was his. Vanyel whimpered needily, pressing tightly against his beloved, aching for Tylendel.
‘Lendel didn’t make him say anything, didn’t make him ask for it; he just slid his hands down Vanyel’s back, gripped his ass, and pulled him close. Van rubbed shamelessly against the taller man, body alight with desire, insistent cock uncomfortably confined by his breeches. Tylendel moved to kiss the side of his jaw, his neck, his fingers sliding back up and around to attack the laces of Vanyel’s Whites. Vanyel gasped and moved to unlace his lifebonded’s clothes as well, beyond eager to have Tylendel inside of him, to be pinned to the bed and fucked roughly, for the pure physical connection of it. He couldn’t get the two of them out of their clothes fast enough. His fingers slipped over Tylendel’s skin as it was exposed, reveling in the feel of it, the familiar planes of his muscles and the lines of his scars. Vanyel grasped his lover’s cock with a soft whine of want, silver eyes dark with lust as he gazed up at his beloved.
“So eager for me,” Tylendel murmured, a smile on his lips. His fingers grasped Van’s ass again, teasing at his crack, making him whimper. “To the bed.”
“Wherever you want me,” Vanyel breathed, chest rising and falling quickly as he pulled reluctantly back and turned to the bed, dropping onto the blankets and gazing heatedly up at his lifebonded. Tylendel smiled warmly, striding slowly over to the bed, Fetching their vial of massage oil as he positioned himself between Vanyel’s eagerly spread legs. He knew what Vanyel needed, knew how he wanted it right now, and he oiled his fingers efficiently and quickly worked them into Vanyel’s hole. Van gasped at his lover’s rough touch, arched up toward Tylendel, then moaned and bit his lower lip as his beloved pulled his fingers out and oiled his cock.
The first push of Tylendel’s thick length into his body made Vanyel moan again, head thrown back into the mattress and fingers grasping the blanket. ‘Lendel grasped his wrists and pressed them into the bed, the snap of his hips fast and immediate, making Vanyel’s legs shake. “Please - oh gods, ‘Lendel, please -”
‘Lendel pressed a soft kiss to Vanyel’s forehead, incongruous with the way he was fucking his lifebonded, holding his beloved down, pinning him to reality as his cock was making him fall to pieces. He cried out, his body alight with pleasure, tensing as he spilled between them and Tylendel filled him with his seed. They collapsed together, panting, and Tylendel brushed Van’s fine hair back from his face and kissed his forehead again, then his lips, soft and tender. “What got you all worked up, ashke?”
Vanyel blushed and coughed, biting his lower lip before he admitted in a soft voice, “I had trouble shielding you out earlier.”
“Ah. I thought I felt you trying to block us out, but I didn’t realize we were leaking that badly.”
“It was worse than just leaking,” Vanyel admitted. “I think you were unconsciously projecting.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry, love.” He pressed another kiss to Vanyel’s lips, his cheeks, his forehead. “Not that I object to being greeted like that.”
Vanyel smiled softly, nuzzling the side of ‘Lendel’s neck affectionately. “You always know how to give me exactly what I need.”
“And what you want as well,” Tylendel murmured, his hands sliding gently down Vanyel’s sides. “Unfortunately, ashke, we do have to get cleaned up and dressed again; you have to be in Court soon.” He hesitated. “Do you still want Stef to come by tonight?”
With a fierce blush, Vanyel nodded shyly. Gods, what was wrong with him that he wanted Stefen so badly? And it was more than just desire; he cared so intensely for the young Bard that it was slightly unnerving. “Ashke - I think I might love him.”
Tylendel was silent for a moment, just holding Vanyel, and then he gave an almost imperceptible nod. “I think I might, too.”
Stefen had no sooner finished his bath and returned to his room when he’d been hit with an irresistible wave of heat. His thoughts had inevitably turned to Vanyel and Tylendel, to the way Vanyel was so eager to be dominated and ‘Lendel had given himself up so sweetly earlier in the morning. Touching himself relieved his immediate desires, but it was never anywhere near as satisfactory as actually being with the two older men. But there was later for that; he had already received a ‘dinner’ invitation for that night, one he was very much looking forward to.
He’d barely cleaned himself up and pulled on his smallclothes and breeches when a tentative knock sounded on his door. Stef hesitated, then went to open it. When he saw Medren nervously standing in his doorway, the relief that washed over Stefen was nearly palpable.
“Come in,” he said, trying to suppress his nerves. He and Medren had not parted on the best of terms, and he very much wanted to smooth things over with his best friend … but not if that meant giving up his pseudo-relationship with Vanyel and Tylendel. He was afraid that might be what it took to put things right between them, and it wasn’t something he was willing to let happen a moment before he had to.
Medren hesitated, then stepped into the room they’d shared until a couple of days ago, looking around like he was unsure how to take the changes in the space. The now extraneous furniture had been moved out, and Stefen had been supplied with a larger desk and a nicer rug, a couple of nods to his otherwise mostly ignored new status. The room was otherwise pretty much unchanged; there was only so much to do with the sparse furnishings.
“How are you adjusting to having a little privacy?” Medren asked awkwardly as the door shut behind him. He hesitated, then claimed Stef’s desk chair; Stefen took the bed for himself.
“It’s fine, I suppose,” Stefen answered, glancing around his room. He felt oddly distanced from the space that had been his for years; without Medren there, he actually felt more at home in Vanyel and Tylendel’s room. Which was definitely not his home. It was theirs. Still, Stef felt oddly comfortable there, and he’d loved sleeping in their bed the night before … “I haven’t really been here much.”
They both winced when he said that. He really shouldn’t shove the fact that he was fucking Medren’s uncles in his best friend’s face.
“Ah, your - social engagements - are going well?”
Stef jumped slightly at that question. He hadn’t expected Medren to want to discuss that at all. Actually, he’d been quite certain that topic would be politely ignored. “They’re going well,” Stefen answered warily. “You’re not upset about it?”
Medren shook his head, looking weary. “I don’t particularly like it, and I don’t understand it at all, but you’re all three adults, and you know they’re lifebonded. It isn’t like any of you are going into this blind.”
Letting out a breath, Stefen felt his shoulders begin to unknot. “It’s complicated because of that, but it also means that we all know where we stand,” he explained earnestly. “I’m never really going to be a part of things, and it’s never going to be anything but temporary.”
Why did that hurt so much?
Medren was eyeing him speculatively, as though he heard something Stef wasn’t saying. Stefen watched his friend curiously, wondering what he’d accidentally let slip. Medren knew him better than anyone, and if Stefen was going to accidentally tip someone off about something, it would definitely be Medren.
“You’ve gotten … attached. Haven’t you?”
Stef shifted uncomfortably. He didn’t want to admit it, but - “Maybe a little. I know I shouldn’t, but - there’s something about them.”
Medren’s speculative gaze lingered, blatantly assessing Stefen. “You’ve never gotten attached to any of your other lovers.”
He flinched. “Do I even get to call them that?” The words came out far more bitter than he intended them to, and Stef tried to rein himself in. “It’s a very temporary situation,” he said more smoothly. “With them being lifebonded, they won’t want me around for very long.”
“It’s been, what, nine days?” He waited for Stefen’s nod, then continued, “They’re not going to want you to be hurt over this. Maybe you should talk to them about how you feel about what’s happening.”
“It isn’t like whatever I’m feeling is going to measure up to a lifebond.” That bitterness was back in his tone; Stef ruthlessly shoved it aside. “I’ll just enjoy it while it lasts. I’m not going to ask them for anything they can’t give.”
“They can’t force a lifebond,” Medren said slowly. “You’re not looking for that sort of connect, though. Are you?”
Was he? Stefen sometimes felt envious of what Vanyel and Tylendel shared, and jealous of his position with them. It was all ridiculous - he was, as he’d said before, nothing more than a guest performer. His role would eventually come to an end. He’d known that all along. And yet … and yet.
“I don’t know what I want, Medren,” he said, flopping gracelessly back on his bed. Except he did know. He wanted them, and he wanted them to want him in return. It was entirely confusing. He wasn’t supposed to want this to be more than it was, wasn’t supposed to need them the way he did. And he did, he needed them, as surely as any addict he’d seen on the streets had needed their next fix. He’d do anything - anything - to stay with them. It was frightening, but at the same time, he didn’t want that feeling to go away. He covered his face with his hands, willing himself to be reasonable about the situation. “They’re so - I don’t know how to put it. They’ve got a way of putting me at a loss for words.”
“You?” He could hear Medren’s raised eyebrow. “You’re never at a loss for words.”
“I know,” Stef complained. “But - never mind, gods, you don’t want the details. Not about them.” Vanyel was so deliciously submissive, so soft and eager, and Tylendel was delightful and exciting and so willing to work to find how things worked with Stefen. They were both unbelievably sexy, and Stef could never give either of them up. “And - we talk. Medren, we talk for ages, sometimes. They actually care about what I have to say.” He marveled at that, at the fact that two of the premier Herald-Mages in the kingdom listened to him. “I just - it’s all so much, and it’s happening so fast.”
Silence. After a few long moments of it, Stef propped himself up on his elbows, gazing at Medren. His friend has the most peculiar look on his face, like he suspected something but didn’t quite believe it. “What?”
“Just - you really sound like you care about them, is all,” Medren said, his voice oddly tense. “Do you - are you in love with them, Stef?”
Stefen groaned, flopping back on the bed again, his hands going back over his face. “Gods, I hope not.” He laughed hollowly. “In love with a lifebonded couple. Wouldn’t that be just the thing? Lady’s tits, I don’t know what I’d do without them. Medren, what if I am?”
He heard Medren shift, the chair scraping against the floorboards. “Maybe tell them? Stef, I know they don’t want to hurt you.”
“No. No, if I tell them - Medren, they’d put a stop to this if they knew. I can’t - that can’t happen.”
“Stef - are you sure you want to do this to yourself?” Medren’s voice was filled with concern.
There wasn’t an answer for that, was there? Stef had never been one to welcome any sort of suffering, but he’d suffer anything for one more night with Van and ‘Lendel. “I’m sure. I’m going to see this through to the end, Medren. No matter what.”
Chapter Text
Evening came far too slowly for Vanyel’s tastes. He was eager for night to come, for his duty to have been fulfilled for the day, so that he could go back to his room and fall into the arms of his two lovers.
The idea that he might be in love with Stefen, that ‘Lendel might be too, was a lot for Vanyel to process. Still, he was strangely steady in that realization. It seemed to fit, seemed right. He wanted to tell Stefen how he felt, but he was also afraid it might be more than the Bard wanted from them. Vanyel didn’t want to scare him away -
But he was also aware that this might not be wholly in his hands. Tylendel might decide to say something, and if he did, Vanyel would have no choice but to follow. He could not let it seem that only one of them loved Stefen, not when both of them were so attached.
Vanyel also wanted, quite desperately, to give himself completely to the two men who held his heart. He knew Tylendel would be able to sense it, that he’d know what Vanyel was in the mood for, and he couldn’t help blushing at the idea of showing that side of himself to Stefen. He didn’t know how the Bard would take it, for all that so far Stefen had been very receptive to how submissive Vanyel could be in bed.
His eyes flicked nervously to the bed as he saw that Tylendel had pulled out a length of white rope and laid it on the end of the bed in a lazy figure eight. It was, Vanyel knew, a soft silk rope; he and Tylendel had used it many times in the past, and it did not tend to cause abrasions or discomfort, its gentle texture something that contrasted sharply with its use.
Thrill mixed with trepidation. Vanyel could only hope that Stefen would be open to this, but as much as he wanted it tonight, he’d ignore that urge if the Master Bard was uninterested.
He knew he shouldn’t get too eager; they still had dinner to eat, and Stefen might not want to indulge in Vanyel’s desire to be bound. He had always been unwilling to put his own desires first; it had taken him quite some time to first broach the subject with Tylendel, back in k’Treva. If Stefen didn’t want to be involved in this part of what Vanyel liked, he wouldn’t push the matter, but he hoped the young Bard would want to be a part of this.
Trying to settle - or at least hide - his nerves, Vanyel called for dinner, then started pacing the length of the room. It was a little strange for him to be the first one here, and he wasn’t sure he liked it. Waiting for Tylendel he was used to, but waiting for Stefen, and unsure of his reaction as he waited … that was uncomfortable. He didn’t like feeling this unsteady.
Vanyel looked up at the sound of a knock on the door, blushing brilliantly. If Stefen was here first - I’m not ready to face this alone. If he isn’t open to the idea -
Still, he took a deep breath and walked over to open the door, feeling strangely overdressed. He glanced down at himself, still in his formal Whites, and shook his head ruefully. Stefen had seen him dressed for Court and in his skin and in just about every state in between; the fact that Vanyel still had his boots on was hardly going to put the young man off.
Taking a deep breath, Vanyel opened the door, trying not to look too eager to see Stefen. The redhead’s hazel eyes were immediately locked on Vanyel’s, and he got the sense that the only reason Stef wasn’t already kissing him senseless was because he knew they could be seen. “Come in.”
Stefen smiled sweetly, and as Vanyel stepped back, he stepped forward. Once the door was closed, Stef went up on his toes, kissing Vanyel softly. Van gasped against his lips, a thrill of pure emotion curling behind his breast. He shouldn’t be so affected by a simple kiss, but he felt like his heart was about to beat out of his chest, and he couldn’t help but stare at Stefen when the Bard pulled back and smiled at him again.
“Tylendel is on his way?”
It took Vanyel a heartbeat to realize that Stefen was asking him. “Ah, yes, he is. He should be here in a few minutes.”
Stef nodded, then his eyes cut over to the bed, obviously noting the rope laid out there. Much to Vanyel’s relief, he looked intrigued. His fingers rested gently on Vanyel’s hips, thumbs brushing lightly against the crests of his hipbones. Vanyel’s breath caught at the light touch, and he wondered briefly how Stefen could have such a profound effect on him. Not that he had anything to compare this to, except Tylendel.
Almost hesitant, Vanyel reached up to brush his fingers against Stefen’s cheek, feeling somehow whole and right with this lovely, clever young man, like he’d somehow been waiting for him to come into his life -
And then Stefen stepped quickly to the side, pulling Vanyel with him, just before the door opened and would have hit them if they hadn’t stepped out of the way. Tylendel smiled at them as he entered the room, shutting the door carefully behind him. “Dinner should be here momentarily, I think. Unless you two wanted to put it off?”
Vanyel’s breath caught again, and he looked from Stefen to Tylendel and back again. He was certainly eager, a fact which made him blush, but he wasn’t about to actually ask. He’d be fine waiting until after they ate, for all that the desire to be tied up and give himself over to Stef and ‘Lendel was currently an intense, needy thing.
Stef’s hazel eyes were amused, a smile twitching at his lips. “I wouldn’t mind waiting a while for dinner. Will they just leave it outside in the hall?”
“If we don’t answer, yes,” Tylendel confirmed. His eyes were on Vanyel as well, drinking in the sight of his flushed skin. “Of course, we could make Van be patient -”
Stefen chuckled at Vanyel’s soft whine, one hand still on Vanyel’s hip as the other reached out for Tylendel, taking the older man’s hand almost tenderly. “If we make him wait, he looks like he might spontaneously combust.”
“He does at that,” Tylendel allowed, pewter eyes sparkling mischievously. He took Stefen’s hand, let himself be drawn in for a soft kiss, then reached back with his free hand to throw the latch on the door. Placing that hand on the dip of Vanyel’s waist, he nodded at the rope. “Have you done anything like this before?”
Stef shrugged. “A little. Nothing fancy, just hands tied to the headboard, that sort of thing.”
Tylendel smiled broadly. “This is a little more than that. You’d be surprised what can be done with the right knots.”
Vanyel swallowed hard and licked his lips, filled with trembling anticipation. He’d been so embarrassed when Tylendel had carefully asked Moondance about how to use knots and rope safely, back when they’d first discovered Vanyel enjoyed being restrained, but they’d gotten a great deal more information out of the Tayledras than mere safety tips. Not that how to be safe about it wasn’t an important part of what they’d learned …
His mind was drawn back to the present by Tylendel’s fingers under his chin, tipping his face up and looking him seriously in the eyes. “You’re sure you want to go here tonight, ashke?”
Licking his lips again, Vanyel nodded, shy but decisive. “Yes. Please.”
Tylendel kissed him softly, lips lingering; when he pulled back, his thumb brushed gently over Vanyel’s lower lip. “Get undressed, then, love. Stef and I are going to have a little chat about how this works.”
Vanyel blushed again, helplessly scarlet, and nodded. He did appreciate being left out of that discussion, but the idea of being the subject of their conversation was both unnerving and thrilling. He turned his back on his lovers as they went over to sit by the fireplace, doing his best not to listen in on their quiet conversation. Stef seemed to have a personality inclined to such things; Vanyel was sure he’d manage to find a use for the skills Tylendel would impart after he left them.
That was certainly a morose thought. Vanyel shook his head slightly and swallowed, trying to rid himself of it.
His boots went tidily in their place by the wardrobe, and his clothes were deposited in the hamper. He untied his hair from the neat tail he’d had it in, putting the ribbon away, then brushed his hands down his bare sides and peeked over at the other two men. They were still talking.
With anticipation fluttering in his throat, Vanyel eyed the silk rope resting on the end of the bed; there was actually more than one length there, although at first glance it seemed all of one piece. There was very little to do then but wait, and so he sat down gently beside the rope with his feet on the floor and his hands on his thighs, watching the other men curiously as they finished their talk.
Soon enough, they stood, Stefen shucking off his tunic and shirt and dropping them carelessly on the floor, and they both strode over to him. Vanyel watched with lips slightly parted as they approached. The trust he had in them both was profound, and he knew Tylendel would make sure that Stefen didn’t hurt him through inexperience.
“Now - Vanyel’s going to tell us if something doesn’t feel the way it should, or if it’s too much. Right, ashke?”
Vanyel nodded, leaning into his lifebonded’s hand as ‘Lendel reached out to cup his face. “Of course. Immediately.”
“Good boy. Now, get on your knees for us.”
Blushing, Vanyel shifted onto his knees, his hands braced on the bed beside him as he leaned back slightly, and he watched as Tylendel picked up the first length of rope. Undyed and unbleached, the silk rope was a creamy shade of white, warmer and less stark than the fabric of their Whites, with a soft luster distinct to the material. He carefully started wrapping the length around Vanyel’s pale thigh and ankle, speaking to Stefen as he did so.
“This is a lark’s head double-column tie. There’s a single-column version, too, but we’re not going to use it tonight. It shouldn’t tighten up at all,” he explained. Tylendel worked quickly, efficiently, with his long experience evident. Once he had Vanyel’s first leg secured, he slipped two fingers under the rope, checking to make sure it wasn’t too tight. “It’s important to do this right - the last thing we want is to hurt Van by accident.”
Stef smirked as he watched Tylendel bind Vanyel’s other leg, ankle to thigh. “I suppose hurting him on purpose is another matter entirely?”
Tylendel chuckled warmly, and Vanyel blushed. “Of course.” He paused in what he was doing in order to brush a thumb across Vanyel’s lower lip, then kiss him softly. “You did ask if he had tastes outside the ordinary.”
Vanyel ducked his head in shy embarrassment, feeling exposed beyond his nudity. It was Stefen who gripped his chin this time, who kissed him slowly as Tylendel tested the binding on his second leg. When Stefen pulled back, Vanyel was breathless, lips parted and eyes half-lidded.
“How do your legs feel, ashke?” ‘Lendel asked gently.
Turning his head towards his lifebonded, Vanyel gave a small smile. “They’re good, love.”
With a nod, the tall blonde picked up the third and final length of rope. “Give me your wrists, then.”
Obediently, Vanyel held his wrists out to Tylendel; the same tie that secured his ankles to his thighs worked to bind his wrists together. The way he was tied would give reasonable freedom for him to be positioned as Stef and ‘Lendel wanted him, and his breath caught as Stef’s hand slid down the side of his neck and over to rest on his shoulder.
“He really does like this, doesn’t he?” Stefen watched with interest as Tylendel finished the last knot, and Van was suddenly sure that the Bard was going to practice this tie later on. The thought made his cheeks color again, and when he caught Stefen’s hazel eyes, the young man smiled and gave him a small nod.
“Well, Van?” Tylendel asked teasingly as he tested the tightness of the rope tying his wrists. “Do you like this?”
“Yes,” Vanyel breathed, looking at the two beautiful men in front of him, wide-eyed and vulnerable. “I do. Very much.”
‘Lendel reached down to run a finger along Vanyel’s half-hard cock, his thumb brushing gently over the head. Then he grasped the rope where it wound between Vanyel’s wrists, pressing his bound hands up against his chest. “Stay right like that for us, dearheart.”
Vanyel nodded, then watched as Tylendel pulled back and unlaced his tunic and slipped it off, followed by his shirt; his eyes drank in the sight of the other two men, bare to their waists but still half-clothed, while Vanyel was bound and nude in front of them. The disparity was exciting, and Vanyel licked his lips as he waited for them to touch him.
Except they didn’t, not at first. Instead, they turned to each other, and Vanyel’s eyes widened as he watched them kiss, their hands lazily drifting over each other’s skin, one of Stefen’s hands sliding into Tylendel’s curls. Vanyel gasped softly as his lovers pressed lightly against each other in front of him, as Stefen’s free hand slid down to grasp Tylendel’s ass. ‘Lendel had one hand between Stefen’s shoulder blades and the other on the small of his back, holding him close. Vanyel wanted to be there with them, touching them, being touched; he squeezed his hands into tight balls as he forced himself to hold still and wait.
They were putting on a show for him as much as they were enjoying each other, one that was definitely fulfilling its purpose. Vanyel squirmed slightly in his bonds as his arousal grew as he watched his lovers kissing and touching each other. He whined softly as they kicked off their boots and their fingers found the laces of the other’s breeches, as they slowly worked off their stockings and rid themselves of their underclothes.
It was only once they were as bare as he was that they turned their attention back to him. They sat on the end of the bed with him, one of them on either side. Tylendel’s fingers found his thigh while Stefen’s brushed against his ribs, and Vanyel gasped at their gentle touches.
Stefen’s lips brushed against the side of Vanyel’s neck, soft and lingering. Vanyel gasped, his eyes fluttering closed at the contact, then let out a little moan when Tylendel’s lips pressed against his shoulder. They were taking it slow, their fingers slipping gently down his sides, caressing him softly. He was sliding slowly into the gentle spell of their touch and the firm embrace of the ropes binding him.
“Please -” The word escaped his lips in a gasp, and he blinked his eyes open. Stefen grasped his chin softly, turning Vanyel’s face towards his, kissing him slowly. Vanyel was relaxed, unresisting, letting Stef take what he wanted as Tylendel’s fingers traced up the line of his spine.
“So eager,” Tylendel murmured with a small smile. “Patience, ashke.”
Vanyel blushed and nodded, his eyes still on Stefen. He was quickly slipping into the familiar, gently floating mindspace that took over at times like this, the sense of calm and freedom from his burdens. All he had to do at the moment was surrender - to Tylendel, to Stefen, to what he was feeling.
Stefen looked fascinated, which only intensified Vanyel’s blush. He really did think he loved Stefen. It was strange and new and, gods, he desperately wanted to explore it. And Stef was touching him so gently, fingers of his free hand sliding down his side, touching his hip. And Tylendel’s hands were on him as well, one hand tracing firmly along Vanyel’s spine, the other brushing over his thigh and tracing along the line of the rope binding him.
He was theirs, utterly and completely.
As Stefen’s lips slid along Vanyel’s jaw, he gasped and tilted his head to the side to give the Bard better access. Stef kissed his way gently down the side of Vanyel’s neck, lingering. Tylendel buried his face in Vanyel’s hair, his hand sliding up from his thigh to stroke his cock slowly, firm and sure with barely enough pressure to further stoke his arousal and draw out a soft moan.
“You look beautiful like this,” Tylendel murmured, his hand sliding from Vanyel’s back to wrap around his stomach as he continued to stroke his cock, his touch too light to do anything to relieve Vanyel’s desire. “Have you ever seen anyone look this lovely, Stef?”
“He’s like a work of art,” Stefen agreed, his lips brushing against Vanyel’s skin. “And he’s so well behaved, staying just like you told him to.” His hand lifted from Vanyel’s hip to lightly touch his bound wrists, making Vanyel color again, his cheek warm against Stefen’s calloused fingertips. “Is he always this good?”
“And eager to please, too,” Tylendel confirmed. “Van, you want to make Stef happy, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Vanyel whispered, his voice breathy and fervent. “Yes, I do, I’ll do anything -”
Stefen cut Vanyel off with a kiss, slow and sweet and commanding. “So good,” he murmured against Vanyel’s lips. He pulled back marginally, hazel eyes alight with wonder. “You really mean that, don’t you? You’d really do anything for me.”
“Yes - gods, yes, I will. Anything you want.” He was theirs, every part of him, and the love and trust he felt for these two men was overwhelming. They’d never harm him, never betray the gift of his surrender. “Anything you ask is yours.”
For a heartbeat, Stefen’s eyes turned confused and unreadable, then he leaned in for another kiss, soft and lingering. As he kissed Vanyel, one hand still cupping his cheek, the other grasped the silk rope binding his wrists and tugged him closer. Vanyel leaned in obediently, letting Stefen claim his mouth, soft and yielding for his young lover.
They were taking everything so slowly, each touch like the caress of magic, and Vanyel felt like he was going to fly apart under their fingers. The ropes felt like they were holding him together as he knelt on the bed with his knees spread, bound and exposed and trusting. He’d do anything for them, everything, but all they were asking of him was to sit still and let them touch him.
He wanted so much more. He wanted them on him and inside him, wanted everything they were denying him. Vanyel’s hips lifted slightly toward Tylendel’s hand, but the arm around his middle held him in place, kept him from shifting too much. Tylendel’s lips moved to brush against his ear, catching the lobe and tugging gently. It was such delicious torment, and the way that love and care radiated from the two men touching him was intoxicating.
Tyldendel could always read him so well. The hand on his cock tightened slightly, the strokes turning more firm and making Vanyel moan again. Then Stefen slid the hand down from his cheek and along his back to rest between Vanyel’s legs, the tip of his finger brushing lightly over his hole. He gasped and tensed slightly, eager and wanting and delightfully helpless.
Then Tylendel turned to kiss Stefen, hot and demanding, and Vanyel gasped as a shock of desire rushed through him. He wanted them so badly, and their light touches were more maddening than anything. Then ‘Lendel shifted again, releasing Vanyel’s cock and positioning himself behind his lifebonded, pulling the smaller man against his chest and cradling him close. His lips brushed against the side of Vanyel’s neck as Stef moved between his legs. His fingers pulled away briefly, then came back oiled to press gently into Vanyel's hole.
Vanyel gasped at the intrusion, his legs falling a little farther open as Stef’s fingers slid slowly in and out of him, tenderly teasing him. He wanted so intensely, his breath catching, his legs trembling in their bonds. Tylendel nudged his hips a little farther forward, improving their angle. Stef still had a hold on the rope binding Vanyel’s wrists, but he pulled his fingers slowly from Vanyel’s body, smiling at his whine as he oiled his cock one-handed.
Slowly, ever so slowly, Stefen pressed into Van’s body. Vanyel cried out as Stefen’s cock filled him smoothly, his head tipped back against Tylendel’s shoulder and his eyes fluttering closed in ecstasy. “Please, oh please, Stef, yes, please!”
Tylendel chuckled warmly, brushing Vanyel’s fine hair back from his forehead and kissing the crown of his head. Vanyel could feel his lifeboded’s hard cock pressed against his back, but he was helpless to do anything about it. “So good, Van. Stef has you, ashke.”
Blinking his eyes open again, Vanyel gazed adoringly at Stefen as the Bard knelt between his legs, thrusting slowly, his free hand sliding into the back of his hair, fingers threaded loosely through the strands. The other had still grasped the rope binding Vanyel’s wrists, possessive or protective or both, and he looked positively rapturous as his cock slid languidly in and out of the Herald-Mage. Stefen leaned in and kissed Vanyel gently, his thumb brushing against the tender flesh of his inner wrist. “That’s right, Van,” he murmured, his cock filling Vanyel just right. “Just let go.”
Vanyel whimpered, feeling utterly possessed. Tylendel was holding him, rocking gently against him, and Stefen was fucking him so slowly and sweetly that Van felt like he was going to fly apart. His heart was full of love, his body tight with pleasure. He’d never felt safer or more secure than he did right now, solidly bound between these two men. “Oh, oh my loves, please -”
With a shuddering cry, Stefen finished deep inside Vanyel, his lips claiming the Herald-Mage’s in a gently searing kiss. Then he lifted his head, his eyes wide and wondering, to kiss Tylendel as well. Vanyel was panting, wanting, his eyes locked on the other two men as Stefen slid slowly out of him.
Giving a soft whine at the loss, Vanyel gazed heatedly at his lovers, his cock throbbing mercilessly. Stef and ‘Lendel pulled back slowly from their kiss, then gently turned Vanyel between them. Stefen kept hold of the rope around Vanyel’s wrists, raising them above his head as he pulled him close against his chest, cradling him gently.
Then Tylendel thrust into him, just as slowly, his slick cock filling Vanyel and making him cry out again. ‘Lendel’s fingers grasped the ropes tying Vanyel’s legs, holding them apart as he made love to his lifebonded. Vanyel’s pleasure was building, his heart fluttering in his chest as he rested between his lovers, bound and vulnerable and theirs. “You feel so good, ashke. And you’re going to come for us, aren’t you? It’s time now.”
The Herald-Mage whimpered at his beloved’s words, biting his lower lip, his hands held gently above his head, his legs spread, his body completely given over to Stefen and Tylendel. His gratification crested, sharp and needy, and he spilled between himself and ‘Lendel with a strangled cry as he felt his beloved’s rapture spread deep within him and he was swept away on the sense of mingled love and delight radiating among the three of them.
“All right, love, that’s it. You did so well.” Vanyel whimpered softly as Tylendel pulled out of him, resting half-limp against Stefen’s chest. ‘Lendel’s hands stroked his thighs, soft and soothing, and Stef’s lips brushed gently over his knuckles. Then ‘Lendel looked over Vanyel’s shoulder, smiling at Stefen. “We have to give him time to come down. If we let him go too quickly, it’s - difficult for him.”
A weak laugh escaped Vanyel’s lips at that. Difficult. Yes, difficult. Gods, he felt so perfect, floating on a cloud of bliss, and he was not ready to let go of that yet. He was filled with such love and trust, and nothing was quite real except the three of them and the ropes tying him to the world.
Stefen held him, stroking his hair gently, and Tylendel carefully tested Vanyel’s ties to assure himself that they hadn’t tightened up unexpectedly. Then ‘Lendel joined in to touch Vanyel gently, soothing, grounding. Tylendel was murmuring words of praise and affection that were half-nonsense, his fingers sliding along the lines of the ropes binding Vanyel’s legs, over his hips, up his ribs. Vanyel slowly settled back into his body, into the grip of Stefen’s arms and the firm embrace of the ropes around his legs and wrists.
Tylendel smiled at him, all gentle care and profound love. “There you are, ashke. Ready for some water?”
“Yes. Please.” Vanyel licked his lips, resting easily against Stefen, reveling in the feel of the young man’s fingers running over his hair. Tylendel smiled and turned to their bedside table, pouring a cup of water and returning to hold it to Vanyel’s lips, helping him drink slowly.
Vanyel finished half the cup, then licked his lips again, gazing lovingly at his lifebonded and basking in the feel of Stefen holding him. He flexed his fingers slowly, then his toes; the ropes still felt right, not biting or constricting in any way they shouldn’t. He wasn’t ready yet, but he was getting there, was starting to piece himself back together.
“He was really out of it,” Stefen observed, his lips brushing lightly against the crown of Vanyel’s hair.
“I know,” Tylendel murmured, smiling briefly at Stef before turning his gaze back to Vanyel. “I enjoy taking him there, though, and it’s an honor that he lets me. It takes a lot of trust to give yourself over to someone like that, and Van doesn’t trust easily.”
There was a long silence as Stef processed that, and he shifted slightly against Vanyel’s back. “I see. I hadn’t really thought about that.”
Tylendel checked the rope around Vanyel’s wrists again. “We have to be careful about bruises,” he continued, “at least where they’d be obvious. Van bruises easily, and he doesn’t particularly want to explain this to anyone he doesn’t have to.”
Stef’s smile was audible. “I bet he doesn’t. He’d undoubtedly blush so hard that he’d catch on fire if he had to talk about this.”
‘Lendel’s laugh was warm and knowing. “You’re certainly right about that.” He took Vanyel’s wrists and kissed his knuckles gently. “How are you feeling, Van?”
“Good,” he murmured, smiling at ‘Lendel. “A little tired.”
“I know, love,” ‘Lendel responded. “Are you ready to be untied? We’ll get your favorite robe for you, and we’ll have dinner, and you can have some tea.”
Vanyel hesitated, considering, then nodded. “I think so. Wrists last?”
“We can do that.” Tylendel shifted to get better access to Vanyel’s left leg, carefully untying the rope and slowly unwrapping it, then letting it fall in an easy coil on the bed. He took a moment to rub Vanyel’s thigh and ankle gently, to make sure the blood was flowing properly, and then he moved to the other leg and repeated the process. When he got to the wrists, he grasped them gently and waited for Vanyel to nod again before he started undoing those bonds.
Once he had Vanyel untied, Tylendel wrapped his hands gently around his wrists, holding him. “Okay?”
Vanyel nodded again. “Can you get my robe, ashke? I don’t want Stef to let go quite yet.”
He felt Stefen’s breath catch, but the Bard didn’t pull away. He just tightened his arm around Vanyel’s waist slightly, holding him close, letting him feel safe against him.
Tylendel just smiled and pressed a soft kiss to Vanyel’s brow, then stood and slowly released his wrists, shifting his grip to his hands, kissing his knuckles gently before he went over to the wardrobe. The silk robe he pulled out was hertasi work, deep midnight blue accented with silver like twinkling stars. It was fairly simple for a Tayledras piece, a lounging robe meant for comfort, but it was still far more extravagant than its counterpart would be in Valdemar.
Stef raised an eyebrow as Tylendel held it open for Vanyel, his eyes taking in the fine silk and the ornate sewing and embroidery. “What is that?”
“Just something we picked up in k’Treva the last time we visited our Hawkbrother friends,” Tylendel said lightly. “The mages especially tend to be quite flashy, and the hertasi take personal offense if you’re not dressed ‘properly’ in their opinion. They’re quite creative, true artists.”
“Hawkbrothers.” Stef’s voice was flat, as though he suspected ‘Lendel was pulling his leg.
“Hawkbrothers,” Tylendel confirmed cheerily. He nodded to the masks on the walls. “They gave us those, too. We’re Wingbrothers, you see, and Savil is a Wingsister, which is why she was able to take us there when we needed it when we were young. Vanyel, are you ready to get up, or do you want to sit with Stef a little longer?”
Vanyel shifted slightly, reveling in how safe Stefen was making him feel - but he couldn’t stay here forever. Reluctantly, he started to pull away from Stef - only to have the young Master Bard keep his arm tightly around him.
“I don’t think you’re quite ready yet, are you, Van?” Stefen asked softly. “You don’t have to move before you’re ready to.”
The young man’s astute insight surprised Vanyel, but he stilled against Stefen, resting his head back against the Bard’s shoulder. He must be unconsciously projecting for Stef to have picked up on how little he wanted to move right now. “A little longer,” he confirmed vaguely, then hesitated. “Will you stay tonight? I’d love to sleep between you two …”
Van could feel Stefen’s hesitation, but he relaxed when the Bard nodded. “Yes. I’ll stay. If that’s what you want.”
“I do,” Vanyel confirmed. “Please. But only if you want to.”
He could feel Stefen swallow, and his lips were pressed lightly against Vanyel’s hair. “I’d like nothing better. Ready now?”
Surprised again that Stefen was picking up so clearly on whatever he was projecting, Vanyel nodded. “I think I am, yes.”
He shifted, putting his feet on the floor, making sure that he was steady. Stef waited a moment before he released him, then stood to help him to his feet. Vanyel smiled at the young Bard, squeezing his hand lightly, then let Tylendel help him into his robe.
Once Vanyel was settled on the settee, Tylendel and Stef got their breeches back on and exchanged a soft kiss. Then Stefen went to sit next to Vanyel, taking his hand gently, while ‘Lendel went to get their dinner from the hall. Vanyel felt utterly serene, content and relaxed as he sat next to Stefen and Tylendel brought their dinner over to the low table. Tylendel took a moment to fix a mug of tea rich with herbs and honey, then pressed it gently into Vanyel’s hands. Van smiled up at him and took a sip, closing his eyes to savor it.
When he opened them again, ‘Lendel had placed a plate in front of him on the table. Tylendel and Stef had glasses of wine with their dinner, but long experience with this meant Vanyel knew he’d do better with tea right now, and he settled in to enjoy it as his lovers struck up a quiet conversation.
Chapter Text
Lying in the dark on his side, one arm wrapped around Vanyel’s middle while his other hand stroked his hair gently, Stef was still wide awake. Incongruous with Vanyel’s smooth face, his hair was more white than black, though what was still black was such an intensely deep and lustrous shade as to seem nearly impossible. He couldn’t sleep, for all that Vanyel was resting peacefully beside him and Tylendel was dead to the world on the other side of the bed. It all came down to a single word, really, even a single letter.
Vanyel had said “loves” in the middle of everything. “My loves.” It had just been the once, but Stef had told Vanyel to let go, and he’d said “loves.”
At first, Stefen had thought that he must have misheard. There was no way, after all, that Vanyel could love him. Not when he had Tylendel. But then Tylendel had pointed out how much trust Vanyel had put in them and how hard it was for Vanyel to trust, and Stef thought that maybe he had heard what he’d thought he’d heard.
But Vanyel had been so clearly overwhelmed by - well, Stef wasn’t sure what part had been so much for him. It wasn’t, he thought, the sex. Stef certainly hadn’t noticed Vanyel being so overwhelmed by sex previously. Being tied up, perhaps, or surrendering to the degree he had? Whatever it was, Vanyel hadn’t been completely in touch with what he was saying. There was no way that he’d actually meant that he loved Stefen, no matter what he had seemed to imply.
There was certainly no way that Tylendel would be all right with it if his lifebonded was developing feelings for Stefen. If that were the case, Stef would not be lying in bed with the other two men, his mind and his heart racing far too wildly for him to sleep. He would have been politely yet firmly asked to leave, and he wouldn’t be invited back.
And yet, afterward, when Vanyel had needed to be cared for, he’d wanted Stefen to hold him, and he’d asked Stefen to stay the night. He trusted Stef not only to know about and participate in his delightful depravities, but also to keep him safe, to give him the tenderness he needed in the aftermath. It was a marvel; they’d only known each other for nine days, and Vanyel was ready to give him everything.
Tylendel hadn’t had time to do more than give Stefen a general idea of how things worked in their chat before they began, although he had expressed how careful they had to be about Vanyel’s safety. He’d also insisted that they couldn’t ask for anything new during, that when Vanyel got to the mental and emotional place they were going to take him he’d agree to anything, even if it was something he didn’t actually want. And after the way Vanyel had so desperately offered Stef anything, everything, like pleasing him was the most important thing in the world, he truly believed that.
On top of that, the look of complete adoration that had been on Vanyel’s face when Stef had been fucking him -
No. There was no way that Vanyel’s feelings went further than lust and friendship. It had surely all been a matter of the spell that being bound and helpless had woven over Vanyel.
As for that - Stef’s previous experiments with playfully tying a partner’s hands had nothing on what they’d done with Vanyel. It had struck a deep chord in him, had resonated with him in a way Stefen had not expected. He wanted to explore it further, wanted to find out what else Vanyel liked when he was safe behind closed doors with men he trusted. There had been that brief exchange about hurting Vanyel, and Stefen was as intrigued by that as he had been when he’d seen the rope waiting on the bed when he’d arrived.
It didn’t strike him as something Tylendel would enjoy, being dominated like that. Things between ‘Lendel and himself were finding a different balance.
The idea that there was something between Stefen and the men he was bedding was surreal. Nine days ago, this had been a one-time thing, a moment of pleasure, and now he was somehow a regular fixture in the Herald-Mages’ bed and had been allowed into moments of deep intimacy with them. Swallowing hard, Stef snuggled a little closer to Vanyel, pressing a soft kiss to the sleeping Herald-Mage’s temple. He didn’t know what was happening, but he was dreading its end. He was going to be shattered when Vanyel and Tylendel were done with him.
Tylendel stirred, and Stef held very still, not wanting the older man to wake, but those pewter eyes blinked slowly open, barely visible in the moonlight coming through the window.
“Stef?” ‘Lendel’s voice was thick and sleepy. “Are you still awake?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to wake up,” Stefen answered softly. “I’m fine, I just can’t seem to get to sleep.”
‘Lendel hummed quietly, reaching across Vanyel to stroke Stef’s hair gently, then to caress his cheek. The tender touches made Stefen bite his lower lip, unsure why they were being offered to him. “Are you sure you’re all right? I know we kind of threw you straight into the deep water with Van last night.”
Surprised, Stefen blinked at Tylendel and shook his head slowly. “No. No, that was intense, but I enjoyed it.” He took a moment to gaze back down at Vanyel, who was sleeping like nothing in the world could trouble him. Stefen didn’t think he’d ever seen him look so at peace. He didn’t have the slightest idea how to talk about what was on his mind, though. Tentatively, he tried, “He was … extremely affectionate.”
“He gets like that,” Tylendel murmured, smiling at Vanyel. “I know it doesn’t really seem like it should, but doing this makes him feel safe, which makes him very relaxed and open. He’s told me it’s a little like being drunk, but - not.” His brows furrowed slightly. “He tried to explain it to me, years ago, but he couldn’t really. I know what he’s feeling because of the lifebond, and being an Empath, but even then -” He shook his head slightly. “It’s sort of a floaty feeling? I can't really explain it.”
A little like being drunk. Stefen’s stomach sank, and he swallowed, trying not to react past that. People said things they didn’t mean all the time when they were intoxicated, be it on drink or drugs, and he saw no reason to think that what they’d done with Vanyel would be different if it produced a similar feeling. That meant there was no way that he’d meant it when he’d said “loves”. It had been a slip of the tongue, or something said in the heat of the moment, nothing more.
And Stefen was sure, now, that he loved Vanyel and Tylendel. He’d always thought that falling in love was a stupid thing to do, but the normal sort of falling in love did nothing to compare to the sheer idiocy of falling for a lifebonded couple. I’ll never measure up to that …
Tylendel reached over Vanyel again, cupping Stefen’s cheek in a strong palm. “You have no idea how much trust Van put in you to let you see that part of him. It says a lot about how he feels about you. How we both feel about you.”
Stef forced a winning smile, turning slightly to press a kiss to Tylendel’s palm. He knew what this was, and he knew what it wasn’t. Just because they cared for him didn’t mean they’d ever love him the way he now realized he wanted them to. “It’s an honor to have him trust me like that, especially when we’ve known each other such a short time.”
‘Lendel nodded, slow and thoughtful, as though he was trying to put something together but couldn’t quite make the pieces fit. “You fit very well with us,” he said after a moment. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you so far.”
“It has been very nice,” Stef agreed. The last week and a half had been filled with sex and conversation, and gods, Stefen hadn’t even thought of another man since meeting Vanyel and Tylendel. It was as though everyone else had lost their appeal. He tightened his arm a little around Vanyel, burying his face in the older man’s hair. He was going to die when they were done with him.
“Hey.” Tylendel tipped Stef’s chin up, gazing at him seriously over Vanyel’s sleeping form. “We want you here with us. You do know that, right?”
“Of course I do.” But for how long? Stef had known going in that this was temporary. It shouldn’t be this hard to think about it ending.
Tylendel still looked concerned, his expression soft and caring in the moonlight. “What do you need, Stef? We want you to be happy.”
Stefen’s gaze turned sharp, needy; the only thing that kept him from throwing himself at Tylendel was Vanyel sleeping between them. He found himself desperately wanting confirmation that he was at least desired, even if Van and ‘Lendel could never love him the way he wanted. He watched Tylendel’s expression change as well, from concern to understanding. “We don’t want to wake Van.”
With a small nod, Stef kissed the top of Vanyel’s head before releasing him and slipping off the side of the bed. He watched Vanyel for a moment; he rolled over as Tylendel stood as well, but quickly settled again. They’d have to be quiet, but Stefen desperately wanted the comfort and reassurance of sex. When they met at the foot of the bed, Tylendel gently took Stefen’s hand, pulling him in for a soft kiss. But that wasn’t what Stef needed; he parted his lips and pressed eagerly against Tylendel, aching for assurance he was wanted.
Tylendel pulled back from the kiss with a gasp, his hands resting lightly on Stefen’s hips. Eyes dark, he murmured, “This isn’t just about sex anymore.”
Stef wished that he could believe that. He knew what his role was here, and his place was only secure so long as he sparked desire in the other two men. If ‘Lendel didn’t want him …
The Herald-Mage pulled Stef in close, kissing him again, slow and lingering. His fingers brushed lightly over Stef’s curls, and he pulled back to smile at the Bard. “You’re gorgeous, Stef. Why don’t we go sit by the fire?” He glanced over at the embers barely holding on in the fireplace. “I’ll add another log or two.”
For a moment, Stef hesitated, and then he nodded and went over to settle on one end of the settee while Tylendel laid a couple more logs on the fire and coaxed them alight. Then he grabbed the bottle of wine from dinner and poured the last of it into their glasses, handing Stef his and sitting next to him.
Stefen held his while ‘Lendel took a sip, watching the other man cautiously. Maybe even if Vanyel hadn’t meant it, Tylendel didn’t want Stefen around anymore …
“I’m an Empath, remember?” Tylendel said delicately. “I can tell you’re upset about something.”
Staring at Tylendel, Stef shook his head and took a gulp of wine. “You know, I’m not entirely sure that’s fair,” he pointed out. “I certainly can’t just sense what you’re feeling.” Except he wasn’t really upset by it, more just a little put out that he couldn’t always hide what he was feeling from Vanyel and ‘Lendel. He took a more reasonable sip of wine and tugged absently on the collar of his borrowed nightshirt, pondering what to say. He didn’t want to admit to too much. “I suppose I’m feeling a little … unsteady.”
“Because of earlier, or something else?” Tylendel asked casually, an arm stretched out on the back of the settee behind Stefen.
“I told you, I enjoyed that,” Stef said with a small smile. Vanyel already surrendered during sex, but seeing him give himself over so completely had been unbelievably sexy. “I’m hoping Vanyel will be open to me joining you two for something like that again, actually. No, it’s just that a lot has changed for me lately.”
He wasn’t lying, exactly. He just wasn’t telling ‘Lendel the whole truth, wasn’t telling him that the biggest change in his life was the way that his heart ached over what was going on between the three of them. It would be convenient if Tylendel thought that Stef’s biggest issue was with his sudden promotion to Master Bard and his assignment to King and Court.
“There has been a lot going on for you over the last week and a half,” Tylendel mused. “New promotion, new position, new lovers. It makes sense that you might be having a little trouble finding your feet.”
Stef relaxed slightly and took another sip of his wine. It seemed like Tylendel accepted his excuse, which meant that it was reasonably likely that he wouldn’t push further. “The last time things changed this fast, it was because Lynnell had snatched me off the streets to bring me to Bardic. I don’t know how I’d have gotten through that if Medren wasn’t there to help me.”
Tylendel started slightly and almost choked on a mouthful of wine. “You know Medren?”
“Aye,” Stef confirmed. It hadn’t occurred to him that Vanyel and ‘Lendel might not know he and Medren were close. “We were roommates from the time I arrived until I got promoted to Master Bard. Well, except he left for a week up north that same day, so he didn’t move out until a couple of days ago.”
Shaking his head, Tylendel took another sip of his wine. “I’m a little surprised we didn’t meet you earlier, then. You’d think Medren would have introduced us to his roommate at some point.”
Stefen shrugged. It was just as well that he hadn’t; if he’d been introduced to Vanyel and Tylendel when he was a scrawny, illiterate urchin who’d barely been convinced he hadn’t been sold to a whorehouse, there was no way he’d be bedding them now. “Just as well - it took a while for them to tame me.”
‘Lendel laughed at that, although he was careful not to be too loud. “You hardly seem tame now.”
“Compared to how they found me, I’m positively domesticated - but maybe I’ll always be a little feral.”
“I like you feral,” Tylendel said with a soft smile half-hidden behind his wine glass. Then his expression turned thoughtful again, and he gazed over at Vanyel where he was sleeping in the middle of the expansive bed. “You fit with us in a way that I didn’t expect, although I suppose finding someone that fits as well with me as he does with Vanyel wasn’t something I had an easy time picturing. Or had ever really tried to imagine. There was no way I could have envisioned this.”
Shifting a little, Stef peered uncomfortably into his wine glass. Of course Tylendel hadn’t thought something like this was possible. He and Vanyel were lifebonded. That sort of relationship didn’t suddenly turn into an ongoing threesome.
Tylendel’s gaze snapped back to him, warm and concerned in the firelight. “I meant it when I said this isn’t just about sex anymore,” he said softly. “We appreciate your company out of bed just as much as we enjoy having you in it.” He looked like he wanted to stay more, but his eyes flicked briefly back to Vanyel, and when they settled back on Stefen, he was silent.
Stef didn’t see how that could be true any more than he could guess at what Tylendel wasn’t saying. He felt a need to constantly be on, to constantly perform at his best, to be everything that Van and ‘Lendel wanted from him at all times so that they’d keep asking him over, asking him to stay. He’d tried, he really had, not to get attached, to keep his distance emotionally, but he’d failed in that completely.
“I do enjoy our conversations,” Stefen murmured, stuffing down his feelings and smiling at Tylendel. It was thrilling to be treated like an equal by the Herald-Mages, to be listened to and respected. He reached out and placed a hand firmly on Tylendel’s knee, his fingers brushing against the hem of his nightshirt and his thumb rubbing over skin. He wanted to be touched, but his first instinctive grasp at that at the foot of the bed had been gently rebuffed, as if Tylendel had wanted to prove his claim about their involvement no longer being fully centered around sex. “I enjoy everything about our - whatever it is we’re calling it.”
“I believe the usual term is ‘relationship,’” Tylendel said lightly, his fingers resting over Stefen’s on his knee. He polished off his glass of wine and placed it on the low table. “It’s whatever you want it to be, Stef.”
If only it could be. Stef smiled and set his nearly empty glass aside, then cupped Tylendel’s cheek and leaned in for a soft kiss, letting his lips linger. It was still something of a wonder that Tylendel could yield for him the way he did, given how commanding he had been the night they met. When their lips parted, he smiled at Tylendel again. “I’m enjoying this. The conversation, the sex, all of it.”
Tylendel smiled in return, raising his free hand to stroke Stefen’s cheek. “Do you think you can sleep now? Even if you don’t have to be up before dawn, you should still get some rest.”
The tenderness in the gesture made Stefen’s heart ache; he wanted that softness and care to be real, to be for him. It made sense that after being together for decades, the lifebonded couple wouldn’t know any other way to treat someone they were bedding. He ruthlessly clamped down on his emotions again, leaning briefly into Tylendel’s touch. “I think I can manage to sleep.”
“Good.” Tylendel stood, taking Stefen’s hand and pulling him to his feet. “I’ve got an early meeting tomorrow, but Vanyel doesn’t for once. I’m sure he’d like to spend some time with you before you have to get ready for your day.” He smiled, eyes sparkling in the low light, and raised Stefen’s hand to his lips, brushing a light kiss against his knuckles. “He’ll probably be in a very good mood in the morning, but I know I’ll be happier knowing he isn’t waking up alone.”
“I’ll be here for him in the morning,” Stefen promised, gazing over at where Vanyel was sleeping, relaxed and peaceful. He squeezed Tylendel’s hand gently, then released it and turned back to the side of the bed he’d been lying in, crawling back in beside Vanyel.
As he settled into bed, Vanyel shifted, snuggling closer to Stefen. His breath caught in his chest, his heart fluttering, and Stef buried his face in Vanyel’s hair even as he draped an arm back around the Herald-Mage’s sleeping form. When he raised his eyes to gaze at Tylendel, the other man smiled at him and reached out for Vanyel, sliding into bed as well and wrapping a tight arm around his lifebonded, brushing against Stefen as he did so.
“Good night, Stef,” he said softly. “Sleep well.”
“Sleep well, ‘Lendel,” Stefen echoed, his heart tight in his chest. “And thank you.”
“I’m glad I could help,” Tylendel said sleepily. He shifted a little, getting more comfortable, and soon his breathing was slow and even as he fell back into sleep. Stef thought it would be ages before he joined the other two men in their slumber, but between a fleeting desire to be loved and a despairing certainty that could not be, he drifted away.
Vanyel snuggled into the warm body next to him as he came awake all at once, content and tranquil. There was an arm tossed across his middle, holding him close, and a hard cock pressed against his thigh. He groaned softly, shifting against that firmness, registering that he was hard as well. He felt the body stirring against him and the familiar-unfamiliar sense of a mind waking close by - Stefen. That’s right, ‘Lendel had duties to attend to this morning.
Stef pulled him closer, his cock sliding from his thigh to nestle against his ass, and he gently pressed half-aware kisses to the back of his neck, slow and lazy as he rocked languidly against Vanyel. Biting back a moan, Vanyel pressed back against Stefen, more than willing to give the Master Bard what he wanted, anything at all. He’d been nervous about letting Stefen see him surrender so completely the night before, but the Bard had been fascinated, and he certainly didn’t seem deterred now.
“Morning,” Stef murmured in his ear, his voice thick with sleep and soft with what sounded enough like affection to make Vanyel’s heart flutter. Pressed tightly against Vanyel’s back, the two of them rocking gently together, Stef slid his hand languidly down his side, then in over his hip. Clever fingers brushed along the length of Vanyel’s cock, making him gasp, before a strong hand wrapped firmly around him. A chuckle in his voice, Stefen added, “It seems like a good one.”
Vanyel moaned as Stefen started stroking him, and he rubbed himself against the fine, hard length pressed against his ass. “Yes, Stef,” he managed to breathe, “g-good morning.”
Stefen chuckled again at the slight, eager stutter in Vanyel’s voice, and he leaned in to nip the Herald-Mage’s earlobe just hard enough to make him gasp. “I think,” he suggested softly, “we can manage a little better than just good.”
With another soft moan, Vanyel nodded, pushing tightly against the young man behind him. “Yes,” he breathed, “yes, we can.”
A soft kiss found the side of his neck, lips trailing lower. “You’re a little sore, though, aren’t you?”
Van started slightly. With the fast, rough sex he’d had with ‘Lendel in the break between his duties the day before, and being taken by both his lovers that evening, he was feeling a little - thoroughly used. He didn’t know how Stefen was aware of his vague soreness, though. “I’ll be fine. I do want you.”
Stef rubbed against Vanyel’s ass, slow and teasing. “I know. I want you, too.” His lips and tongue pressed just below the back of Vanyel’s ear, tasting his pulse. “Let me take care of you.”
Vanyel’s heart fluttered again, love swelling behind his breast, and he rocked gently between Stefen’s hand on his cock and his cock against his ass. “Yes, please, yes. Stef, gods -”
“Shh.” Stef kissed slowly down his neck again, nuzzling gently at the junction between his neck and shoulder. He shifted, using his free hand to roll Vanyel onto his back and slipping on top of him, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his mouth. Vanyel moaned into the kiss, feeling Stefen’s hard length slide against his own, and the Bard shifted his grip to take them both in hand. “Just relax and let go.”
With a whimper, Vanyel reached up to thread his fingers into Stefen’s brilliant curls, drawing him down for another gentle kiss, his hips moving with the younger man. “Oh, Stefen,” he gasped against the Bard’s lips. “Stefen -”
“Van,” Stef gasped, his free hand stroking the Herald-Mage’s hair, his cheek, his neck. His touches were tender, caring, possessive. “Oh, Vanyel.”
Hooking a lazy leg around Stefen’s hip, Vanyel tipped his head back into the pillows, gasping under the other man. They were moving together, slow and sweet, and Vanyel felt like his heart might burst. How could this be, that he felt so much for Stefen when he was lifebonded to Tylendel? He’d never even considered letting another man touch him before he’d met the lovely redhead. And ‘Lendel - is just as caught up with Stefen as I am.
Their lips met again, and they spilled together, Stef’s body and Vanyel's shuddering against each other, pressed close as they clung together. Stefen shifted to hold Vanyel close as their breathing calmed, his lips wandering along the older man’s jaw. “Gods. Vanyel -”
“I know.” His fingers slid from Stefen’s hair to touch his face, soft and wondering. How was it that he could feel this much for Stefen? His emotions were overflowing, his heart overfull. Did Stef feel it, too? Did he realize how much more they were doing than mere sex? Vanyel didn’t have the words for what was happening, but it was intense. “Stay with me. Please, Stef, stay.”
“I will,” Stef murmured, his eyes fluttering closed as he relaxed into Vanyel’s touch. “I’m here with you. As long as you want me.”
Forever, then. The thought, fleeting as it was, shocked Vanyel. He shouldn’t want - but he did. Gods, he did. “As long as you can,” he said instead. “I don’t have anything this morning before Court, for once.”
Stefen smiled, soft and gentle. “That gives us half the morning, then. I’m sure we can find some way to fill it.”
Chapter Text
When Court broke for lunch for the day, it was determined that Randi’s bad spell meant they would not reconvene. With the unexpected afternoon off, Vanyel wanted to spend more time with Stefen. A gentle MindTouch had confirmed that Tylendel was still busy and would join them when he could, and so Vanyel watched as Stefen carefully gathered up his lute and his music case, hoping he would be amicable to spending the afternoon together. Then the Bard’s hazel eyes rose to meet Vanyel’s, and he smiled. Beautiful. Heartstoppingly beautiful. He could have anyone he wants, surely.
Vanyel’s heart fluttered as Stefen approached him, that smile still on his face. The fact that they were standing in the middle of Court deserted him, and Vanyel’s chest tightened in loving excitement. He wanted -
Tantras cleared his throat, and Vanyel nearly jumped out of his skin. When he turned to the tall, dark Herald, there was a wide, mischievous grin on his friend’s handsome face.
“Tran! Did you need me?” He tried to regain his normal mask of perfect calm. Gods, he usually only got that distracted by ‘Lendel; being with Stef as well was scattering his wits completely.
“What do you think of him?” Tran asked, nodding past Vanyel to Stefen. “He’s certainly got a startling Gift.”
Vanyel glanced over at Stefen, unable to fully suppress a smile. “He’s extremely competent,” he observed neutrally. “I know he got jumped up to Master very quickly so that he could be assigned to Randi, but he’s very skilled.”
“He is at that,” Tantras agreed. “Have you heard any of his compositions?”
“I have - they’re quite good,” Vanyel observed. Of course, he’d heard those from Stefen himself, heard them played by their composer. Stef bemoaned the fact that he had yet to have any real time to compose since being promoted to Master, but his apprentice and journeyman work was as beautiful and unexpected as he was.
Tran nodded thoughtfully. “I like it, but your ear is much better than mine. I’m certain that if you approve of his work, it’s not just my fancy that it’s good.”
Vanyel smiled at that. “He’s quite proud of being the youngest Master Bard in the history of the Collegium, and honestly, I think he deserves that distinction.”
“That’s right!” Tran smiled at Van, warm and friendly. “You’re the one in charge of handling him here at Court. You’ve been spending time with him?”
“Tylendel and I both have been,” Vanyel answered delicately. He knew that the way they’d been spending time together wasn’t what Tantras meant, but he still shifted slightly in carefully concealed embarrassment. “I think he’s adjusting fairly well.”
With a warm grin, Tran clapped Vanyel on the shoulder. “Well, I know you rarely get any time to yourself, so this afternoon must be quite welcome, even if the reason for it is a poor one. Is Tylendel off, too?”
Vanyel shook his head. “No, he’s still busy. I’m sure I’ll find some way to fill my time.”
“Not with work,” Tran insisted. “Take the Bard off and hide him from the Healers. From what I understand, they’ve been pouncing on him whenever they can catch him, and he has to be getting exhausted between that and using his Gift for Randi.”
Since that was exactly what Vanyel intended to do, he smiled and nodded at Tantras. “I’ll do that. I’m sure he could use the break.”
“Good, Van - and taking half a day off will be good for you, too. You always overwork yourself.”
Vanyel shook his head slightly. “I only do my duty.”
“Your duty, and as much of everyone else’s as you can find a way to pile on yourself,” Tran scoffed. “Well, today your duty is taking care of the Bard. So take him off and make sure he has some time to relax.”
“I promise, Tran, I’ll take some time off, and I’ll take Stefen with me.” That was what Vanyel had intended in the first place, after all. He wanted to have some time with Stefen outside of the bedroom, and he wanted to introduce him to one of the most important people in his life as well. “I’ll make sure that none of the Healers can find him for the rest of the day.”
“Good,” Tantras said, sounding satisfied. “You two have fun.”
Vanyel watched, slightly bemused, as Tran walked away. He shook his head slightly, turned back toward Stefen, and started when he saw the young Bard mere feet away from him with an amused smile on his face.
“You’re going to hide me from the Healers?” Stef asked, a hint of suggestiveness in his voice.
“I thought we might go out for a ride,” Vanyel said quickly, trying not to blush. Stefen’s smile widened, and Vanyel coughed, losing the battle as that blush rose in his cheeks. “I thought you could meet Yfandes.”
“Yfandes?” Stefen asked, that smile fading slightly behind confusion.
“She’s my Companion,” Vanyel clarified. “Gala will probably be with her; they spend a lot of time together.”
“Gala is - Tylendel’s Companion?”
“Yes.” Vanyel smiled at Stefen, feeling a little shy. He very much wanted ‘Fandes to approve of his new lover. Not that she’d said anything in rebuke so far. “Is that okay?”
Slowly, Stefen nodded, looking unsure. “If you want me to meet her, I’d be glad to.”
Awkwardly, Stefen stood beside Vanyel at the fence demarking the edge of the Companion’s Field. He couldn’t quite believe that Van wanted him to meet his Companion, and by extension, Tylendel’s as well. He was incredibly nervous; what if she didn’t like him? What if Tylendel’s Companion didn’t like him? He was fairly certain that if either of them took a dislike to him, he’d be immediately ejected from the Herald-Mages’ bed.
Among the green of the field and the white of the Companions, two shapes began moving in their direction. The way the mares were stepping, Stefen felt quite sure they were showing off; their gates were perfectly synched, their necks arched at the same angle. They were beautiful, their snowy coats glinting in the sunlight and their sapphire eyes sparkling.
The two Companions stopped in concert at the fence, one leaning in to rest her forehead gently against Vanyel’s. The way Van smiled at her, eyes closed and face edged with contentment, made Stefen smile as well.
Then Vanyel pulled back slightly, caressing the mare’s neck, and he turned back toward Stefen. “Stef, I’d like you to meet Yfandes and Gala,” he said shyly. “Ladies, this is Bard Stefen. He’s - ‘Lendel and I have been spending time with him lately.”
Yfandes tossed her head, eyes twinkling, and the wicker that Gala gave sounded so like a laugh that it made Stefen clear his throat nervously. Vanyel blushed scarlet, ducking his head, and glanced sideways at Stefen. “I’m being called out on being overly delicate,” he murmured. “They’re happy to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too, ladies,” Stefen said politely, inclining his head to the Companions. He knew they weren’t just horses. You couldn’t live in the Collegium for nearly a decade and not know that. Still, this was his first time actually being introduced to a Companion, and he wasn’t entirely sure how to act or what to say. “I hope you don’t mind me taking up your Heralds’ time.”
Gala reached over the fence and nudged him with her nose, wickering wickedly, while Yfandes gave him a knowing look. Stefen cleared his throat again, and Vanyel’s blush deepened. “Yfandes says she’s glad we found you,” he commented, sounding slightly strangled.
“That’s all she said?” Stef asked, raising an eyebrow. He was starting to think he might like the Companions.
“That’s all she said,” Vanyel said tightly. “Gala decided it was a good time to subject me to some of her more - colorful commentary.”
“Oh?” Stefen asked, intrigued.
“There’s a reason ‘Lendel says she’s a rude bitch,” Vanyel muttered evasively. “At least she’s not suggesting we let her listen in.”
Stef smiled broadly, turning to Gala. “I think you and I are going to get along just fine.”
Nudging Stef again, Gala gave another amused wicker, then tossed her head. Van shook his head, looking somewhere between amused and annoyed, and stroked Yfandes lightly along her elegant nose.
“Right,” Vanyel said briskly. “We need to get you a mount. ‘Fandes, love, would you find a groom and get saddled while I find a horse for Stef?”
Blinking, Stefen realized suddenly that Vanyel was serious about going for a ride. As in a ride on a horse - although obviously Van would ride his Companion. “Ah, Van, I don’t know how to ride.”
Vanyel blinked, turning toward Stefen and looking confused, then distraught. “Oh. Oh, of course not. Why would you know how to ride?” He shook his head, a look of guilt on his face. “I forget sometimes - no matter. Would you - would you like me to teach you?”
Stefen had not expected that, and he found himself staring. The offer seemed genuine, and he did enjoy the time he spent with Vanyel and Tylendel outside of bed. This was a chance to have something else he could do with them.
It was another nudge from Gala that decided him. Stef gave the Companion his best winning smile and then nodded to Vanyel. “That sounds nice. I’d love to have you teach me to ride.”
Vanyel smiled in response, looking almost relieved, giving Yfandes a brief smile as she wandered away in the direction of the Companion’s Stables. “All right, we need a horse for you, then. I’ve got a few in the stables, and I’m sure one will suit you.”
He has a few? Stef knew, vaguely, that Vanyel and Tylendel were highborn. But horses were expensive, and the idea that Vanyel had a few and could afford the keep for them was a little overwhelming. The idea that they want to spend time with a gutter rat like me - gods, I’ve bedded nobles before, and hells, they never wanted to spend any time with me out of bed. Why do they?
Silently, Stefen fell in next to Vanyel as they walked toward the stables where the horses were kept. Van went straight to a line of stalls with horses that looked vaguely similar, walking down the row and considering purposefully before stopping in front of one holding a chestnut mare.
“She’ll do, I think,” he mused. “Her dam is Jisa’s mount, now, and her dam was Star.” Vanyel looked momentarily wistful. “Star was a gift from my mother; she brought me to Haven. I never did ride her much after Yfandes Chose me, but there was always someone close who needed a mount, and she was Jisa’s first mount. And I’ve kept up her line. Melody here, she’s got an easy gate and a gentle temperament. She’ll be a good match for you, I think - and between her name and her coloration, she’ll be a perfect match for you.” Vanyel smiled a little, turning toward Stefen. “I’d like you to have her.”
Again, Stefen stared, his mouth hanging open slightly. After a moment, he closed it with a click and swallowed hard. “Van - Vanyel, you can’t just give me a horse.”
“Why not?” Vanyel asked. He waved at the others in the row. “I told you I have a few, and I never have enough friends to ride them. I want to give her to you, Stef. I want you to have her.”
Stef shook his head slightly, disbelieving. A horse. Vanyel wanted to give him a horse. Stefen didn’t really know anything about horses, but Melody was beautiful in a way that spoke of fine breeding. “She’s too much, Vanyel. This is - why would you give me a horse?”
“Why shouldn’t I?” Vanyel persisted. “Please, Stef. I really do want you to have her. If you’re going to learn to ride, then you need a mount of your own.”
With an exasperated sigh and another shake of his head, Stefen relented. “If you insist.” He turned toward the mare dubiously; it didn’t seem quite right that he might own a horse. “She really is lovely. Melody, you said?”
“That’s right,” Vanyel said, sounding satisfied. “Hold out your hand to her and let her get a good sniff; don’t look her straight in the eye, they don’t like that. Not that Melody is likely to react badly, but some horses will interpret it as a challenge.”
Warily, Stefen held out his hand to the horse, palm up. She leaned in and sniffed it with surprising delicacy, then shoved her nose into his palm. It was smooth and velvety, mostly, but with some prickly little bristles.
“There - she likes you.” Vanyel smiled. “Now, let’s get her kitted up, and we can start by teaching you how to mount her.”
The pine grove that they settled in was beautiful, ethereal, almost as though it was twilight under the bows despite the early afternoon hour. Stefen liked it instantly, and leaving Melody in the care of Yfandes and Gala, he settled onto the ground to lean against a tree with a groan. Learning to ride a horse was physically difficult, and Stefen’s thighs ached.
Vanyel smiled at Stefen, settling against a tree as well, close by the Master Bard. “I was fifteen the first time Tylendel brought me here,” Vanyel mused, his voice soft and almost dreamy. “We had to hide that we were together at first; I was afraid that my father would find out that I was shaych and call me back home. This was the only place other than Savil’s suite where we could be together. We’d sit here and talk, maybe steal a few kisses. It wasn’t until after I was Chosen that I dared to let anyone find out that we were lovers, much less lifebonded.”
Stefen couldn’t help but stare. Vanyel had brought him to a place that Tylendel had brought him to? A place that had been their sanctuary? Why? It made no sense for Vanyel to bring Stefen here, not to a place that obviously meant so much to him. Delicately, he said, “It’s lovely here.”
“Like its own little world,” Vanyel murmured in agreement. “It’s always felt safe here, like no one could possibly find us.”
Van shifted then, moving closer to Stefen, then slowly slid a hand around to cradle the back of the Bard’s head and draw him in for a soft, slow kiss. Their lips lingered, tongues caressing each other languidly, and when they broke apart, their eyes locked. Vanyel’s silver eyes held Stefen’s gaze, dark with want and rimmed with white lashes. He shifted again, even closer, and settled between Stefen’s legs.
“It’s always felt completely private here,” Vanyel breathed. “I don’t think anyone ever comes here except for us and the Companions.”
His hands touched Stefen’s face, a gentle caress, then trailed down the sides of his neck, over his chest, fingers tracing over scarlet cloth. Vanyel hesitated briefly as they came to rest on Stefen’s hips, and then slid inward, slowly untying the laces of his breeches. Stef’s breath caught, not quite believing this was happening, that Vanyel would be so bold. When Vanyel drew his cock out of his breeches, stroking his length with sure fingers, Stefen let his eyes fall closed and his head tip back against the trunk of the pine behind him. Vanyel’s tongue teased briefly at the head of Stefen’s cock and then his lips closed around it, taking him in, sliding easily around him. “Gods - Vanyel -”
Stef’s hand slid into Vanyel’s hair, curling tight, tugging hard enough to make the Herald-Mage gasp around his mouthful of cock. Still, Van moved slowly, unhurried, obviously enjoying the task he’d set himself. Stefen groaned softly, letting himself get lost in the pleasure of the moment, in Vanyel’s relaxed and unhurried pace. He had the feeling that Vanyel was doing this as much because he enjoyed it as he was to bring pleasure to Stef. The fact that they were outside, that Vanyel was willing to unbend enough to do this somewhere other than the confines of the Herald-Mages’ room, was exhilarating.
“You’re amazing at this, Van,” Stefen murmured, his eyes fluttering open as he looked down at the man on his knees before him, his voice a gentle caress. “You’ve got such a lovely mouth, and it looks so good wrapped around my cock.”
Vanyel whimpered at that, obviously as affected by the praise as ever. It seemed to take a great deal of effort for him to maintain his slow pace, to keep things soft and lazy. Stefen didn’t know why it was important to Van to draw this out and make it last, but by all the gods, he was enjoying it.
The teasing rhythm of Vanyel’s mouth and tongue made Stefen’s pleasure build slowly, gently rising, and the Bard tipped his head back against the tree again, his breath coming in tiny gasps. He almost didn’t notice as Vanyel gradually increased his pace, moving faster little by little, the whole thing woven into the gentle magic of pure sensation. His orgasm, when it came, was just as slow and drawn out as the act that had brought it on, cresting over Stefen in waves, washing him away and leaving him breathless.
As Stefen slowly blinked his eyes back open, he smiled at Vanyel as the older man knelt between his knees, back straight and head slightly bowed as he watched the Bard with needy satisfaction. Stef slid his hand down from Vanyel’s hair to brush along his arm and take his hand, the other coming to rest briefly on the Herald-Mage’s hip before sliding inward to caress the bulge in his pristine white breeches.
“You’re all worked up now,” Stefen breathed, a smile on his lips as he felt the evidence of Vanyel’s desire hard against his hand. “I might have to do something about that.”
Except something caught Stefen’s attention, and they both looked up and over to the side just before a twig snapped. A moment later, Tylendel stepped into the grove, a broad smile on his handsome face.
“Gala said I’d find you here,” he said warmly, apparently unbothered by finding his lifebonded with their lover in a place that clearly meant something to the two of them as a couple. “Feeling daring, ashke?”
The slender Herald-Mage blushed. “It isn’t as though we’ve ever been caught out here,” he muttered defensively, shifting a little to raise his face toward Tylendel, “and ‘Fandes and Gala would have warned me if anyone but you was coming.”
“True,” Tylendel allowed. He lowered himself to the ground as well, settling behind Vanyel and wrapping his arms around his lover’s waist, his chin propped on the smaller man’s shoulder. Stef quickly tucked his length back in his smallclothes and started doing his breeches back up, feeling oddly as though ‘Lendel had caught him doing something he shouldn’t. He watched as Tylendel slipped one hand lower, palming Vanyel’s clothed erection in a firm palm. “Have fun, dearest?”
Vanyel’s blush deepened, and he leaned back into Tylendel’s arms. Tylendel laughed, bright and vibrant, and nuzzled into Vanyel’s hair with such tenderness that it made Stefen’s heart ache.
“Do you two want some time alone?” Stefen asked, careful to keep his voice level. This was, it appeared, their spot, a place they’d long come for private romantic interludes. He didn’t belong here; he belonged here even less than he belonged in their bed. While he didn’t feel confident in riding Melody back up to the stables, he could walk; the Collegium wasn’t that far.
Tylendel and Vanyel both looked surprised by the offer, though. Their heads came up in unison, looking at him in consternation. “We want you here with us,” ‘Lendel objected, pewter eyes warm and sincere. “Unless - do you want to leave, Stef?”
Stefen didn’t understand any of this, didn’t understand why they’d want him here of all places. This was a meaningful and romantic place for them, and Vanyel had brought him here and sucked him off and now they wanted him to stay. It felt intrusive, like he was pushing himself into a side of their relationship that he shouldn’t be allowed into, and as much as he wanted to be with them, he didn’t know if he should continue to intrude.
“Are you sure?” he asked, shifting slightly in his place against the tree trunk. The importance this place apparently held for them did not seem like the sort of thing a casual sex partner would be invited into.
“Of course we are,” Vanyel said, confusion clear on his beautiful face. “Why would you think we wouldn’t want you here? Stef, we enjoy having you with us.”
They wanted him with them for the moment, perhaps, and Tylendel claimed the three of them had a relationship, but they were lifebonded, and he wasn’t a part of that. He’d never be a part of that.
Vanyel reached out for him then, fingers sliding over Stefen’s face until his hands were gently cupping the Bard’s cheeks. “We want you here with us,” he echoed, drawing Stefen in and kissing him soft and slow and sweet; when he pulled back, he looked up at Tylendel, who shifted the way he was holding Vanyel so that he could lean over his shoulder and kiss the Bard as well, the slow slide of his tongue tantalizing as his lips lingered.
Gods, Stef wanted this to be real, wanted it to be something he could keep. He had never felt so consumed by a lover before, and it felt like Vanyel and Tylendel had somehow invaded every part of his being. He was theirs so completely - but they could never truly be his. This was just a fleeting illusion.
And yet, still, as Tylendel shifted again so that he only had one arm wrapped around Vanyel’s waist, reaching out for Stefen with the other. The Bard took his hand and let the two men draw him closer, until he was nestled up against them in the midday twilight of the grove. Vanyel wrapped his arms around Stefen, burying his face against the younger man’s shoulder, and Tylendel raised his hand to cradle the back of Stefen’s head and toy gently with his curls.
Stefen wanted to weep at the tender affection they so callously offered him. It was so close to what he wanted, so close to what he knew he’d never get from them. Despair welled up in him, and for a moment, Stef thought the world might shatter around him -
Then Vanyel turned his head to catch Stefen’s lips in a fierce kiss, hard and desperate. He pulled back only when they both were breathless. “What’s wrong, love?”
Srefen’s heart stopped, and so did the world.
“You don’t mean that.” Stef’s voice felt distant, detached from his body, and his body was detached from the world. “You can’t mean that. It’s not possible.”
There were twin expressions of gentle concern on the other men’s faces. “What do you mean, we can’t mean it?” Tylendel asked, his thumb caressing Stefen’s cheek softly. “We’re lifebonded, Stef, not dead. We’re still men. I told you this wasn’t just about sex anymore.”
“Of course we mean it,” Vanyel continued, smiling affectionately at Stefen, as gentle as moonlight. “Of course we love you.”
It took a moment for Stefen to register the wet feeling of tears slipping down his cheeks, but when he did, he gasped out a wracking sob and pressed closer to his lovers, calloused fingers grasping at Vanyel’s fine locks and Tylendel’s riotous curls. He hid his face somewhere between them, his body shaking with waves of emotion that had suddenly been released. It felt like nothing existed outside the three of them, sitting together in a tangle of limbs in the private pine grove in the Companion’s Field, Vanyel and Tylendel whispering soothing nonsense and promises of love as Stefen finally fully let himself feel.
Chapter Text
Stefen lay on his back, staring up at the boughs of the pine trees above them, Vanyel tucked in next to him with his head on his shoulder, and Tylendel sitting above his head and playing gently with his hair. His eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, his entire face sore from crying, but his emotional outburst didn’t seem to have put either of the other men off at all. They’d stayed with him, comforting and reassuring, until he’d run out of tears, and even now they weren’t pushing for him to say anything. They weren’t even saying anything themselves anymore; they were just there with him.
This was madness. The idea that they loved him seemed surreal, impossible. He turned slightly to gaze at Vanyel, then shifted to look up at Tylendel. Gods and demons, there was no way this was real. Obviously, he had finally cracked, and this was the result.
Vanyel lifted his head then, brushing his lips softly against Stefen’s. “I love you, Stef. We both love you.”
“We do,” Tylendel agreed, smiling down at the other two men. He brushed a hand over Stefen’s cheek, his thumb caressing the corner of the Bard’s mouth. “I love you.”
His heart felt tight, his breath caught in his throat, and Stefen was utterly without words. He wanted them both, and not just physically. He wanted this, wanted what they were offering so freely. It still seemed like there was no way that they could want him the same way, that they could love him - but they kept saying that they did.
Slowly, Stef shifted, then pushed himself up to a seated position and turned to face his lovers. Fingers trembling slightly, he reached out to touch Tylendel’s cheek. He hadn’t said it yet, hadn’t said much at all since they’d told him they loved him, and he knew he should, but a part of him was afraid to. This was so overwhelming that Stefen felt like he might burst, and a part of him desperately wanted to somehow wrap Vanyel and Tylendel up and keep them safe within his heart, where the three of them would never be parted.
Tylendel placed one hand over Stefen’s on his cheek as though trying to still his trembling; Vanyel took the other and kissed each fingertip slowly, a soft brush of lips against calloused skin. Taking a deep breath, he met ‘Lendel’s eyes where the older man sat in front of him, then Vanyel’s where he lay easily on the earth.
“I love you both,” he said softly, his voice feeling strangely uncertain, as though somehow all his training had deserted him. “I didn’t know that I could feel like this, but somehow - somehow you’ve shown me some magic -”
Stefen’s voice cracked, and he looked desperately between his two lovers, wishing that he knew what to say.
“Love is like that,” Tylendel said gently, softly stroking the back of Stefen’s hand. “It’s a magic greater than what any mage can cast, something deep within us, and when it finds its way out - I don’t blame you for being overwhelmed.”
A part of Stefen wanted to express this discovery and their mutual declaration physically, but somehow sex didn’t seem like enough for this. He both wanted to be that close to them and didn’t know how it could ever be enough for what he felt.
Vanyel moved slowly, one of Stefen’s hands still in his, and shifted onto his knees. He reached out with the other hand to cup Stefen’s face gently, to draw him in, to kiss him slowly. “We have all the time in the world to figure out how this works, ashke. Just be here with us.”
Stefen smiled shakily, leaning gently into the hand on his cheek. “What does that mean, anyway? Ashke?” He’d heard it before, of course; Vanyel and ‘Lendel used it between each other frequently, and it was always laced with hints of deep tenderness and love. He’d thought, at first, that maybe it was a pet name derived from Vanyel’s surname, Ashkevron, but Van used it for ‘Lendel, too, and now he’d used it for Stefen as well.
“It’s a Tayledras word,” Tylendel murmured, smiling affectionately at Vanyel. “A word from the Hawkbrother tongue. A lot of their terms don’t translate easily or exactly, but that one - ashke means ‘beloved’.”
Beloved. Stefen’s mouth fell open, and he stared. Beloved. He felt like he might start crying again, and he swallowed hard to try to prevent that.
‘Lendel leaned in to kiss him gently. “Breathe. We’re here with you, Stef.” He kissed Stef’s forehead, soft and loving. Then he paused, tilting his head slightly, and then smiled in amusement. “Gala’d like to know how much longer we’re going to be out here. Apparently, she and ‘Fandes are getting tired of watching Melody. Also, they think we might be more comfortable somewhere without so many pine needles.”
Vanyel blushed at that comment, and Tylendel looked thoroughly amused. Stef glanced between the two, wondering what the story behind that was, wondering fleetingly if he’d ever have the opportunity to find out. Love was all well and good, but this still wasn’t a lifebond. He wasn’t tied to Vanyel and Tylendel the same way they were tied to each other.
Still, Tylendel stood, clasping Stefen’s hand and reaching for Vanyel’s, then drawing the two of them up as well. “Come on, let’s head back,” he said, his voice tinged with desire. Vanyel’s cheeks heated further, and he ducked his head, glancing sideways at Stefen. It was a little reassuring that the other men were both still eager for sex, and at least sex was something that Stef felt confident offering. He did want them, wanted them somehow more intensely than he had the night he’d met them, and he was off-balance enough that he wanted something where he felt confident and secure.
When they exited the little grove, though, Stefen eyed Melody dubiously. A horse. It seemed likely now that this extravagant gift had been meant as a love token, and she was beautiful, but the idea of getting back on her right now was not appealing at all.
Tylendel caught his expression and chuckled. “Have you ever been on a horse before today?”
“No,” Stef confessed. “Vanyel offered to teach me, and insisted on giving me Melody, and - honestly, it doesn’t seem like I was on her that long, but my legs are sore.”
‘Lendel chuckled again. “Van was thrown on a pony as soon as he was big enough to stay on, and he’s utterly forgotten that learning to ride is work. Lady Love, would you walk Melody back up to the stable?” He smiled as Gala took the chestnut mare’s reins in her teeth, looking exasperated. “Thank you, dearheart. Van and I will make sure to take care of Stef.”
Tossing an arm around Stefen’s shoulder, Tylendel pulled him briefly close to his side, then relaxed his grip enough to make the contact look casual. Vanyel took ‘Lendel’s hand on the other side, casually affectionate, and the three of them started walking toward the Herald’s Wing.
Stefen lowered himself onto the settee with a half-suppressed groan, and Tylendel couldn’t help but smile as Vanyel sat down beside him. He loved seeing Van comfortable enough to be affectionate toward Stefen, even if only in private. He wouldn’t mind this affair becoming public, but he wouldn’t push that choice on Vanyel and Stefen, not before they were ready.
Dropping into one of the armchairs, Tylendel watched as Stefen reached out to place a hand on Vanyel’s thigh, fingertips stroking gently. The smile Van turned on Stefen was soft and loving, the sort of smile that Tylendel had only ever seen his lifebonded turn on him before. Which was odd; certainly ‘Lendel should be bothered by that, but he was no more upset by it than he had been by Van admitting he loved Stef, or finding the two of them in the grove that had always been a secret hideaway for the two of them. Sharing Vanyel with Stef, and Stef with Vanyel, felt oddly … right.
He knew that Vanyel’s lusts would be especially easy to stoke again right now; after bringing Stef off in their grove, he’d been just as worked up as he always got, but he’d put that aside in order to comfort Stef. But now - gods, was it strange that he wanted to see Stef and Van together? There was, he supposed, a certain amount of voyeurism inherent in this sort of relationship. He’d watched them before, after all, although those times he’d been close enough to touch them, but at the moment, he wanted nothing more than to see them both have what they wanted from each other.
Vanyel caught the edges of his mood and looked over in surprise. Tylendel shifted a little, getting more comfortable, propping one elbow on the arm of the chair and leaning his hand into his palm, his eyes on his lovers.
Stefen’s gaze followed Vanyel’s, clever and assessing, and he grinned mischievously. Reaching for Vanyel, the Bard pulled him closer, drawing the pliant Herald-Mage in for a kiss. Gods, I should have known Stef wouldn’t be opposed to putting on a show.
Vanyel, of course, was shyer, and while he slipped closer to Stefen willingly enough, let himself be pulled into a kiss, his cheeks were brilliantly red in response to Tylendel’s eyes on them. Stef’s fingers traced lightly over those cheeks and down Vanyel’s neck, settling on the laces of his tunic. Vanyel’s breath caught as Stefen started undoing his laces, tilting his head back as the Bard’s lips trailed down the front of his throat. With a soft groan, Vanyel pressed closer against Stefen, his fingers going to the laces of his Scarlets.
This was strangely fascinating. Tylendel leaned forward a little as their laces came loose, as Stefen slipped off Vanyel’s tunic and shirt and then his own. Vanyel’s fingers gently stroked the back of Stefen’s neck as the Bard’s hands slipped down his chest, pinching a nipple to make him gasp. Then he pulled Vanyel closer still, guiding the Herald-Mage to straddle his lap.
Almost without thinking about it, Tylendel reached down to adjust himself, then started undoing the laces of his breeches as he watched his lovers do the same. He laid a lazy hand on himself as Van and Stef slipped out of the rest of their clothes. Vanyel settled back over the Bard, Stefen’s fingers on his hips as he leaned in for a kiss.
They kissed slowly at first, letting the passion build between them, hands still at first. Then one of Stefen’s hands slipped up Vanyel’s spine to rest between his shoulder blades, pressing his body closer, while the other slid down to grasp his ass. Vanyel moaned softly, pressing close against Stefen, his greedy fingers tracing down the Bard’s back to caress his ass, his hips, then finally close around his cock.
“You want me inside you, Van?” Stef’s smile was slow but bright, and he glanced over at Tylendel where he was stroking himself lightly. “I think ‘Lendel wants to see it.”
Vanyel’s blush renewed itself, and he glanced shyly over at his lifebonded, one hand still on Stefen’s length as the other caressed the Bard’s hip. Tylendel could see the way Van’s breath hitched, the way being watched like this excited him even as it embarrassed him.
“Tell him what you want, Van,” ‘Lendel couldn’t help saying. His voice was soft, the words not quite a command, but Vanyel still bit his lower lip hard and turned his silver gaze back on Stefen.
“Please - Stef - I - I want you inside me.” The words started out halting but came in a tumble at the end, and Vanyel shifted a little, going up on his knees so that there was room for Stefen to touch him where he wanted. Stefen didn’t hesitate, the hand that grasped a handful of Van’s perfect ass sliding to touch his hole, soft and teasing, just enoug to make the Herald-Mage gasp.
“You want me?” Stef asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You want me to fuck you right here where ‘Lendel can see everything?”
That blush was lovely, such a perfect shade of red. “I - please, Stef - I do want you.”
Then Stefen’s lips found Vanyel’s throat again, his fingers toying lightly with his entrance. “I need the oil,” he said softly against Vanyel’s skin. “Can you - get it?”
Vanyel’s hand lifted from Stefen’s hip as he Fetched the vial of massage oil, offering it shyly to the Bard. Stef took it delicately, his eyes on Vanyel’s, and opened it to coat his fingers before recorking it and setting it aside. His slick fingers went between Vanyel’s legs to play slowly against his hole. When Stef pressed one firm digit inside, Vanyel whimpered, hiding his face against the Bard’s shoulder.
“Beautiful,” Stefen breathed, the hand between Vanyel’s shoulder blades stroking softly, his fingers slowly sliding in and out of him. “Gods, Van, you’re just so lovely.”
“Please,” Vanyel gasped, pressing his hips down slightly, eager for the feel of Stefen’s fingers inside him. “Stef, I - don’t make me wait, please.”
“Look at me.” The gentle command made Vanyel lift his head slowly, his eyes meeting Stefen’s. Slowly, Stefen pulled his fingers out of Vanyel, his hand going back to his hip, and then he guided the Herald-Mage closer as the once dark-haired man helped direct his cock to his hole. Their eyes locked, then Vanyel’s fluttered as Stefen pushed inside, his lips falling open to form into a delicate O.
Tylendel knew Vanyel loved this, loved the feel of a hard cock deep inside him, and it was strange to feel the outside sense of that while sitting several feet away and just watching. He stroked himself slowly as Vanyel started to move, hips rolling as he let his body rise and fall over Stefen, lips still parted in pleasure as his breath came in gentle gasps.
And Stefen’s eyes were still locked on Vanyel, wondering and dark with desire, watching as he moved with as much intent to please Stefen as to find pleasure himself. Gods, but Van always looked especially beautiful like this, fine hands resting delicately on his thighs, his body given over to passion. Tylendel wanted to kiss his throat, to mark his collarbone - and he wouldn’t let himself, wouldn’t move closer, determined to let himself see his lifebonded and his new lover together.
A ripple of surprise flowed through him as Stefen moved to do exactly as he wanted himself. The Bard’s lips caressed the pale column of Vanyel’s throat, pausing to kiss his adam’s apple and lick at the hollow of his neck, then moved lower to nip hard at the line of his collarbone. Vanyel gasped as Stefen’s lips closed on him, the pressure of his teeth and the firm suction he offered bruising his white skin, making him tremble as his hands flexed against his thighs.
“Gods, Van - so good. You feel so good, and you’re so beautiful.” The words were shaky and seemed to lack the eloquence one might expect of a Bard; they were clearly the stark, unvarnished truth. Stefen hesitated, his fingers gripping Vanyel’s pale hips, hazel eyes on that rapturous face, and as though he sensed that there was something on the Bard’s mind, Vanyel blinked his eyes fully open and met Stefen’s gaze again. Then, tremulously, Stefen offered, “I love you.”
The words made Vanyel whimper, and his hands shot up to cup Stefen’s face and pull him in for a kiss. His body moved faster over Stefen’s, more fervently, and as he broke breathless from the kiss. He nuzzled eagerly at Stefen’s cheek and jaw and neck. “I love you, too. Gods, Stef, by the stars, I love you.”
Tylendel’s hand spasmed, his grip turning tighter, his hand more eager. Gods, they were making love, and Tylendel felt strangely as though he was part of it despite the physical distance between him and the other two men. He was there, he was with them, and he could feel the pleasure mounting in the air like it was a tangible thing. He leaned forward, face rapt as Vanyel gave himself over completely to the moment, riding Stefen’s cock with the same dedication he would show were it Tylendel under and inside him.
He could Feel them come as they finished together, Stefen’s fingers tight on Vanyel’s hips as he filled the Herald-Mage with his seed and Vanyel spilled between them with a desperate cry, Tylendel gasping in pleasure as he found completion as well. Stef and Vanyel kissed again, hard and frantic, Van rocking against their young lover as they rode out the aftershocks of pleasure. The moment seemed to hang in the air until finally, Vanyel collapsed breathless against Stefen’s body, pillowing his cheek against the redhead’s slender chest. The Bard shifted a little, allowing himself to slip from Vanyel’s body as he stroked the pale skin of his back, fingers tracing scars as easily as they did the fine line of his spine.
There had been little point in dressing properly again afterward. Tylendel had his boots and tunic off, the laces of his shirt loosened; Vanyel had pulled on his favorite dark blue Hawkbrother robe and offered Stefen a too-large nightshirt. Then they had all three piled on the settee, Stefen squeezed between Vanyel and Tylendel. The older two men seemed especially intent on having Stefen close, on the three of them being together in this moment. Vanyel had a hand on Stefen’s knee and his head on the Bard’s shoulder; Tylendel had an arm around him with his fingers softly stroking the back of his lifebonded’s neck.
Stefen was still sore from his riding lesson, but his unexpected afternoon off was turning out quite well. They love me. It still seemed unreal, like some fever dream had caught him up and stoked madness in him, but Vanyel - perfect, controlled Vanyel - had declared his love so desperately, and Tylendel was so gently insistent, that he couldn’t properly deny the reality of their love.
He felt greedy, knowing that it still wasn’t quite everything he wanted. He’d never be on equal footing with the lifeboned pair, never be quite as much a part of things. They loved him; he should be happy with that.
Turning his head slightly, Stefen brushed his lips against the crown of Vanyel’s head. His eyes caught on the way the neck of his robe was gaping open, framing the deep red mark he’d left on Vanyel’s collarbone. It was positively thrilling that Van would let him leave marks like that, and he wondered vaguely if the Herald-Mage liked being bruised or marked in other ways. The brief mention of hurting Vanyel kept slipping back into his mind since it had fleetingly come up when they’d bound him. Not that he wanted Vanyel to be hurt, exactly. It was more the idea of him allowing and even enjoying it that appealed so much. Gods, how far would Vanyel let them push that? Stefen had never tried anything like that before, and the idea gave him a perverse sort of anticipatory thrill.
Stef shifted again, stroking Vanyel’s hair softly. He felt like he should fill the silence, but he couldn’t quite find the words to do it. The pure feeling was overwhelming, and frankly, Stefen didn’t want to be anywhere else in the moment besides between his two lovers.
Tylendel reached over with his free hand to place two fingers under Stefen’s chin and tilt his face toward him. Leaning in, he kissed Stefen softly, slow and lingering, then pulled back languidly. “A little overwhelmed by it all?”
“A little,” Stefen admitted. He’d never gotten attached to any of his previous lovers, much less fallen in love with them, and doing so now was just - so much. He didn’t have a clue how to handle his emotions, nor how to express them properly. Although a few anxiously fervent words had seemed to be more than enough for Vanyel …
Van’s hand squeezed his knee gently, fingertips stroking skin, and he shifted to settle more against Stefen. Gods, he should just be basking in this openly proffered affection, in his lovers’ desire to be close to him. He honestly didn’t know what more he wanted at the moment than that; Vanyel had seen to him twice that afternoon even after they’d been together in the morning, and he was oddly reticent to dive into conversation. He just wanted to exist in the moment, to bask in the closeness of the two men he loved, and they seemed content to do the same.
The moment stretched out in silence except for soft breathing, in soft touches and closeness. Stef closed his eyes for a moment, just basking in their gentle companionship. He could definitely get used to this.
After a time, though, Vanyel turned his head, lifting his face to brush a kiss against Stefen’s jaw. “We skipped lunch,” he told the Bard. “We should have something brought up.”
They had, at that, and Stefen’s stomach chose that moment to agree with Vanyel, growling loudly. Tylendel chuckled and disentangled himself from the other two, going over to pull the cord to summon a page. It was still a little strange to think that Stefen’s association with Vanyel and Tylendel came with this sort of fringe benefit. He was still in a room in the students’ section of Bardic, but here he got fine meals delivered, fine wine, and to be pampered and spoiled by his lovers.
Tylendel paused by the door after speaking to the page, smiling back at the other two men on the settee, drinking in the sight of them resting comfortably together there. “You two are so beautiful,” he murmured fondly, those pewter eyes caressing their figures lovingly. “Simply gorgeous.”
Vanyel shifted slightly, his eyes on Tylendel even as he stayed nestled in against Stefen’s side. The way they looked at each other … Gods, I want that. Not just love - complete devotion, the total connection of souls -
His heart ached, and again he told himself that he should be happy with what they could offer. No one could force a lifebond.
Stefen shifted slightly, fingers stroking Vanyel’s silky hair. Did he want a lifebond? A week and a half ago, he would have laughed in the face of anyone who’d even suggested he might want to be in love. He’d been perfectly happy keeping his sex life casual before meeting the Herald-Mages. And now - now he couldn’t imagine giving this up. This feeling was consuming him.
Tylendel crossed the room back over to them, then reached out and caressed Stefen’s cheek, tilted his face up, and leaned down to kiss him. It was slow and sweet and romantic, a gentle brushing of tongues, and when ‘Lendel pulled back, it felt reluctant. “You know, you might be good for Van,” he mused. “He’s always forgetting to eat, and if you being hungry reminds him he’s human …”
Vanyel glared sourly at Tylendel, then turned to press his face against Stefen’s neck. “I eat. Most of the time. Sometimes, at least.”
“I will admit it’s been a while since you last forgot to eat for two or three days,” Tylendel allowed, lowering himself onto the settee on the other side of Stefen. “Still, that’s in part because I’ve got half the palace staff and most of the Heralds stationed in Haven keeping an eye out for signs you’ve been forgetting to eat again.”
Stefen stared at Vanyel, completely baffled. “How does someone forget to eat?” He certainly never did - regular meals had been an even bigger incentive to stay at the Collegium and work hard to keep his place than clean, warm clothes and a safe bed.
Vanyel shrugged in embarrassment, his cheeks distinctly red. “I get busy,” he said evasively.
Tylendel scoffed, the sound tinged with fondness. “Vanyel has never been good at taking care of himself. Luckily, I enjoy doing it for him.” He reached behind Stefen to stroke Vanyel’s hair fondly. Then, to Stef - “The two of us will have to work together to make sure he stays in good shape.”
That made Stefen smile. It seemed like an extension of the way the two of them had made sure that Vanyel was safe and happy when they’d tied him up, the way they’d cared for him while he surrendered everything. Certainly, it wasn’t as extreme, but the notion still excited him a little. “I think I can manage to help make sure he’s cared for.”
He could practically feel Vanyel blushing against his shoulder. Maybe he’d made the connection, too.
‘Lendel smiled at Stef, gentle and knowing. Stefen was also struck by how much trust Tylendel was putting in him here, allowing him to participate in making sure Vanyel was seen to in more ways than just in bed. Gods, they really do love me. They want me to be a part of their lives.
And somehow that was nearly as frightening as it was thrilling.
Chapter Text
Stef had no idea why he cared so much about Jisa’s desire to marry Treven. She was fifteen, he was seventeen, and they had all the time in the world to convince people that their marriage was the right choice both for them and for Valdemar. There were a lot of arguments to be made. On top of the fact that they were lifebonded, Treven marrying the king’s bastard would help to solidify his claim to the throne to some of the stuffier nobles. Jisa was well-liked, and attaching her to the future king would transfer some of that popularity to Treven, who had only been in Haven a few years and was less well known. Add that to the fact that there were still those who believed Jisa would be Chosen eventually, and marrying Treven would mean she would be queen and co-consort, which many believed was her due.
None of those reasons actually mattered to Stefen, save the first one. They were lifebonded. They loved each other. As far as Stef was concerned, that was the only reason they needed to marry, and it overwhelmed any excuse someone might have for them not to. It was certainly all that Stefen needed to ask how he could help.
“Treven’s Eren has a priest for us,” she explained quietly as they stood near the edge of Court, Stefen taking a brief break from performing. “The problem is making sure no one misses us while we sneak off to see him.”
“So you’d like me to provide a distraction.” He could do that. Stef was capable of being very distracting when he put his mind to it. “Who do you need distracted?”
“My parents are the ones most likely to object,” Jisa admitted. “Ideally, no one will find out what we’re doing until afterward, but if you can make sure my parents are occupied, I think we can manage.”
“I might not even have to do anything,” Stefen mused, “but I can make sure no one comes looking for either of you. Is there anyone I shouldn’t worry about finding out?”
“Honestly,” Jisa said, “the only ones I’m not worried about finding out are Uncle Van and Uncle ‘Lendel. They know what it’s like.”
As always, the reminder that Vanyel and Tylendel were lifebonded made despair curl in Stefen’s chest; as always, he shoved it away. He’d all but moved in with Van and ‘Lendel, after all, and he might as well enjoy this while it lasted. It was clear that his lovers intended for this to be a long-term arrangement, which on the one hand suited Stef just fine and on the other wasn’t everything he wanted. And there he’d circled back around to the fact that he wasn’t lifebonded to Vanyel and Tylendel - it was hard to break out of, but Stef had gotten fairly quick at managing it.
“I can handle that,” Stef said, giving Jisa a winning smile. “You’re a lucky girl; there are plenty of people who’d give their left arm to have a chance with Treven.” Treven was somehow even better looking than his distant cousin (and the good friend of Vanyel and Tylendel), Herald Tantras. Not that Stef would trade his current situation for either man, even if Treven and Tantras were shaych. They were good-looking men, yes, but Vanyel’s heart-stopping face was the envy of every beauty at Court, and Tylendel was more than a match for any other man.
Jisa smiled, soft and fond. “He’s so good to me, Stef. Honestly, I wouldn’t care if he looked like a toad.”
With mischief in his eyes and a smile on his lips, Stef elbowed Jisa in the ribs. “But it doesn’t hurt that he looks like a statue of a young god, does it?”
Jisa blushed, and for a fleeting moment, she looked strangely reminiscent of Vanyel. “No, that definitely doesn’t hurt.”
Stefen’s steps faltered slightly as he entered the king’s suite. It wasn’t as though he’d never been there before, and it wasn’t the fact that he’d been pulled out of Vanyel and Tylendel’s room to come play for the king, either. The entirety of the palace staff surely knew by now that Stefen spent most of his time with them, and that he usually slept there. No, it was Vanyel and Tylendel who put him off.
They didn’t look particularly pleased, and seeing as it had already been confirmed to him, quite purposefully, that Jisa and Treven had succeeded in wedding, he’d expected his lovers to be happy for the young couple. But Tylendel looked concerned, and Vanyel strained, and Stefen didn’t know how things possibly could have gone wrong.
Gathering himself, Stef strode up to the newlyweds with his best winning smile, giving Treven the perfect bow from a Master Bard to the Heir, and raising one of Jisa’s hands to kiss in his best courtly way. “Congratulations,” he said, warm and earnest. “I think you did the right thing. I know you’ll be happy.”
He turned slightly, intent on following the desperate page to Randale’s side, when Shavri took him by the elbow. “Wait! Where did you hear this?”
The calm, slightly distant mask Stefen put on his face in that moment would have done Vanyel proud. He glanced pointedly down at Shavri’s hand. She wasn’t queen; just a Healer and Herald, above him in station due to being King’s Own, but otherwise … he was a Master Bard, for all that most people seemed to forget that fact. The youngest Master Bard in the history of the Collegium, for all that it’s because they needed me to play for Randale …
“It’s all over the Palace, milady Herald,” he said, his voice mild and polite. More polite than her hand on his elbow, which he looked pointedly at again. She let him go, and Stefen discreetly smoothed the wrinkles she’d left in his sleeve, not overt enough to be rude but noticeable enough to be a rebuke … if she noticed that past her own distraught reaction to finding out her daughter’s marriage was no secret.
“Then there’s no way we can hide this.”
“I would say not, milady,” Stefen said, still polite, but allowing a little half-feigned surprise. “By this time tomorrow, it’ll be all over the Kingdom.” He gave Treven a wink, which the heir returned, then started slightly as he realized Van was furious. He turned slightly, hazel eyes half-catching the Herald-Mage’s rigid form and the way Vanyel and Jisa were glaring at each other - thinking at each other, surely.
“Dear gods,” Vanyel groaned suddenly. “It’s a conspiracy of fools!”
Jisa’s obvious hurt barely registered to Stefen. He was strangely offended by the notion that a lifebonded couple seeking to wed was foolish, and he took a reflexive step back, his back going ramrod straight and his face stony. He realized he was trembling slightly and did his best to still himself; there was no reason, after all, or at least no reason publicly known, why he should be upset by Vanyel’s words.
But if he thinks this is foolish -
He clamped down on that thought before it could form fully. Stef had gotten far too good at shutting down thoughts and emotions that were inconvenient to his current situation with Vanyel and Tylendel. They love me, they want me with them. That has to be enough.
So why does it feel like he’s calling me foolish?
“You can call it what you like, Herald Vanyel,” he said, his voice stiff and icy, “and you can think what you like. But a good many people think that these two did exactly the right thing, and I’m one of them.”
He turned on his heel then, desperate to be away from Vanyel, and by extension, Tylendel - Tylendel, who looked almost as worried as Vanyel was angered - and having the excellent excuse of needing to go to Randale to get away from them. It was all he could do not to slam the door as he went into the king’s private chambers and settled in to play for him and ease his pain. It wasn’t as though he could do anything to ease his own.
It was late by the time that Randale had gotten to sleep and Stefen had been practically ejected from the royal suite by Shavri. He seriously considered going back to his solitary room over at Bardic; after the way his lovers had reacted to Treven and Jisa’s marriage, he wasn’t entirely certain that he wanted to see them. But Bardic was much further than the room in the Herald’s Wing, and Vanyel and Tylendel’s bed far more comfortable. Besides, I’d miss them terribly, no matter how upset I am with them.
With a sigh, Stefen slouched almost reluctantly to his lovers’ room, then paused outside the door, hand half-raised to knock. What if they didn’t want him around tonight? He’d never disagreed with them before, not like this, and certainly not so publicly. He found himself suddenly wondering how it must have looked to them - the two of them among those carefully worrying over the political implications of Jisa and Treven marrying while he’d been the naive champion of young love - he blushed, a rare occurrence. Being with Tylendel and Vaneyel had melted his wits.
Before he could knock or pull away, the door opened, revealing a frazzled-looking Tylendel.
“Stef. Come in, but Van’s in a mood.” He smiled a little, sardonic. “There’s going to be a great deal of fallout from this whole mess, but there’s nothing else we can do tonight. Randi’s doing a little better?”
“A little, perhaps,” Stefen said lightly as he stepped inside, the door closing behind him. “He got to sleep at least. Shavri isn’t very pleased with me, though.”
“I would say not.” Vanyel’s deep voice was tired and barbed with annoyance. Stef looked over carefully, watching the way Vanyel held his face in his hands. “Children! By the stars, Jisa’s always been such a handful.”
“To be fair, ashke, you rarely see the other three.” Tylendel sounded amused for some reason, his eyes sparkling as they rested fondly on Vanyel. “Sometimes actions have consequences, and not all of them are always the ones you intended.”
Stefen just stared, still standing by the door, trying to work out what had just been said. Children? The other three? The way Vanyel was talking about Jisa being a handful, and Tylendel about actions having consequences - “You’re Jisa’s father?”
It was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop, the silence reverberating around the small space of the room. Vanyel was very still, and Tylendel eyed Stefen sideways as though trying to assess his reaction. “Not many people know,” Tylendel said carefully. “Vanyel and I, and Randale and Shavri, of course. Savil, due to an incident several years back. Jisa worked it out for herself a few years back, and she’s likely told Treven. No one else.”
Slowly, Stefen nodded. That made sense, of course. Whatever the reason had been for Vanyel to father Jisa, it was likely something that they wouldn’t want to get out. Maybe some early sign of his illness? And on top of that - “People would be - disturbed. Knowing that you and Shavri had gone to bed together, with both of you lifebonded to other people.” The same way Medren still found it disturbing that Stefen was sleeping with Vanyel and Tylendel.
“And before he got ill,” Vanyel said, sounding weary, “if anyone knew Randi was sterile, it could have ruined any chance at an alliance marriage.” He dropped his hands from his face and pinched the bridge of his nose as though trying to fend off a headache. “That doesn’t matter as much now, but it’s best to let people go on thinking Jisa is Randi’s - and she is, in every way that matters. He’s always been her papa; I’m just Uncle Van.”
“And ‘Lendel said - the other three?” Stefen was hesitant, but now that he was in on this secret, he thought he might as well know the whole thing.
“It’s all the same story, really,” Vanyel answered, his lovely voice strained. “Friends who wanted children and couldn’t have them on their own for one reason or another, so I - helped.” He shrugged a little, embarrassed. “There are a pair of Hawkbrother twins, Brightstar and Featherfire, and - and Arven. She’s the daughter of a pair of my sister’s retired shieldmaidens.”
Four children. Stefen’s head was spinning a little. He couldn’t imagine going to bed with one woman, much less three. Well, he could imagine it, but it wasn’t a particularly pleasant thing to think about. He shook his head slightly, trying to make the idea make sense. With the things Vanyel preferred in bed, he could hardly fathom that working. Still, apparently it had, at least well enough to produce four children. “You were really with three women?”
“Six,” Vanyel admitted awkwardly. Stefen’s brows climbed toward his hairline, and Van shrugged again. “I, ah - I didn’t know it was even possible for two men to - not until after I met ‘Lendel,” he said helplessly. “There was this - professional - my father bought for me when I was fourteen, and a couple of women around the keep after that.” He was blushing, obviously painfully embarrassed. Stefen dared to step a little further into the room, half reaching for Vanyel in an instinctive desire to soothe his lover.
But how welcome was he after having helped Vanyel’s daughter elope?
“I knew beforehand.” The confession tumbled from his lips, and he gripped the hem of his tunic anxiously. “Jisa asked me to help make sure no one found out and stopped them, but she thought you two would understand. That you’d be happy for them.”
Vanyel and Tylendel stared, Vanyel’s mouth slightly slack. Then Van’s mouth clicked shut, and his face went completely blank. “So they didn’t tell you after.”
“They didn’t just tell me after,” Stefen corrected. “They asked me to keep anyone from catching them before, and then after they told me so I could, you know, make sure it got around.” He was a notorious gossip, after all, well-known for rooting out which fantastic tales going around the Palace were the truth. That was part of why he’d been chosen to be in on the scheme; everyone knew if the rumor came from him, it was likely to be true.
As Vanyel groaned and dropped his head back into his hands, Stefen had to wonder how badly he’d mucked up his relationship by helping Jisa with hers. It wasn’t like he’d known Jisa was secretly Vanyel’s daughter, but he had been aware that the situation was politically fraught. He just hadn’t cared. All that had mattered to him - all that still mattered to him - was that Jisa and Treven were in love and lifebonded and deserved every happiness that could bring them.
Gods, being with Vanyel and Tylendel had turned him into some sort of romantic.
Still, knowing that he’d fight any far-west Pelagirs monster he’d ever heard of to be with ‘Lendel and Vanyel - who he wasn’t lifebonded to - obviously meant that Jisa and Treven had a need for each other that exceeded even that. He knew he’d made the right choice in helping Jisa marry Treven, and he wasn’t going to claim he’d been wrong to do so. He would fight them on this point, no matter how upset they were with him, because if he felt like he’d die without the two men he loved, how much worse must it be for someone to be kept apart from their lifebonded?
Stefen’s jaw set stubbornly. “I know this is the right thing for them,” he said with conviction, “and they did think about the political fallout before acting. Gods, this is a good thing. It links Treven to Randale more firmly and further solidifies his claim to the throne! Even I know that.” He wished his last words hadn’t sounded slightly petulant.
Suddenly, Stef was far too aware that he was only three years older than one of Vanyel’s children, and he had no idea if the other three were older or younger than Jisa. He was so used to being treated as something of an equal by Tylendel and Vanyel, but what if they were struck by how young he was? If they decided they didn’t want him -
And then Tylendel was at his side, laying a calming hand on his shoulder. The Herald-Mage brushed his lips lightly against Stefen’s temple, then he went over to Vanyel, tugging him up to his feet and pressing a kiss to his brow.
“What’s done is done,” ‘Lendel said firmly. “Van, you do know what it’s like to be fifteen and lifebonded, remember? Hellfire, love, just because we didn’t run off and find a priest -”
Vanyel blushed hotly, his cheeks red as he ducked his head in unconcealed embarrassment. “It’s not the same - neither of us is the heir, or the King’s daughter! There was no - no political impact -”
“Wait - you two got married?” Stefen didn’t see how that could be possible; he wasn’t aware of a single religion in Valdemar that would sanctify a union between two men. Unless - the priest who had married Jisa and Treven had said some interesting things about lifebonds, and the gods. Maybe it was allowed by some priests, provided the couple was lifebonded? Although that meant this was just another way Stefen wasn’t and never would be a proper part of this relationship …
“Not exactly,” Vanyel said defensively - and Tylendel snorted.
“We might as well have,” ‘Lendel corrected tartly. “Just because the ceremony wasn’t a Valdemaran marriage -” He looked very much like he wanted to throw his hands up in frustration. “Vanyel and I pledged ourselves to each other in the Hawkbrother fashion when he was sixteen and I was seventeen. Which means, as far as all the Tayledras clans are concerned, we’re effectively married.” He didn’t stalk over to the sideboard - quite - and he aggressively poured himself a glass of amber liquor. “Gods, Van - yes, it might have been better to make sure all the politics were figured out before Jisa and Treven got married, and there are going to be people who feel slighted by the lack of a state wedding, but we effectively did the same thing, at almost the same age.”
Vanyel looked helpless and put-upon. He looked up at Tylendel for a long moment, then gazed sidelong at Stefen. “Yfandes agrees,” he admitted grudgingly. “It seems I am set upon on all sides. This is not how this should have been done.”
Stefen was about to object, but Tylendel beat him to it. “If they’d done it the proper way, they would have been put off for years, until after Treven was crowned, surely, which would have made it even harder for them to manage to marry. Honestly, from a political standpoint, this way they can produce an heir-apparent faster, and secure the succession so we don’t have to go through the whole mess of appointing an appropriate heir again.”
“I’d appreciate you not reducing Jisa to the position of breeding stock,” Vanyel said sourly.
“What, you mean like you joke about being a prize stud?” Tylendel asked innocently. “Van, we both know that as Treven’s bride, Jisa’s primary duty is to produce an heir and a spare - or at least, until she’s Chosen and can become full co-regent - and we both know when that will happen.”
Stefen’s eyebrows climbed. “Oh, so the Companions are telling people when they’re going to make their Choice now?”
Vanyel and Tylendel suddenly both looked like children caught stealing sweets. “Ah - no,” Vanyel answered quickly. “Jisa’s just a special case. She’s - it’s been implied -”
“We believe Jisa’s the presumptive King’s Own,” Tylendel took over smoothly. “Van, we can trust him not to spread this around. And the Companions haven’t actually said that she is, but back when she was six and her Gifts were awakening, we were told she might be Chosen as early as eight ‘if she needed it’. Obviously, she’s never needed it, which means that being Chosen is just waiting on her being needed.”
Stef nodded slowly. He was being let in on a lot tonight. Was it because they trusted him, or because they were stressed enough that they were forgetting to be careful what they said? And that had to be awful, to know Jisa being Chosen was waiting on her mother’s death. Fleetingly, he hoped Jisa didn’t know that - but no matter. She certainly wouldn’t be hearing it from him. No one would. Gossip though he was, he did know how to keep secrets. And, given his reputation as a shameless gossip, no one ever suspected he had any that he hadn’t shared.
They lapsed into silence, and Stef shifted slightly, discomfited. He still wasn’t fully sure that his lovers wanted him around tonight, and he wasn’t sure whether it would be better to go back to Bardic on his own or wait for them to kick him out.
But even as Stefen hesitated, Vanyel turned and reached out for him, offering a hand, palm up. It took a heartbeat for Stefen’s mind to catch up, then he placed his hand gently in Vanyel’s and let the Herald-Mage close his hand around his and pull him in for a soft kiss.
“We’ve all had a long day,” Vanyel breathed when the kiss broke. “Have you eaten dinner? ‘Lendel and I grabbed something while we were working, but we can call for something for you.”
“I ate something while I was playing for Randale,” Stef answered, a slight smile tugging at his lips as relief washed through him. It was good to know that this relationship could survive a disagreement, that he wouldn’t be cast aside for failing to fall in line. And he had eaten. It had been in about five minutes, his dinner wolfed down as fast as he could so that he could get back to relieving the king’s pain, but he’d eaten.
“Well, then come to bed,” Vanyel said softly. “Dealing with this is going to be exhausting for everyone.”
Vanyel had slipped out of bed before the sun had come up, leaving Stefen sprawled next to Tylendel, one arm tossed over the older man’s stomach. He came awake slowly and smiled sleepily at Tylendel, reaching out to brush a silver and gold curl out of the other man’s eye. Those lovely pewter eyes fluttered open, and Tylendel smiled, turning toward Stefen and bringing a hand up to cup the young Bard’s face and draw him in for a lazy kiss.
Stef touched Tylendel as they kissed, his hands slipping down the older man’s body to the hem of his nightshirt, tugging upward. ‘Lendel chuckled softly, shifting to let Stefen strip him, then helping the Bard out of his shirt as well. Gods, this was a wonderful way to start the day, and when this happened, it definitely made up for the mornings that Stef woke up alone because his lovers had already had to go about their work.
The lithe Bard rolled on top of the older man, straddling his hips and grinding slowly down against ‘Lendel as he leaned in to kiss him. Stef had never wanted any man as badly as he wanted Vanyel and ‘Lendel, the intensity of his desire overwhelming him whenever he allowed it free rein. If this was what being in love did to a man, he didn’t know how people with lifebonds ever got anything done.
He pressed down as Tylendel gasped and arched up under him, fingers tangling in his red curls and pulling him in for another kiss. Tylendel wasn’t shy at all, not like Vanyel; he was bold and confident, giving because he wanted to be and because Stefen wanted him to be, and not for any other reason. And this morning, Stef knew exactly what he wanted.
As he shifted so that the head of Tylendel’s cock pressed between his cheeks, Stef watched the other man’s eyes widen. They hadn’t done this yet, and neither of them had even brought it up - which was fine. This wasn’t what Stefen usually wanted. But he wanted it now, and he thought that Tylendel would be willing.
More than willing, apparently. After a moment’s shock, Tylendel tangled his fingers in Stefen’s hair again, pulling him down for a heated kiss. One hand slipped down Stef’s back, caressed his ass, and his fingertips brushed against his crack. Stef groaned softly, moving against Tylendel, his fingers stroking the other man’s face, then down his neck and chest. The pads of his thumbs brushed over ‘Lendel’s nipples, and he trailed his lips down the side of the older man’s throat.
“You want me?” Stef breathed, his lips nearly touching Tylendel’s earlobe. He pressed down slightly against Tylendel, rubbing shamelessly against the man under him.
“Oh, Stef - always.” Tylendel turned his head to catch Stefen’s lips in a soft kiss, his fingers pressing in to brush against Stefen’s hole.
Stef hummed softly at the contact, enjoying the gentle touch and completely willing to keep this slow for the moment. And wasn’t that just the surprise? Stefen had never enjoyed soft, gentle sex with anyone the way that he did with Vanyel and Tylendel. Not that the three of them were always gentle, of course. They all three seemed to enjoy it rougher at times, and Vanyel adored giving himself fully to his lovers. The variety in their preferences led to a wonderful mix of experiences, and it was a marvel that they all seemed to flow effortlessly together every time.
Pressing down again, this time against Tylendel’s cautious fingers, Stefen smiled at his lover. His fingers slipped lower, brushing over ‘Lendel’s stomach, his hips. Stef wanted to feel his lover inside him, but he wasn’t so impatient as to need to rush this. Still, there was also no point in drawing this out, either. If something happened with the drama surrounding Jisa’s marriage, or if the king was particularly bad off this morning, one of them could be called for at any time.
“We need the oil,” Stefen murmured, his lips brushing over Tylendel’s collarbone. The hand in his hair slid out of his locks, then offered up the vial.
Stefen smirked softly and took it, kissing Tylendel’s fingertips as he did. Being with these men, loving a lifebonded couple, felt profane, heretical, but he felt powerless against their draw. He let his tongue curl briefly around the tip of Tylendel’s thumb, more than ready to feel this.
Carefully, he spread the oil on ‘Lendel’s fingers, shifting as he did so to give the other man easier access between his legs. Then he led the hand down, pressing the other man’s fingers against his hole. Tylendel chuckled again, reaching up with one hand to cup the back of Stefen’s head and draw him down for a kiss even as one slick finger pushed slowly inside his body. “Always so demanding,” ‘Lendel murmured fondly. “Gods, Stef -”
With a soft hum of pleasure, Stef let his hips move slowly, pushing down onto the older man’s fingers. And gods, of course ‘Lendel knew exactly what he was doing, how to open him up and where to touch. Stefen gasped, his eyes fluttering closed as he rocked against Tylendel’s fingers, momentarily losing himself in sensation.
Then he blinked his eyes back open, gazing heatedly down at Tylendel. “I want you inside me,” he murmured, his voice husky and commanding. Stef lifted his hips, offering ‘Lendel the vial of oil, eager to feel him. Kernos’s cup, ‘Lendel was good. Stef shifted so he could watch as his lover slicked his cock - it really was quite a fine one - and then they moved together so that Tylendel could press slowly into him.
For a moment, Stefen couldn’t breathe. It hadn’t been that long since he’d done this, but gods, it was ‘Lendel, and somehow that made it - more. His eyes closed, his mouth went slack, and Stef was certain that he’d never been so affected by having a man inside him before.
“Oh stars, Stef -”
Stefen blinked his eyes back open, licking his lips, and gazed down at Tylendel. The other man looked just as profoundly affected, pewter eyes wide, and gods, Stef felt so overcome by the love he felt for Tylendel that he thought his heart might burst.
His fingers trembling, Stefen brushed that stubborn curl back from ‘Lendel’s face. “I love you,” he whispered; even his voice shook slightly. Gods, this was too much, and it wasn’t near enough.
“I love you, too, Stef.” Tylendel’s voice was soft, almost surreal, and he moved his hands to gently grasp Stefen’s hips, and they started to move together. It was slow, their movements tender despite their fathomless desire for each other, and Stef let his fingers wander over ‘Lendel’s throat and chest, just feeling him. One of ‘Lendel’s hands moved from Stefen’s hip to his face, cupping his cheek softly. “Just so beautiful,” he breathed. “Stef, oh Stef.”
“Gods, ‘Lendel.” Stef bit his lip, wanting more, wanting ‘Lendel all over him. Gently, he reached down to nudge Tylendel just above his hip, then nodded at his lover’s surprised expression.
The two of them rolled together, Tylendel settling between Stefen’s legs and leaning in to kiss him heatedly. Stefen wrapped his legs tightly around Tylendel’s hips, pulling him close, angling his hips to accept the Herald-Mage as deeply as possible. He wanted this so badly, wanted everything Tylendel had to offer him, and he pressed up against his lover, pulling at his lower back with eager hands. And Tylendel just gave in, gave Stefen what he wanted, thrust firm and deep into him, a light of wonder in his eyes. “I never thought -”
Stefen smiled up at Tylendel, sweet and mischievous, his calloused fingers tracing against his lover’s jaw. “I want to feel all of you, love.”
Tylendel chuckled again, leaning in to kiss Stefen, thrusting hard. Yes, gods yes, this was exactly what he wanted right now. Stef arched under Tylendel, moving with him, legs tight around the older man, hands tracing over his skin with sharply contrasted gentleness. This was what he needed, ‘Lendel’s hard length inside him, striking that point that made jolts of pleasure rock through him. He pushed himself up on his elbows, his hard cock deliciously caught between their bodies as he kissed Tylendel, gasping against the other man’s mouth. Careful fingers threaded into Stefen’s curls, grasping softly, cupping the back of the Bard’s head to hold him close as they kissed. Tylendel’s other hand slipped downward, closing around Stefen’s cock, pulling at him slow and rhythmic, adding to the feel of his length thrusting roughly into him.
Climax hit hard as Stefen clung to Tylendel, rocking with him as they both rode out the waves of pleasure. Breathing hard, Stef kept his legs clamped tightly around Tylendel, wanting to feel him inside him for as long as possible.
Slowly, Stef unwrapped himself from around his lover, brushing tender fingers against ‘Lendel’s cheeks, his jaw, down the line of his throat. Tylendel’s soft smile, the adoration in his face as he slowly slipped out of Stefen, was as intense as the sex had been, and it made the Bard’s heart clench again. Maybe he’d never be lifeboned to his lovers, but gods, he was going to hold onto this for as long as he could.
Chapter Text
It had taken Vanyel an embarrassingly long time to realize that Jisa would, of course, be in Treven’s suite. His daughter had married the heir; therefore, she would be sharing his bed. Which was odd, and vaguely uncomfortable - Vanyel didn’t feel like he was old enough to have a married daughter. Of course, Brightstar and Featherfire were nineteen, which meant that they’d been considered adults among the Tayledras for five years now. It all made Vanyel feel … old.
He hesitated outside the door to Treven and Jisa’s suite, wondering if she’d be ready to see him yet. The two of them had not often had disagreements, and never before on this level. He didn’t have any sort of baseline for his expectations about this.
The gentle, familiar touch of Jisa’s mind cut through his wavering indecision. :You might as well come in, Father.:
Vanyel hesitated a heartbeat longer, then set his hand to the handle and opened the door. Jisa was sitting in the outer room in her nightdress, her breakfast on the table; the smile she offered Vanyel was tense, her dark eyes wary. We were truly blessed that she got Shavri’s coloring.
The question of what to do now that he was face to face with his daughter, however, was a great deal harder to face than deciding he needed to speak to her. Yfandes had given him a talking to as he’d been getting dressed, and piled on top of his conversation with Stefen and ‘Lendel the night before, he was feeling particularly admonished, but he’d never been good at apologies.
“I - may have overreacted,” he finally tried, feeling stiff and awkward. “I do want you to be happy, sweeting.” He’d once told Randale that she’d make an excellent King’s Own but wasn’t suited to be Queen, but now it looked she was likely to be both. Of course, she had grown up to be a strong young woman; she might make a far better queen than he’d thought she would when she was six. And this way, she’d have Treven to temper her impulses to soothe everyone’s hurts.
Jisa was quiet for a moment, then she turned a wounded look on Vanyel. “I never thought you’d object, Father,” she said, her voice pained. “I was sure you’d understand.”
Vanyel’s heart dropped into his stomach. He hadn’t wanted to hurt Jisa; his frustration with the situation, on top of his reaction-headache from straining to MindSpeaking Herald Kera to recall her from Karse, had made him short-tempered enough that he’d given his tongue more freedom than he should have. Shavri’s emotional outbursts had been bad enough, and while some of the more logical objections offered up had been things which needed to be considered, Vanyel himself had been more emotional in his reactions than he would have liked.
“Ke’chara, I do understand,” he said hesitantly, daring to take a step closer to his daughter. Gods, she was only fifteen! She shouldn’t have needed to make such a huge decision, but her parents were unlikely to live to see her eighteenth birthday. They might not see Treven’s, for that matter. Carefully, he reached out to lay a hand over the back of Jisa’s. “I do remember what it’s like to be your age and lifebonded. This is just a great deal more complicated than matters were for Tylendel and I.”
She shook her head, still looking hurt. “There are politics involved, I know that, but Father, we’re lifebonded, and there really isn’t any potential for an alliance-marriage. Why shouldn’t we be happy?”
His heart ached for her. Jisa was his daughter, for all that he’d never considered himself properly her father. He did want Jisa to be happy, but the situation was just so fraught.
Still, there was no undoing it now that it was done.
Vanyel swallowed and tried to steady himself, wishing that he was better at this. Not that he was entirely sure what this was. Apologizing? Parenthood? Admitting he was wrong? Maybe all of that.
Strange that fate should put him in the position of being a third parent for Jisa … and in a place where he would all too soon be her only parent. He never had wanted children of his own.
“I - Jisa, I’m sorry.” It seemed awkward, not enough. “I do want you to be happy. Both of you.” He hesitated again. “I know you understand how complicated the situation is.”
Jisa gave him a small, thin smile. “Father - sit down.” Her voice was exasperated but fond. “I don’t want to be upset with you.”
“And I don’t want you to be upset with me,” Vanyel answered fervently, taking a seat at the table with his daughter and reaching out to grasp her hands earnestly. “I do understand, Jisa, and I would have argued for you two to marry after everything had been considered. And perhaps when you were a little older.” He smiled to soften that. “I know you’re lifebonded, sweeting, but fifteen is terribly young to be the heir’s wife.”
“I know,” Jisa admitted, a little wistful, “and it would have been nice to have you and Papa and Mama there, but it would have been hard to push through before Treven is crowned and even harder after.” She sighed softly, looking suddenly distant. “There’s so much to be sad about. I needed some happiness.”
That Vanyel could understand. “You know I’ll always be here for you, don’t you, dearheart?”
She smiled wanly at him. “I know, Father. I know you’ll be here as much as you can be. But you have your duty, and that doesn’t always let you stay in Haven.” She hesitated. “This is my duty, Father, as well as being what I want.”
“I can see that.” Gods, he was proud of her. She was going to make a much better queen than he’d ever imagined she would, and she’d be an excellent co-consort for Treven. And the Companions thought this was a good idea; shouldn’t that override any other concerns anyone might have? “Jisa, I’m on your side. We’ll get this all settled.”
Gods, Tylendel had not expected that. He’d been working under the impression that Stefen’s preferences were rather set, but that morning had made it seem that wasn’t the case at all. He ran his hands back through his light curls and tugged his tunic straight, trying to settle himself as he headed out to start his day.
He’d left Stefen, cheerful and sated, in the room the three of them unofficially shared, feeling like his head was spinning. Stef had been no less demanding than he usually was, which had somehow added to the intensity of the experience. Stefen had not just wanted Tylendel inside him; he had demanded it. The experience had been oddly intense and intimate as well, although ‘Lendel didn’t think that had been a result of the act so much as them pulling back another layer and revealing more of themselves to each other.
Tylendel tugged at the him of his tunic again, feeling very much as though he were disheveled and debauched-looking despite the fact that he knew he was perfectly put together, or at least as perfectly as he ever was. He never could manage to look as pristine as Vanyel did, and that one curl did like to escape and dangle in front of his eye, no matter how he tied his hair. But his morning activities were hardly obvious, no matter how he felt they were.
“Morning!”
Barely keeping from jumping at the greeting, Tylendel turned to smile and raise a hand in greeting to Tantras as the other Herald came upon him in the hallway. “Heyla, Tran. I think we’re headed to the same place today.”
Tran nodded. “Reporting to the Circle to start. Say, how is Vanyel doing, looking after the Bard? Stefen, I believe?”
“Stefen,” Tylendel agreed, keeping his voice as neutral as possible. “They’re both doing well. In fact, we’re both getting along quite well with Stefen. He’s a pleasure.”
“He’s young,” Tantras mused, “but he seems mature for his age. How old is he anyway? He can’t be older than twenty.”
“I’m not entirely sure,” ‘Lendel admitted. He knew that Stef was the youngest Master Bard in the history of the Collegium, but he wasn’t entirely sure how young that made him, and Stef hadn’t exactly offered up his age. Not that Tylendel particularly minded that Stefen was young. The Bard obviously knew who he was and what he liked. He wasn’t entirely sure, though, that Vanyel wouldn’t have a moral crisis if their lover’s age was brought up. “Certainly no older than twenty, and perhaps even a year or two younger.”
Tantras nodded again. “The three of you are becoming friends, then? Vanyel seems surprisingly attached to him.”
“He’s excellent company,” Tylendel said, trying not to sound as evasive as he felt. It was not that he was at all opposed to their affair becoming public knowledge, but he wasn’t going to force that decision on Vanyel and Stefen. “We’ve been spending a great deal of time together. You know, games of hinds and hounds, and he and Vanyel like to talk over my head about music. It works both to make sure that Stefen doesn’t exhaust himself and to force Vanyel to rest and do something he enjoys.”
“It’s always hard to get Van to take any downtime,” Tran agreed, lips quirking in fond amusement. “It’s good that being assigned to Stefen has given him a reason to relax a little.”
“He does tend to overwork constantly,” Tylendel agreed. He hesitated then, needing to change the topic and not wanting to. “How badly have things blown up since last night?”
“About like you’d expect,” Tantras sighed. “People are scandalized and objecting at the top of their lungs, but legally, there’s nothing that can be done to undo the marriage, so everyone is going to have to get used to the idea.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe our little Jisa is married. She’ll be an excellent queen.”
“She will,” ‘Lendel agreed. “She and Treven balance each other out well, and they work well together. And Jisa’s a strong young lady. She’s got iron in her spine.”
“That she does,” Tantras agreed with a grin. “That she does.”
There was something going on, and it had taken Tantras a little time to truly believe that it was what it seemed like. He didn’t want to let on that he knew, confident that it would all come out when the time was right, but he was equally shocked that no one else seemed to have noticed.
His suspicions had started that day, a week or so after Stefen had been added to Court as Randale’s personal Bard, the day when he’d caught Vanyel staring at the lad like he’d hung the moon. Tran had only ever seen Van look at Tylendel like that up until then, and he’d been shocked to see that look turned on the young - but admittedly lovely - Bard.
Tylendel didn’t seem to notice anything wrong, though, and surely he knew that Vanyel was making eyes at another man. Tantras certainly knew when Delian set his sights on a particular mare, and that was a Companion bond! But then Tran had seen Tylendel shooting a similar look at Stefen, and a little more careful watching had caught the slight Bard watching the two Herald-Mages with smothered adoration. He’d been suspicious that something was going on when he’d noticed Vanyel staring at Stefen; he knew something was going on when he saw how the other two men looked at each other, and how Stefen looked at Vanyel.
The only thing that had confused Tantras was that careful observation revealed that his friends were acting toward Stefen the same way they acted toward each other. He had immediately suspected a lifebond - more than suspected it - but he had no idea if that was even possible. He’d certainly never heard of a three-way lifebond before ... but that didn’t mean it wasn’t possible. Lifebonds were rare already - although they were certainly common enough around the Palace, between Van and ‘Lendel, and Mardic and Donni, and Randi and Shavri, and Treven and Jisa - and certainly a three-way lifebond would be even less common.
As unlikely as it seemed, though, Tran couldn’t think of any other possible answer to what was going on between the three men. It certainly didn’t seem like a passing fancy on the part of Van and ‘Lendel. While Tantras didn’t know Stefen as well, or at all really, if he was any judge of such things, the Bard was utterly smitten with the two Herald-Mages as well. What else could it be but a lifebond?
The only problem was that Tran had no one except Delian to speak to about the subject, and his Companion was frustratingly vague about what was going on. Usually, when something was going on with Tylendel and Vanyel, Tantras would assume that Savil knew, but she could be remarkably dense when it came to anything related to romance. Which meant that he was on his own to make sure that the budding trio didn’t somehow muck things up.
He’d been keeping an affable eye on things, casually checking in on Vanyel and Tylendel, making sure that they had as much time as possible with Stefen. He didn’t really know how lifebonds worked, but close contact was important for the formation and strengthening of a Companion bond, and it seemed like the prudent course just in case lifebonds worked the same way. Tran was careful not to appear too interested, even going so far as to pretend he had a little trouble remembering the Bard’s name, but he was fully aware of how important it was that the three of them struck a proper balance, and he was extremely invested in making sure that happened. Van and ‘Lendel were two of his best friends, after all, and all three men had important duties to Valdemar.
It took well over a month for him to realize that the three of them might not realize what they had was a lifebond, and it immediately struck Tantras that Vanyel and ‘Lendel knowing they were lifebonded while Stefen thought he was left out of that bond was terribly unhealthy both for the bond and the relationship.
Tran had finished his report to the Circle and slipped away, trying to figure out what he could do to help the trio figure out that they’d somehow formed into a three-way lifebond, when he turned a corner and nearly ran into a solid young brunette man carrying a lute. Tantras stopped short, staring. “You’re Vanyel’s nephew, right? Medren?”
“That’s right,” the young Journeyman Bard confirmed neutrally. “I was coming to see my sister, Herald-Trainee Ariel.”
“Can that wait a bit? I’d like to have you join me for a drink if you have the time.”
Medren looked wary, suspicious. “I suppose Ariel can wait,” he said carefully. “She’s busy half the time when I come to see her anyway.”
Tantras nodded in understanding. “Trainees are kept fairly busy - as I’m sure you remember. It wasn’t that long ago that you were a Bardic Trainee, was it?”
The boy shrugged. “It’s been a bit over a year. Sometimes I think I’m the only Journeyman who doesn’t resent Stef being jumped up to Master so fast.”
If he’d been a Companion, Tran’s ears would have been tipped forward with his sudden interest. He thought that, as a human, he concealed his rampant curiosity better. “Oh? You know him, then?”
“I do,” Medren answered carefully. “Stef and I were roommates from the time Lynnell brought him to Bardic until he made Master. He’s my best friend.”
Tantras was tempted to chortle. The gods were surely smiling at him to have Van’s nephew also be Stefen’s best friend! It certainly made things much simpler, since Medren would have insight on both sides of the equation. “Excellent. With him as a fixture at Court for the time being, I’d love to get to know more about him.”
The young Bard still looked wary, but he went along with Tantras, following the Herald to his room. When they got there, Tran opened the door to let Medren enter first, then followed his guest inside.
“Take a seat,” Tran said cordially, motioning to the two mismatched, comfortable armchairs in front of the currently cold fireplace. He himself walked over to the sideboard. “What can I get you? I’ve got wine, cider, spirits …” He trailed off, looking over at the boy expectantly.
“Cider is fine,” Medren answered tensely. He’d taken one of the chairs, but was holding his lute in his lap defensively. “I - why am I here?”
“To help me help your uncles and your friend,” Tran answered smoothly, pouring two glasses of cider. He kept one for himself and handed the other to Medren as he sat in the other chair. “The three of them all seem particularly dense about this whole thing.”
“What whole thing?” the Bard asked suspiciously.
“Oh, certainly you’ve realized they’re all smitten with each other,” Tantras said casually, taking a sip of his cider. “I’m fairly certain they’ve been sleeping together for weeks.”
Tantras was pleased to see Medren’s brown eyes go wide as his jaw dropped. “How did you -” The boy cut off with a cough and swallowed, averting his gaze and fiddling with his glass.
The Herald’s smile widened. “So they are. That’s good, at least.”
Again, Medren looked absolutely stunned. “Why is it good? Uncle Van and Uncle ‘Lendel are lifebonded. This whole thing is a mess that’s destined to end in heartbreak.”
Tran hummed thoughtfully. “I don’t think so.” He took another sip, enjoying the moment of dramatic suspense. “I am quite convinced that all three of them are lifebonded.”
Medren looked utterly dumbfounded for a third time. Idly, Tantras wondered if it might have been fun to be an actor or a Bard. Ah, well, from time to time, being a Herald gave him an excuse to lean into his occasional desire to be dramatic and shocking.
“How?” The incredulity in Medren’s voice was wholly understandable. “I mean, Stefen has gotten attached, and he never does that, but there’s no way - you can’t be lifebonded to more than one person!”
“Why not?” The question was a simple one, spoken softly and mildly. Tran had taken a little time himself to really accept the notion, but he needed to get Medren through it faster. “No one actually knows much about lifebonds. We don’t really know anything about how or why they form. All we know is that they exist and that they create a very real and very profound connection. They’re rare, and certainly one involving three people would be even less common, but why would it be impossible?”
Medren opened his mouth to object - then stopped, his brow furrowing. Tran could practically see him thinking it over, the wheels turning in his mind, and not in a way that had anything to do with MindSpeech. His mouth closed, and he tilted his head to the side just slightly, obviously playing through both what Tantras had said and his own preconceptions about relationships. Certainly, Tran had never heard of a three-way lifebond before, but it wasn’t as though it was unheard of for the occasional threesome to form among the members of the Circles, especially among the Heralds and Bards.
Finally, Medren nodded, slow and thoughtful. There was no reason, none at all, that there couldn’t be a lifebond between three people, and it seemed as though Medren was accepting that, too.
“There are some things - the way that Stef’s been acting, a lifebond makes sense.” Medren shook his head as though trying to re-settle his mind. “He doesn’t even notice anyone else anymore, and he’s never had anything last near this long before. He seems happy with them.”
“I’ve seen the way the three of them light up around each other,” Tantras noted, “and Vanyel looks at Stefen the same way he looks at Tylendel. Like there’s no one else in the room, and like Stefen is the most beautiful man he’s ever seen.”
Medren nodded again, worrying his lower lip between his teeth, his gaze distant. “It could be a lifebond,” he agreed. He paused again, thoughtful, then met Tran’s gaze suddenly, having put the pieces together. “You don’t think they realize that it is.”
“I don’t,” Tantas agreed, “and that’s not healthy. There’s no way that their relationship can find the balance that they need if they don’t realize that Stefen is a part of their bond.”
“And that’s not the sort of thing you can just tell someone,” Medren observed. “They need to figure it out for themselves.”
“Right in one,” Tran said, satisfied with how this was going. “Of course, that doesn’t mean that we can’t find a way to help them do so.”
Medren grinned and finally took a drink of his cider. “We can definitely do that.”
Reluctantly, Vanyel cracked one eye open as the door opened. He was sprawled rather inelegantly on the settee, both wanting to wait up for his lovers and too tired to do anything while he waited. As Tylendel closed the door again, Van smiled softly, raising one hand toward his lifebonded.
Tylendel came over and took the hand, pressing his palm to Vanyel’s and kissing the back of it tenderly, then pressing his lips to the tip of each finger. “Is Stefen still not back, ashke?”
“Not yet,” Van answered unhappily. The day had been a mess, and Randi was still doing poorly after his downturn the night before. While Stef and ‘Lendel hadn’t gotten up as early as he had, Vanyel still wanted their young lover to get plenty of rest. He’d likely been using his strange Wild Gift for most of the day and was undoubtedly exhausted as a result. “I hope he got some breaks today, and that someone made sure he didn’t play his fingers raw again,” Vanyel fretted. “I was too busy trying to deal with the political fallout to manage anything else.”
“I’m sure he’s fine,” Tylendel murmured, squeezing Vanyel’s hand gently. “Once he does get home, we can make sure he’s fed and happy and get him in bed.”
Vanyel smiled wanly. “I’m exhausted, and all I’ve done today is argue with nobles. Gods, I hope he gets back soon.”
‘Lendel chuckled, reaching down with his free hand to nudge Vanyel gently. “Scoot. I’ll wait up with you.”
With a soft hum of consent, Vanyel moved so that Tylendel could slip behind him on the settee and wrap an arm around his middle. Sighing contentedly as he leaned back against his lifebonded’s chest, Vanyel rested his head on Tylendel’s shoulder, letting his eyes slip closed again. He’d always felt very much at home in ‘Lendel’s arms, but right now there was - almost an itch. A desire for Stefen to be there, too.
Softly, Tylendel kissed the crown of Vanyel’s head, his free hand rubbing small circles on his hip. Van gave another soft hum, content in his lover’s arms. Mostly. There was still that niggling feeling that things would be somehow more right once Stefen was home.
“Stop worrying so much,” ‘Lendel murmured, squeezing Vanyel’s hip firmly. “We’ll take care of him as much as we can, love, but he’s got his duty just like we have ours.” He shifted slightly, pressing a soft kiss just behind Vanyel’s ear, then to the side of his neck. “Besides, I do enjoy sometimes having a few moments alone with you. That hasn’t changed just because we’ve got a new man in our lives.”
Vanyel’s breath caught at Tylendel’s meaning, and he shifted a little, positioning himself better to give his lifebonded access to his body. Perhaps he wasn’t completely exhausted …
He could feel Tylendel's smile against his neck as his lover’s hand slid inward from his hip to brush over the front of his breeches. Vanyel gasped, hips pressing up slightly, the soft touch of his lover’s hand so good, not enough. Gods, ‘Lendel knew just how to tease him, how to turn his mind completely to them and never mind whatever else was happening in the world around them.
Stefen was getting quite good at that, too -
It was hard to think of Stefen when Tylendel’s touch turned firmer, palm rubbing over Vanyel’s bulge. Van tipped his head back further, gasping as he pressed back against his bondmate. Then ‘Lendel deftly unlaced Vanyel’s breeches, slipping a hand inside to touch his rapidly stiffening cock, then pulling it out to stroke him gently.
“Oh gods, ‘Lendel -” He wanted more than this, wanted to feel consumed by his beloved. Tylendel’s arm around his waist tightened, pulling him closer, letting him feel his lover’s hard cock pressing against his ass through far too many layers of cloth. “Please -”
‘Lendel’s thumb brushed over the head of his cock, spreading the pearl of Vanyel’s excitement. Stars, while a part of him wanted to be fucked into the settee, he felt so deliciously entranced by the spell of his lover’s touch that it was hard to desire anything else. He wanted ‘Lendel, and he wanted only what he wanted to give him.
Vanyel sighed softly, arching against his beloved, lips parted and eyes closed. Tylendel’s hand moved over his length, firm and steady, fingers tight around him. He rocked shamelessly against ‘Lendel, head thrown back, neck arched, lost in his touch. And ‘Lendel shifted against him, pressing kisses to the side of his neck, nuzzling his shirt aside, and biting hard just above his clavicle. Vanyel gasped, body tightening with pleasure, wanting more of everything. More pleasure, more of the teasing sting of pain.
Tylendlel chuckled against his skin, kissing the red mark left by his teeth. “You always get like this when you’re stressed,” he murmured, the arm around Vanyel’s waist coming up to untie the laces of his shirt, then tug the fabric off his shoulder. Tylendel’s lips brushed along Vanyel’s skin, light and teasing, and then he bit him again, a little harder, sucking firmly. Vanyel moaned, then gasped as ‘Lendel’s teeth eased their grip on him, his tongue running over the marked skin. Gods, he was so eager for this, for the pleasure and the pain, and he wanted more - but not now, no, later, when he could enjoy it properly.
For now, though, he desperately wanted this taste of what was to come, the feel of Tylendel’s lips and teeth and fingers on his skin. It was perfect; his lover knew just what he liked. “Oh, ‘Lendel, ashke, please, oh please -” He broke off with a gasp, his hips raising toward Tylendel’s tight hand, his shoulders pressing back against his lover’s chest.
“I know, love. Let me make you feel good.” Tylendel kissed the side of her neck, then his jaw. He bit the lobe of Vanyel’s ear firmly, tugging slightly. “You look so beautiful like this.”
Vanyel gasped again, spine tensing in pleasure. He bit his lower lip, breath coming faster, toes curling in his stockings as he came in ‘Lendel’s arms.
Tylendel nuzzled his neck softly as Vanyel floated back to earth, limp against his lover’s chest. ‘Lendel was stroking his hair gently, holding him tenderly, murmuring sweet nothings against his skin. Lazily, Vanyel reached Fetched a handkerchief; Tylendel took it from him, wiping him clean and righting his breeches. “All right, love. Rest now.” Tylendel kissed his jaw, then nuzzled it softly. “I’ll wait up for Stefen.”
As much as Vanyel wanted to object, surely it wouldn’t hurt anything for him to close his eyes for a little while. He was tired, after all, and when Stef got home, they could all go to bed together.
With Vanyel dozing in his arms, Tylendel closed his own eyes, confident that he’d know when Stefen returned home. He was eager for the three of them to be together again, although honestly, he wanted to have a conversation with Stefen, one that would probably be best to have without Van.
Gods, he’d been positively astounded that morning, to the point that it had taken him a while to properly process the experience past the fact that it had been deeply intense and intimate. He hoped it had been the same for Stef - gods, he wanted it to have been - but now that he’d had time to think, he couldn’t help but wonder if the reason that it hadn’t been brought up earlier was because it was something the Bard didn’t particularly enjoy. Well, he’d certainly seemed to enjoy himself. Tylendel just would feel better with a little confirmation that it had been as amazing for Stef as it had been for him.
The fact that Stefen had been so demanding … that did seem to indicate that he had wanted it. Still, how else would Stef act if he thought ‘Lendel wanted something and decided to give it to him despite his own preferences? Tylendel kept going back and forth on the matter, terribly uncertain and wishing that he’d had the wits to talk to Stef about things instead of getting completely caught up in the moment.
He just wanted to make both his lovers happy. By this point knew very well what buttons to push for Vanyel, but he was still learning what Stefen liked and how he liked it. Stefen and Vanyel fit together easily. Tylendel and Stefen? That was less certain.
Vanyel shifted slightly in his arms, and Tylendel kissed the top of his head gently. At least he knew how to ease Vanyel’s troubles, if only for a few moments.
The door opened, and Tylendel looked up to smile at Stefen. “You look exhausted, ashke.”
“I am,” Stef said with a soft smile of his own. He groaned softly, depositing his gittern on one chair and dropping into the other. He kicked off his boots, leaving them where they fell, and propped his feet up on the low table, stretching his toes slowly. Then his expression shifted, his lovely face growing troubled. “He’s not doing well.”
“Randi? Stef, he’s only going to keep getting worse, but not all at once. He’ll get through this bad patch and get better again for a while. He just … he never gets quite to the point where he was before.” Tylendel sighed, resting his chin on Vanyel’s bared shoulder. “I’m sorry you’ve been thrust into this, but you are helping him, Stef. You make it so that he can function, so that he can think. The only other way to relieve his pain is with some fairly nasty drugs, and those don’t work as well, and they leave him muddled when they don’t knock him out completely.”
Stefen grimaced. “I know I’m not a Healer, but I still feel like I should be able to do more. I’ve never - he’s the only person whose pain I couldn’t take away completely, and when I stop, it’s always still there waiting to come back.” He pushed his hand back through his brilliant curls, knocking the ribbon tied at the base of his skull askew. “Nothing I do seems like enough.”
“I know you’re doing all you can, Stef. We all are.” He sighed, shifting a little behind Vanyel. As much as Tylendel wanted to talk to Stefen about that morning, he wasn’t entirely sure this was the right moment for it. He hardly wanted to make Stefen’s mood worse.
The Bard’s eyes closed for a moment as he tipped his head back against the chair. “I can hardly wait to get to bed, but that involves moving.”
Tylendel chuckled. “Gods, it’s been quite the day, hasn’t it?” Currently, he was doing less than either of his lovers, and he’d had a long day. And the way it had started - gods, he wanted Stef to have enjoyed that as much as he had.
Stefen hummed softly in agreement. “At least it started out well.”
Well, Tylendel was hardly going to pass up an opening when one so obvious was handed to him. He was careful to keep his tone light as he asked, “And you enjoyed yourself this morning?”
“Very much so.” Stef opened one eye, peering at Tylendel. “Didn’t you?”
“Of course I did.” There was no question that Tylendel’s preferences were varied, but Stefen had shown no sign of wanting to act as the receptive partner before. Oh, Tylendel certainly felt enough for Stefen that he wanted to be with him in every way, all ways, but he didn’t want his new lover to give things he didn’t want to give. “But you’ve never wanted to do things that way before.”
Stefen shrugged, eyes closed again, relaxed in the chair. “I don’t want it all the time, but I do enjoy it. It was what I wanted this morning - although I wasn’t expecting it to be that intense.”
Tylendel smiled, relaxing against the arm of the settee. “It was intense at that. Vanyel wanted me to wake him up when you got home.”
The soft, affectionate smile on Stefen’s lips was heartwarming. “I suppose you should, if only so we can all get to bed. Lady’s tits, I wish I wasn’t so tired.”
“It’s going to take some time for things to settle down again,” Tylendel said, stifling a yawn. He leaned in to brush Vanyel’s hair back from his forehead and kiss him there. “Van, love, Stef’s home.”
Vanyel shifted, and then his eyes popped open. He blinked blearily, then looked over at Stefen and smiled. “Welcome home, love.”
Stef smiled fondly, opening his eyes to look over at Vanyel and Tylendel. “You two look so cozy.”
“We’ll be even cozier once the three of us are in bed together,” Vanyel murmured, stretching against Tylendel so that he could get up, one side of his shirt still slipping off his shoulder. Then he reached for Stefen, grasping his hands and tugging him up, and gave him a soft kiss. “Come on, let’s get to bed.”
Chapter Text
Four days after Jisa’s elopement, Vanyel sat staring into the dying flames in his fireplace, feeling about ready to crawl out of his skin. The aftermath had been stressful enough that his entire body felt as tight as a drum, and frankly, he missed both Tylendel and Stefen. They’d all three been so busy that they had hardly seen each other in days despite sleeping in the same bed every night.
With a heavy sigh, Vanyel leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees and dig the balls of his hands into his eyes, desperate for some sort of relief - then straightened sharply at the sound of the door opening.
His heart felt as though it might burst at the sight of both of his lovers walking through the door, talking quietly and smiling at each other. Stefen looked over first, a speculative look on his face, and when Tylendel smiled at Vanyel, there was something assessing about his expression as well. A little shiver ran up his spine, and Vanyel was suddenly sure that he was about to be the center of something, but he wasn’t at all certain what. Gods, whatever it was, he just hoped it wasn’t something that would require him to solve problems, or even to think very much.
Stef paused briefly, watching Vanyel, then went to drop onto the end of the bed and pull off his boots. Tylendel, however, came over to Vanyel and stopped in front of him, reached down for him, and pulled him to his feet. Slowly, the light-haired Herald-Mage kissed Vanyel, one hand threading lightly through his mostly silver hair, his lips lingering as he took his time savoring his mouth. When he pulled back, Vanyel was breathless as he stared at the smug look on Tylendel’s face. Then ‘Lendel tightened his hand in his lover’s hair, giving it a hard tug that made him gasp.
“I think,” Tylendel said slowly, his voice a caress, “that you need to let go a little - don’t you, ashke?”
Vanyel’s breath caught in his throat, his brain catching up with what was happening. He nodded, then snuck a sideways glance at Stefen. The Bard had dropped his boots, stockings, and tunic carelessly on the floor, and he was leaning languidly against one of the posts at the foot of the bed with his shirt unlaced. He looked entirely tempting - and Tylendel yanked Vanyel’s hair again, making him hiss at the sudden flare of pain as he looked back at his bondmate.
“Undress for us, dearheart,” Tylendel ordered, his tone so gentle that its contrast with the sharp pain in his scalp made Vanyel bite his lip. Then ‘Lendel released him, and Vanyel immediately began to undo his laces, suddenly more energized than he had been in days and impatient to get down to his skin.
For a moment, Tylendel watched appreciatively as Vanyel undressed, and then he turned to unhurriedly remove his own boots and tunic. Stefen’s eyes were still on him, though, and he watched with apparently casual interest as Vanyel placed his boots beside the wardrobe and quickly deposited his clothing in the hamper.
Once he was in his skin, Vanyel hesitated, his eyes on Stefen and his heart fluttering oddly. He still wasn’t completely sure what Stef was and wasn’t willing to participate in, but he did hope that he would be interested in full involvement in all aspects of what he enjoyed. Feeling shy, Vanyel went to join Stefen on the foot of the bed, then relaxed somewhat as Stefen cupped his cheek in an instrument-calloused hand and drew him in for a slow, heated kiss. Stefen only pulled back when they were both breathless, and by that point, Tylendel had joined them, shirtless and barefoot, wearing only his breeches.
Then Tylendel caught Stefen’s eyes, looking thoroughly entertained, and suddenly Vanyel found himself blushing as he wondered what, exactly, they’d been discussing when they entered the room.
Stefen’s hand shifted from Vanyel’s cheek to slide back into his hair, grasping tightly, pulling hard enough to make his head tip back as he gasped, silver eyes fluttering closed and mouth falling open. It seemed they all three knew where tonight was headed, and his fingers curled tight against his thighs as Stefen nipped his lower lip and Tylendel’s lips ghosted along his throat on the other side.
He would have been perfectly content to just fall into whatever Stefen and Tylendel wanted, but of course, his lifebonded was going to make sure of things before proceeding. Gently, Tylendel grasped Vanyel’s chin, turning his face toward him. “Look at me, Van-ashke.”
Vanyel opened his eyes, meeting Tylendel’s pewter ones, marveling in how much his lover had changed over the years and how much was still the same. Stars, he loved him somehow even more than he had at fifteen.
“If it’s too much, love, or even just not what you want -”
“Then I say so,” Vanyel said, a small smile on his lips. A part of him wanted it to be too much. At the very least, he wanted it to be so much that he couldn’t remember any of the politics and maneuvering that currently filled his head.
“Good, Van.” ‘Lendel smiled, kissing him hard and biting his lower lip sharply. Vanyel moaned, one hand reaching up toward his beloved - only to be stopped from doing so as Stefen pressed against him and reached around him to grasp his wrist in a hard, firm grip.
Stefen’s lips found the side of his neck, their touch turning harder as they traveled down, and kisses turned to rough nips as the Master Bard reached his shoulder. Stef’s free arm went around Vanyel’s waist, holding him tightly, and then his teeth closed around the pale flesh of the Herald-Mage’s shoulder and made him cry out at the flare of pleasurable pain.
He shuddered slightly as Tylendel released his mouth and closed his teeth around his earlobe, tugging. Stefen bit him again, sucking his flesh, and Vanyel whimpered. Gods, yes, this was exactly what he needed, just to be able to give in -
Then Tylendel slid a hand around to grasp his ass, squeezing him firmly before he pulled his hand back to deliver a fast, sharp slap to his rear. Vanyel gasped, arching his neck, biting his own lower lip as he tried to hold on and let go all at once. The idea of both of them doing this, delivering carefully measured doses of pain in order to titillate and arouse him, was suddenly very real and something he wanted more than he thought he’d ever wanted anything else.
Stef’s harsh bites lightened and turned back into nips, then kisses. Vanyel whined softly, aching for more, but still vaguely aware that his lovers wanted to ease him into this and make sure that receiving this sort of attention from both of them wasn’t too much for him to take. He wanted this desperately, wanted them to take him to that place where nothing mattered outside the three of them.
Slowly, both men released Vanyel and gave him a brief moment to catch his breath and to stoke his anticipation. They stood lazily, kissed each other while Vanyel watched, and Tylendel slipped Stefen’s shirt off of him and dropped it on the floor. Then Stef turned his face away from the tall Herald-Mage to smile at Vanyel, taking a moment to let his gaze linger on his naked figure.
“Lie down on your stomach,” Stefen commanded in a throaty tone, one of his hands cupping Tylendel’s ass. Vanyel groaned and rolled up onto his knees, then stretched out along the length of the bed, his cock pressing into the mattress as he extended his arms over his head and clutched the pillow, his face turned toward one side. His body felt tight with anticipation as he waited for his lovers to touch him again. He could hear them moving, breathing, the seconds stretching out - and then he felt a fingernail drag up his foot from ball to heel, followed by a sharp smack to the sole.
Vanyel gasped, his body arching, his feet tightening as they stretched, his toes splaying against the mattress. He wanted more, and he groaned, forcing himself to settle, to wait for the next point of contact. He’d never done this with anyone but Tylendel, and it occurred to him suddenly that with both of his lovers offering up these sensations, he’d have less than no idea what was coming next. Sharp, sudden alarm rose, but was quickly muffled by his overwhelming desire for this, for his lovers’ harsh and loving touches.
The sole of his other foot received the same treatment, the caress of a finger and then a quick slap. Vanyel let out another soft groan, his eyes fluttering closed at the delightful flare of pain. His mind and body were already starting to loosen, to free themselves from his burdens. Nails scraped firmly up his calves, both at once, drawing out another gasp and a whimper as they reached the tender backs of his knees.
Then the bed shifted, and Vanyel lifted his head, startled, silver eyes coming open. He stared for a moment, open-mouthed, as Stefen straddled his hands, smirking down at him. Vanyel’s eyes flicked down from his young lover’s face; his hard cock was right at eye level, jutting out from between freckled thighs. He licked his lips, then gasped as Tylendel moved to straddle his calves and strike him across the ass.
“I’ve been wondering how you like to be hurt,” Stefen admitted, reaching down to run the pad of his firm, calloused thumb across Vanyel’s lower lip. He fisted his other hand in Vanyel’s hair, tugging hard enough that it made Vanyel moan. Tylendel’s palm collided with his ass again, and Vanyel whimpered, unalbe to keep track of things with twice as many hands involved. Gods, it was so perfect. “Your skin turns such pretty colors.”
Vanyel’s tongue slipped out to caress the tip of Stefen’s thumb, then gasped again as Tylendel delivered another slap to his ass. By the stars and all the gods, he wanted this. He couldn’t help writhing slightly, his body rocking against the blankets in response to his lifebonded’s rough treatment.
“Do you want me to hurt you, too?” Stefen asked, his voice a little too innocent to be believable. “I could leave such lovely marks on your skin.”
Again, Vanyel whimpered, his lips closing briefly around Stefen’s thumb, aching with desire. Releasing the digit, he gazed adoringly up at the talented young Bard. “Please - Stef - I - I do want you to.”
Stefen smiled in response to Vanyel’s words, one hand still tightly gripping his hair as he moved the other hand to pat the Herald-Mage’s cheek gently. “Very good.” Hazel eyes flickered up as another, harder slap to Vanyel’s ass made him gasp and arch again. “I do have some ideas, darling. I hope you like them.”
Then Stefen shifted to lean over Vanyel, his cock tantalizingly close to the older man’s lips. Vanyel balled his hands tighter around the pillows he was grasping, intent on holding still and taking what he was given. Still, his eyes were fixed on the hard length in front of his face - which proved to be enough of a distraction that he cried out and felt as though he was about to levitate over the bed at the drag of Stefen’s nails over his shoulderblades, the press of them hard against his skin, digging into him enough that there was no doubt that Vanyel would have eight matching red lines running up his upper back by morning.
“Oh - please - gods of my fathers, please.” Vanyel didn’t have any idea what he was begging for, except for the fact that he did not want his lovers to stop. Tylendel shifted his hand briefly, grasping Vanyel’s hip roughly and yanking him up onto his knees, his ass lifted to give his bondmate better access.
Tylendel’s lips pressed against the base of Vanyel’s spine, soft and teasing, one hand caressing his ass. “Beautiful,” ‘Lendel murmured, his breath tickling against Vanyel’s skin. His teeth found the taut flesh of Vanyel’s backside, biting firmly and making the slender Herald-Mage moan. Stefen grasped his chin with one hand, making Vanyel meet his eyes.
“Are you going to be a good boy for me?” Stefen asked, his voice like silk over a knife.
Vanyel whimpered and nodded. “Yes - Stef, you can have anything, I’ll do anything you want.”
Stef smiled, his free hand trailing lightly over Vanyel’s upper back - and then he delivered a quick, sharp slap on top of the place where his nails had left the skin tender, making the Herald hiss in pained delight. Stefen smiled at whatever he saw in Vanyel’s face, his eyes warm with lust and affection. “Lovely.”
He felt so overwhelmed as Stefen reached down nearly to Vanyel’s ass and dragged the pads of his fingers firmly up his spine, digging into his skin, as Tylendel ran teasing figernails up the soles of his feet. Van knew that they wanted him just as badly as he wanted them, and he basked in his sense of that, of the desperate, sharp desire building around them.
“Stef-ashke, I think Van is ready for a little more.”
The sound of Tylendel’s voice made Vanyel shiver, his lips parted slightly as he looked up at Stef, watching as the Bard shifted a little closer, offering Vanyel a tantalizing taste of him. Vanyel moaned softly, greedily straining to get his lips around Stefen. Then Tylendel leaned forward behind him, his fingernails dragging up either side of Vanyel’s spine; the the press of his lifebonded’s hard cock against the cleft of his ass made him moan.
Tylendel chuckled, and Stefen yanked Vanyel’s hair to pull him back, his neck arching sharply. Vanyel whimpered, trying to cling to every delightful ache as he rested between Stefen and Tylendel, the pad of his bondmate’s thumb playing against his hole. With a gasp, Van bit his lower lip, looking up at Stefen with wide eyes. Gods, he wanted them both so badly. “Please - please, I need you.”
“So eager, Van.” Stefen’s voice was a caress, and he tugged Vanyel’s hair, roughly twisting his grip on his fine locks. Stefen’s other hand cupped his face, his strong thumb brushing over Vanyel’s lower lip again before he pressed in at the corner of his mouth, pulling his lips open. Hungry for more, Vanyel wrapped his tongue around the end of Stefen’s first two fingers as it joined the thumb between his lips, a delighted thrill running through him at the sound of his lover’s warm chuckle.
He gasped as Tylendel delivered another smack to his rear, then pushed two rough, slick fingers into him, immediately seeking to make Vanyel moan as he teetered on the knife edge between pleasure and pain. At the same time, Stefen pulled his jaw down and leaned in enough to offer Vanyel the velvet tip of his rigid cock again, giving him another bare taste of what he wanted.
With a whine, Vanyel gazed needily up at Stefen, the Bard’s fingers still hooked over his lower jaw, holding his mouth open. Stef smiled affectionately down at him, his hips rocking barely perceptibly - and then Vanyel cried out as Stefen shoved his cock into his mouth and Tylendel curled three strong fingers inside him to press against his pleasure point.
It was so easy to give himself up to sensation as Stefen started to fuck his mouth roughly, one hand still twisted in his hair as the other slipped over to cup his jaw, holding his face with profane reverence, love lighting his hazel eyes. Tylendel’s fingers slipped out of him and he gave Vanyel’s ass a firm smack, his other hand grasping his hip hard enough that his nails dug into his skin. “Gods, Van -”
The words, exhaled in a soft gasp as Tylendel eased his cock into Vanyel’s ass, made Vanyel whimper again. He wanted so desperately to give everything to his lovers, and the sound of Tylendel’s appreciation of his body made his whole being tense in pleasure. He was desperate to speak, to beg for more, but Stefen’s cock was in his mouth, thrusting roughly, pushing into his throat and making him moan around it even as Tylendel fell into a fast, easy rhythm, fucking him hard.
It was so much - too much - Vanyel cried out as Tylendel ran the nails of his other hand rough against the tender flesh of his ass. He was straining to give Stefen what he wanted the way he knew the Bard wanted it, while at the same time Tylendel filed him, rough and perfect. The intensity of it all made it hard to think, hard to feel past the pleasure knotted around all three of them. His body was tense between his lovers, drawn taut by passion as all three of them chased after their gratification, moving together. Vanyel felt as though his very soul was caught between Stefen and Tylendel, pulsing in rhythmic beats of love and desire.
They crested and broke together, and Vanyel was left boneless between them as they gently lowered him back to the mattress. Tylendel’s hands turned gentle, soothing, and Stefen shifted to slip Vanyel’s wrists out from under him and hold them lovingly, rubbing them with tender fingers as he pressed a soft kiss to Vanyel’s forehead.
“Good, ashke,” Tylendel murmured, leaning over Vanyel to rub his shoulders, his touch firm and strong. The beginnings of a loving massage made Vanyel groan, stretching along the length of the bed in the shade of his lovers’ affection. Stefen lifted the wrists clasped in his hands until he could kiss the knuckles, the fingertips, and wrap his lips briefly around the end of a thumb.
“You’re so beautiful when you let go like that,” Stefen murmured, his fingers delicately toying with Vanyel’s wrists, “Like moonlight, soft and ethereal. It almost seems like you glow, and the fact that we can still touch you - it’s magic, magic that you’re here and solid and - gods, Van, words never seem like enough. I could write songs about your fingertips.”
Vanyel blushed as Stefen kissed those fingertips again, then gave a low moan as Tylendel found a place between his shoulders that particularly needed the attentions of his massage. Tylendel had learned his technique from the hertasi in k’Treva, working with skilled fingers to release the tension in Vanyel’s body now that he and Stefen had so thoroughly driven it from his mind. It would have been hard to do anything except relax, with Stefen caressing the tender flesh of the inside of his wrists while Tylendel worked on unknotting every inch of him. He felt just as deliciously possessed as he had while his lovers had delivered pain and sex, completely theirs as they tended to him.
Tylendel chuckled, warm and bright. Lovingly, he teased, “Leave it to you to make a Bard feel like words are inadequate.” He pressed a soft kiss between Vanyel’s shoulder blades. “Of course, you are incredibly inspiring, ashke.”
Vanyel grumbled wordlessly, burying his red face in the pillows. By the stars, they had hurt him just right, and now they were overflowing with praise. He both wanted to hide from this and to beg for more, to bask in their attentions. And surely they were stressed as well - certainly he should do something to soothe them, as they had for him. Stefen, in particular - he had been using his Gifts near nonstop for the last four days. He was surely exhausted.
Gentle thumbs caressed the palms of Vanyel’s hands, and Stefen’s smiling lips pressed to the top of his head. “Do you want me to keep holding on?”
“Always,” Vanyel murmured, turning his head to the side to let the word escape the pillows. Tylendel’s strong fingers were working the knots out from along his spine, and he turned his wrists in Stefen’s grip so that his fingers could brush against the delicate skin of his inner wrists. Gods, he wanted to kiss every inch of them both, to show them how much he adored them.
Stef chuckled, rich and warm, and kissed the backs of Vanyel’s hands softly, then the corner of his mouth. Then Tylendel shifted against Vanyel’s back, his hands pausing in their efforts, and he turned a little more so that he could watch Stefen kiss his bondmate. The love he felt for these two men was overwhelming, all-consuming. Perhaps that was a little odd - shouldn’t he love Tylendel more? - but it was hard to think about it too hard or for too long.
Softly, Stefen shifted his grip on Vanyel’s wrists so that he was no longer holding him, and their palms touched instead, their fingers resting gently against each other’s wrists. Stef stroked Vanyel’s skin gently, smiling down at the Herald-Mage, then gazing lovingly at Tylendel.
Why did this feel so right? Every once in a while, it struck Vanyel that this was absurd, that he loved Stefen so much, that he was so willing to open up his relationship with Tylendel to include Stefen. It was madness - and yet he couldn’t fathom doing anything else. He certainly couldn’t imagine giving Stefen up. That thought made his mind recoil, unable to fully pursue the line of consideration.
Chapter Text
The puppets had certainly cut their strings and started moving on their own, but in the end, nobody could rightly say that was a bad thing. Tylendel had been a little surprised to find such wisdom coming from Stefen, but he supposed that there was no reason to think the young Master Bard anything other than astute. And he was right - Treven and Jisa were to be King and Queen in the not-too-distant future, and Valdemar needed them strong. And Stef had also been the one to bring Shavri around to reconciling with her daughter and new son-in-law. Overall, he showed a great deal of burgeoning skill mingled with his boundless potential.
Still, the days following the wedding were chaotic, and all three of them were run ragged. It was unsurprising that, a week after the whole ordeal started, Tylenel returned with Vanyel to the room the three of them shared to find Stefen sprawled on the bed, obviously having barely managed to kick his boots off before collapsing onto the mattress. There was dinner and a small stack of letters on the table, and Tylendel pulled Vanyel against his side as he closed the door softly.
“Let’s try not to wake him,” Van murmured, smiling softly at the sight of the lovely redhead sleeping in their bed. “He has to be worn to a thread by now.”
Tylendel hummed in agreement and kissed Vanyel's temple softly, then led his lifebonded over to the settee. He wanted Vanyel close right now, wanted to let his bondmate’s presence sink into him like a balm for all that ailed him. He reached for a piece of cheese, handing it to Vanyel, and then grabbed a roll for himself. He smiled as Vanyel practically inhaled the cheese, then reached for the letters at the same time as he got himself something more to eat. Vanyel sorted through the pile, passing Tylendel his missives and working on his own. ‘Lendel was smiling his way through a letter from his twin when he heard Vanyel groan.
“What is it, ashke?” he asked, looking up from where he’d been reading about his eldest nephew’s latest antics. Peytir was nearing seventeen and testing Staven’s patience, but it was already evident that he’d make a good Lord Holder one day. Vanyel held up a letter, and Tylendel’s eyes caught the Forst Reach seal. “Ah. Well, it’s always best to get those over with.”
With a sigh, Vanyel nodded and broke the seal, visibly steeling himself for the contents. Tylendel watched, pretending to go back to his own letter, as Vanyel went through the letter. “The Warhorse Project is going well,” he noted, “and Father is grousing about it. Meke’s oldest is handfasted -”
“We should send that horrid loving-cup,” Tylendel interjected. “The silver and garnet one. They’ll love that.”
Vanyel nodded. “- and the last of the sheep were lost to black fly, so Father is gloating about that. And Melenna - gods!”
“What?” Tylendel kept his voice low despite Vanyel’s exclamation, not wanting to wake Stefen.
“Melenna and Jervis are married!”
“Huh. That’s certainly not something that I expected, but I could see them being a good match.” He shrugged. “I hope they’ll be happy.”
“I do hope. We should send them something, too - although I suppose they’ve got good enough taste that we’ll need something other than the usual things we send my family.”
“I’ll find something,” Tylendel promised. He kept a few things around, too, and while his family was far less prolific than Vanyel’s, they also had much better taste. He’d have something appropriate for the newlyweds.
Vanyel nodded and murmured his thanks, his eyes still on the letter. “There’s the usual invitation to visit, of course.” He sighed. “That never goes particularly well. And another reminder that we should be discreet so as not to upset Mother. As if she doesn’t know.” He sighed again, dropping his head onto the back of the settee and closing his eyes. “I’m almost exhausted enough to take them up on it.”
“Staven is always willing to have us,” Tylendel pointed out gently. He watched Vanyel stiffen and smiled sadly. Some wounds were long in healing, if they ever did. “I thought not. Maybe we should take them up on it.” His eyes drifted over to Stefen, dead to the world in their bed. “We could take Stef with us. Your family will certainly never suspect he’s our lover, and he could use the rest. I heard today that two of the Healers finally got the trick of painblocking this morning.”
Thoughtfully, Vanyel opened his eyes and gazed over at Stefen. “He is worn to practically nothing, and Mother would be thrilled to have us bring the King’s personal Bard to visit. Thrilled enough that she might not think on it too hard, and would discourage Father from doing so.”
“It’s settled, then,” Tylendel said, satisfied. “The three of us will set off for Forst Reach as soon as we can manage. Savil, too, if she wants to go - and perhaps we should invite Medren?”
“I don’t know if Medren will be interested, but it might make more sense for Stefen to come along with us if he’s there as Medren’s friend instead of ours.” Vanyel’s gaze, still on Stefen, was thoughtful. “As exhausting as going back home always is, it should be quiet enough for all of us to get some rest.”
Two days later, their party of five was on the road toward Forst Reach. Medren had unexpectedly jumped on the invitation, and Savil had agreed to go nearly as quickly. Vanyel was quite certain that, no matter how Stefen stood out among them, he’d be accepted as merely a friend and a wonderful diversion for his mother and her ladies. Ah, but he does stand out. He and Melody make quite a pretty picture together, especially now that he’s more certain in his seat.
Medren’s mare was another of Star’s line, a lovely bay named Blossom, but as pretty as the horse was, Medren still carried enough of the Ashkevron looks that he was never going to be considered a beauty by anyone. He was the most energetic of the lot of them, though - Savil was feeling her age, Stefen was energized by being out on the road but still needed a great deal of rest, and Vanyel and Tylendel weren’t much better off than their lover. Now that they'd actually left, seeing how exhausted all of them looked, Vanyel was convinced that the visit would be good for all of them despite his misgivings.
It was a lovely time to travel, late enough in the year not to be too hot, yet early enough that the days were still pleasant. The leaves were still their vibrant summer green, and Vanyel watched in fascination as one was pulled from a branch by the wind and caught in Stefen’s hair, at the turn of the Bard’s fingers as he reached up to pull it out with a smile. It made Vanyel’s heart clench to see that smile, to see Stefen looking relaxed and happy instead of strained and worn. He turned to look at ‘Lendel as well, and caught his lifebonded watching him in contented amusement.
:He does seem relaxed. Honestly, some of the Healers were threatening to pack him off themselves if no one else took him away from everything:
Vanyel smiled at Tylendel, ducking his head slightly. :He looks happy, don’t you think?:
:Very happy, yes. I think we all needed this trip.:
A stab of old guilt hit Vanyel, twisting in his gut. :I know you’d rather go to Norwood Keep to see Staven -:
:I do understand, Van,: Tylendel soothed. :I was there when we got you back, after all. We’ll go when we can, just like always. And you never complain if I want to go by myself.:
As always, relief washed over Vanyel. He adored Staven and the family he’d built for himself toward the north, but the memories of his first visit to the Frelennye holding always haunted him, and it did not matter that twenty-one years had passed since that autumn. He could usually manage brief visits alongside his lifebonded, but he never could manage to stay long, and right now, he was too emotionally drained by the recent drama to even attempt it.
:Somehow, I think Staven will be much more understanding of the situation with Stefen,: Vanyel mused. Then he shot his bondmate a half-suspicious, half-resigned look. :Unless he already knows?:
:Of course he already knows,: Tylendel answered levelly. :You know very well how our bond works. Love, you know all he wants for me is for me to be happy.:
Vanyel smiled softly and nodded, his eyes drifting back to Stefen. Stav did very much want his twin’s happiness, and while Vanyel hardly thought it possible that anyone but the three of them could truly understand their relationship - he didn’t fully understand it! - Stefen certainly made Tylendel happy. Just as he made Vanyel happy.
Stef had leaned over to speak to Medren, their voices low. He looked easy enough on the back of a horse that you’d hardly believe that he’d barely started learning to ride. His status as a tyro was also an excellent excuse to stop early and maintain a pace that wasn’t too hard on Savil or Kellan. They were both getting old, and while Companions aged gracefully, they did age. Honestly, he thought Kellan probably knew that they were taking her age into account … but she wasn’t the one that Vanyel felt the need to hide that fact from.
Kellan stepped a little closer, and Savil gave them a look out of the corner of her bleached-out blue eyes, a knowing little smile tugging at the corner of his lips. :You know, he’s doing well,: she observed. :I think I can see why you two are so taken with him.:
Vanyel nearly choked on his next breath, but Tylendel just gave Savil an impish smile. :Should have known we couldn’t keep things from you, teacher-love.:
:Well, you should remember that,: she sent dryly. :He seems like a good lad. He knows what he’s gotten himself into?:
:Of course,: Tylendel answered blandly. :We were very open about the situation.:
Savil nodded shortly, a thoughtful look on her face - but she didn’t press further. Vanyel watched her for a moment, then turned to scan ahead for landmarks. He thought, with their easy pace, they’d take ten or eleven days to make it to Forst Reach - although, honestly, the idea of spending that many nights separated from Stefen was unpleasant. And it wasn’t as though that would be over when they reached the keep! It was highly unlikely that they’d be able to slip Stefen into their guestroom on a nightly basis. He hoped they’d be able to carve out at least some time with their lover, but there was no hope that the Ashkevron parents would understand that he, Tylendel, and Stefen were all three together.
Still, gods, this trip was starting out wonderfully. The days were perfect, and the scenery looked as though it had been painted to adorn temple walls. If the whole trip was like this, they should make very good time despite their leisurely pace. It was almost too pleasant to be believed, despite the fact that the secretive nature of the addition of Stefen to their relationship necessitated him to room separately in the inns they’d stop at along the way. There were things to work out still, things they likely should have addressed in their hurry to leave Haven, but at least the weather was fine.
The trip had been absolutely ideal, at least until the last day, except for the nights. Stef was, perhaps, getting spoiled; he’d been unusually restless in the small, two-bed rooms he’d shared with Medren along the road. It had been a little eye-opening to see how things shifted when they reached the amusingly named Halfway Inn, to watch people treat the other four travelers as locals, and to see how they viewed Vanyel in particular with proprietary pride. Still, he couldn’t complain despite the disturbance to his sleep. He’d known when he agreed to come along that his lovers were unlikely to want to admit he was their lover in such a public way as rooming with him as they traveled through half of Valdemar.
No matter how well most of the trip had gone, the clouds that rolled in before it was time for luncheon on their last day on the road seemed ominous. The occasional distant growls of thunder made Melody nervous, which made Stefen nervous, and he desperately wanted to finish their journey so that they could be under the cover of a roof before the threatening storm began.
When Forst Reach came into view, though, Stef felt his heart sink. He knew that Tylendel and Vanyel were both of noble birth, but he still hadn’t been properly prepared for the sight of Vanyel’s family home. It had once been a martial keep, but at some point, sprawling wings had been added to the east and north sides of the building, spreading like lazing dogs beside their master. The wings looked relatively new, and there was a scaffolding up on the south side that spoke of another new wing to come. And in front - well, for a moment, alarm at the size of the crowd entirely overtook Stefen’s dismay at the reminder of the difference in his social origin and that of his lovers.
“That can’t all be your family,” he said, his apprehension clearly evident in his voice. “There have got to be hundreds of them!”
“Not quite hundreds,” Vanyel answered, his amusement clear. “Counting all the cousins and fosterlings, though, there have to be about eighty or ninety by now. More servants, of course. If you’re not careful, farewells can take all day.”
“Oh.” Stefen stared out at the crowd, overwhelmed, then shot a sour look at Medren when his best friend chuckled. He had to tighten his grip a little on Melody’s reins as the mob broke their tidy ranks and surged forward. A few of the many children danced out of the way of the horse’s hooves as though they did so all the time, and a large man, a little younger than Vanyel and Tylendel, grasped the reins with practiced ease.
“Is this one of Star’s get? She’s lovely, Van.” He ran a hand over her flank, more affectionately than Stefen would have expected to be toward an animal he’d just met. “I don’t suppose you’d lend her to me to put to one of the palfrey studs one of these days? We’re still keeping up the palfrey and hunter lines, y’know.”
“Ask Bard Stefen,” he heard Vanyel ask as the Bard in question tried to dismount without stepping on any of the careless, happy children. “She’s his.”
Whatever else Vanyel might have said to the man was lost as Stef found himself surrounded by eager children, bubbling with energy and excitement. He didn’t think he’d ever been around this many children before. There weren’t many at court, and growing up on the street had taught him many things, but the habits of normal children were not among them. At least he had Medren at his side, still looking amused as the children battered him with questions.
“Yes, I’m really a real Master Bard,” he answered, “and yes, I’ve known your cousin Medren here for a long while. And I know every song there is about your cousin Vanyel, but he doesn’t like them very much, you know.” He tried to glance helplessly over at Vanyel and Tylendel, but they’d been lost in the throng. He was doing his best not to drown in the waterfall of questions while at the same time trying to ignore Medren’s amusement when Vanyel’s deep, melodic voice caught his ear again.
“- and we brought along our friend, and Medren’s -” Vanyel paused, his eyes managing to find Stefen in a gap in the crowd. Stef took the excuse to extract himself and return to Vanyel’s side, Medren trailing along with suppressed laughter. The softness of Vanyel and Tylendel’s eyes as he rejoined them made his heart ache. “Father, Mother, this is Bard Stefen. Stef, my father and mother: Lord Withen and Lady Treesa.”
Wanting to make a good impression, Stef gave Lord Withen a perfectly appropriate bow before taking Treesa’s hand so he could favor it with a brief kiss. This, at least, was a game where he knew the rules. “Mother? I must have misheard. Surely you must be Herald Vanyel’s younger sister!” He gave Lady Treesa a sweet smile as she blushed - momentarily very reminiscent of her lovely son - and reluctantly reclaimed her hand. “His mother? Surely impossible!”
He ignored Lord Withen’s embarrassment; he knew very well that Lady Treesa was the one to control entertainment in the keep, and so his ‘patron’ in this instance.
“Are you really a full Bard?” she asked, breathless with excitement. “Truly a Master?”
“Such is the rank the Circle has seen fit to bestow upon me, as unworthy as I am,” Stefen answered modestly. “If I may test your hospitality and burden your ear, it would be my honor to play for you.”
“Oh, would you?” Lady Treesa was absolutely delighted, and Stefen could see what a beauty she must have been in her youth. He already felt the stirrings of fondness for his lover’s mother, but they were prevented from further discourse by a threatening crack of lightning.
“Havens, it’s about to pour!” Lord Withen’s bluster seemed fully restored. “Let’s get you all in before we get caught in the rain. Mekeal, Kaster, Radevel, see to the horses. Everyone else, let’s get under shelter!”
With that, Stefen was swept off by Lady Treesa, Medren being drawn along almost as an afterthought. It was obviously time for Stefen to make good on whatever promises of entertainment had been made on his behalf, and he could only hope that he would eventually have a chance to steal a few minutes alone with Vanyel and Tylendel before he had to retire to wherever they’d stuck him for the duration of the stay.
Medren wasn’t entirely surprised that he was being treated as a bit of an extra by Lady Treesa. She meant well, usually, but she also liked what she liked and frequently calculated the best way to get it. Medren, she could get to play for her any time he came home for a visit, and she certainly had designs on getting him to come out and take a position at Forst Reach once he gained his Mastery. Stefen, though - Stefen was already a Master Bard, and he served the King himself as well. He was a rare treat, something that (as far as she knew) was unlikely to ever be offered again.
He followed along with his grandmother as she and Stef flirted casually, playing The Game. Lady Treesa was, of course, terribly heavy-handed, but Stefen’s responses were perfect and flattering, making her giggle and blush like she was still a slip of a girl. Stef had always been good at this part of things, at making his patrons feel special.
No, the way Lady Treesa behaved towards Stef (and, by near-exclusion, Medren) was to be expected. What Medren still had trouble wrapping his head around was the fact that Stefen had managed to lifebond to Uncle Van and Uncle ‘Lendel.
It had seemed impossible when Herald Tantras had first let Medren in on his suspicions. Who had ever heard of three people lifebonding to each other, after all? And why would the gods tie an eighteen-year-old who had barely started his life to two men nearing forty who had been lifebonded since before he had been born? Still, it did make a great deal of sense. Stefen was never like this with the men he bedded. In fact, he rarely did more than bed them; his idea of a relationship was bedding the same man for a week or a month and never really seeing him outside the bedroom. The way he was with Medren’s uncles … that was entirely different.
The only explanation that actually made sense was a lifebond. Tantras had agreed that this trip was an excellent opportunity for Medren to try to help the three of them realize that, but the specifics of how had not exactly been fully fleshed out before the party of Heralds and Bards had left Haven. Medren was going to have to do some improvising if he wanted to make sure the three men realized that they were all lifebonded, and that Stefen was as deeply tied to the Hreald-Mages as they were to each other.
Surely all I have to do is get them to consider the idea of a three-way lifebond, Medren mused as he walked the familiar paths towards Treesa’s solar. The storm would look spectacular there. After all, they’re not any of them stupid. Stef doesn’t know what it’s like to be lifebonded, but it can’t be more than thinking that they can’t be lifebonded more than once that’s keeping Uncle Van and Uncle ‘Lendel from working it out.
At least, he hoped that was the case. He hoped that Vanyel and Tylendel felt as intensely for Stefen as the Master Bard obviously felt for them. It would be tragic if they didn’t, if Stef was ultimately cast aside as the Herald-Mages closed themselves off from him. They couldn’t, not forever, not if Herald Tantras was right, but they might try, and that would devastate Stefen. That was the last thing that Medren wanted for any of them.
He was determined, therefore, that by the time they all returned to Haven, the whole lifebond situation would be sorted out. It would have been nice to have some help in doing so, but he thought he could manage. They all three were quite swept up together, after all, and he thought they’d welcome the idea. He hoped they would, at least. If even one of them rejected the notion they were lifebonded … well, rejected lifebonds almost invariably led to tragedy.
So far, though, things were going about how Medren had expected. He wasn’t entirely sure what his uncles had been thinking when they’d decided to bring Stef out to Forst Reach while the three of them weren’t admitting publicly to their relationship, but in the end, all that really mattered to him was that this gave him an opportunity he needed. Stef, though - the poor man had been more restless in his sleep on the road than Medren had ever known him to be. Now that they had actually arrived in Forst Reach, Medren had a feeling that the separate accommodations were going to be felt even more keenly. The whole group was likely to be clustered together in guest rooms on the same hall, at least, but someone would notice if Stefen spent the nights of the visit holed up with Vanyel and Tylendel.
Medren smiled in greeting at the ladies when they all entered the solar; some of the faces were even familiar from his last visit home. Of course, few of them were interested in paying him any mind, not with a real Master Bard to fawn over. Even before their arrival, Medren had been certain that he’d only be of interest to those who couldn’t manage to politely and attractively crowd in around Stef. And not a one of them has any idea that Stefen wouldn’t be at all interested in them warming his bed even if he weren’t head over heels for Uncle Van and Uncle ‘Lendel.
It was actually novel to be somewhere that it wasn’t widely known that Stef was shaych. It had certainly been all over the Palace complex and parts of Haven for the last five years, and Medren was far more used to having to deal with people objecting to his best friend’s sexuality than he was used to women earnestly fawning over Stef. Stefen, of course, was eating it up; he adored attention, even if he wasn’t even remotely interested in women.
Even with the instruments still packed and detuned for travel, the ladies were begging for a song, and Stefen was handling them expertly. He really was masterful, and this deftness was part of the reason that Medren had never minded his own impressive Gifts being overshadowed by Stefen’s arrival. Stef was of even lower birth than Medren. Although the Bardic Gift itself was inborn, he’d had to work just as hard as anyone else at using it, and at training to perform and to compose, and on top of that, he’d been completely illiterate and never performed with anything other than his own unaccompanied voice when he’d been brought in. Despite what many of their peers had thought in the beginning, Stefen was truly born for this.
Medren smiled as someone managed to rummage up an old lute, and he recognized it as the one he himself had been playing before Uncle Van had bought him a better instrument. He grinned as Stef scoffed at the instrument. Not that Medren blamed him, nor did he think any of Stefen’s disdain for the poor instrument was feigned. Still, he did what he could to tune it, and then settled in to give his audience a sample of what was to come.
Now, if only Medren could find a way to handle his task as deftly, all would be well.
According to Medren, there were simply too many people in Forst Reach to keep specific rooms for family members who only visited on occasion. Instead, there were knots of guest rooms scattered throughout the Keep, and the five of them had been put in one such knot, one where the Herald-Mages were frequently housed when they came to visit.
“It has something to do with wards, I think,” Medren supplied. “It’s easier to cast them where they’ve been cast before, or something? All I know is that Uncle Van tried to explain it to Grandfather years ago, and Great Aunt Savil wound up just bullying him into putting them here whenever they come home for a visit.”
Stefen shrugged, looking at the doors lined neatly along the corridor and wishing whistfully that he could stay with his lovers. Their relationship was still a secret, though, which meant that he had no argument for wanting to bed with them that could be used on Vanyel’s parents.
“Aunt Savil always takes the corner room,” Medren continued nonchalantly, “and Uncle Van and Uncle ‘Lendel take the one beside it. I wish Aunt Lissa were here, too; I think you two would like each other. Although we might not have seen much of her, even if she were here! She tends to stay out with her troops if at all possible. Grandmother pouts every time, but Grandfather approves. Thinks it's a sign of her being a good Captain.”
“Captain Lissa of the Guard, right?” Only half of Stefen’s mind was on the question. He was far more interested in the other tidbit that Medren had dropped. Certainly, Medren knew that he’d just told Stef which room his lovers would be in! Maybe he was finally coming around a little on the subject of Stefen’s relationship with his uncles.
“That’s right,” Medren confirmed jovially. “She left home a little before Uncle Van, went off to foster before joining the Guard. She’s a lot like Aunt Savil, except without the magic or the Companion.”
Stef nodded again, gazing at the door to his lovers’ room. Maybe, just tonight, he could manage to spend at least a little time with them. He hadn’t been alone with them since leaving Haven. It was making him - itchy was the only way to describe it. He felt like he was about to crawl out of his skin because he wanted to be with them so badly, and it wasn’t even because he was craving sex. He needed the assurance of their presence, their touch.
“- and you’re not hearing a word I’m saying.”
With a start, Stefen realized that Medren had still been talking, and he had no idea what his friend had been talking about. “Sorry. It’s been a long trip, and dinner was overwhelming.”
Medren chuckled. “I’m sure that’s all it is. Well, I’m going to head to bed, and you should do the same.”
Stefen nodded vaguely, only half paying attention as Medren went into the room next to the room he’d indicated was Vanyel and ‘Lendel’s, which meant Stef’s room was two doors down from the lifebonded pair. He should probably go into his room …
Instead, Stef looked around to make sure that no one else was around, then slipped into the Herald-Mages’ room.
They weren’t back from wherever they’d been dragged off to after dinner yet, but Stefen didn’t care. This was where they’d be, and he dropped onto the edge of the bed, reveling in that fact. He felt a little better just being where he knew they were going to be.
With a sigh, Stef lay back on the bed, loosening the ties on his tunic and shirt. It had been weeks since he’d been able to be alone with Van and ‘Lendel, and he was a little afraid that maybe they’d changed their mind about him in that time. What if they found him waiting for him, and they didn’t want him here?
He sat up right as the door opened, his heart racing. What if, what if, what if -
Except Vanyel smiled at him as Tylendel shut the door and threw the bolt, then murmured, “We’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” Stef murmured, a grin spreading across his face, everything feeling right again now that they were all together. Yes, they’d been together on the road, during the daylight hours as they rode toward Forst Reach, but it wasn’t the same. He reached out toward his lovers, and they crossed the room, each taking one of his hands. Stef pulled them down onto the bed with him, catching Vanyel in his arms as Tylendel tumbled down beside them. “I know it would cause problems if I stayed, but I thought that at least we could steal a few minutes.”
“We can at least do that,” Tylendel murmured, pressing soft, eager kisses to the side of Stefen’s neck. ”Gods, we didn’t think this part through. We just wanted to get you away from Haven for a bit so you could get some rest.”
Stef smiled, burying his face against Vanyel’s shoulder. “I’d almost rather be in Haven, being worn to the bone. At least I’d get to spend my nights with you.”
Vanyel twisted in Stefen’s arms, then slid his fingers under the Bard’s chin and tipped his face up for a lingering kiss. “We’ll figure this out. Maybe we should have gone to visit Staven instead.”
That earned Vanyel a sharp look from Tylendel. “You know very well you’re too tired for that. You need rest, too.”
The wistful, pained look on Vanyel’s face begged to be explained, but Stef wasn’t given a chance to ask. Not when Tylendel grasped his chin for his turn at a kiss, rough and demanding. Stef kissed back just as hotly, Vanyel still held in his arms. Gods, the trip had taken forever, and his body had definite ideas about that.
Apparently, Vanyel and Tylendel agreed. Van shifted slowly, straddling one of Stef’s thighs, and ‘Lendel reached down to grasp his cock through his breeches. Stefen groaned, eager for their touch, his hips lifting toward Tylendel’s hand and his arms tightening around Vanyel. He kissed the side of Vanyel’s neck, nudged his shirt aside slightly, and bit down on his shoulder just hard enough to make him moan.
They were all wearing far too many clothes, and both Van and ‘Lendel seemed to agree. Vanyel attacked the loosened laces of Stef’s tunic as ‘Lendel started undoing his own. With a soft groan, the Bard started undoing Vanyel’s laces as well.
The speed with which they managed to all get stripped to the waist was impressive. Stefen ran his hands down both their chests, feeling the plains of muscle and the rough skin of scars. He loved the feel of them, the stories he was still learning that the years had written in their skin. Softly, he kissed Tylendel’s clavicle, then his shoulder; then Stef turned and slid a hand into Vanyel’s hair, drawing him in for another kiss.
By all the gods, Stefen was irrepressibly impatient and determined to draw it out all at once. It had been far too long, a week and a half since he’d had his lovers in his arms, and honestly, he wanted to hold them and bask in their presence as much as he wanted sex. He didn’t think he’d gone this long without since the first time he’d made his way into another man’s bed, and it was odd that Stef would want the simple comfort of their presence as badly as he wanted their bodies. Of course, everything else he’d thought of as normal before getting tangled up with Tylendel and Vanyel had been proven wrong, so why not this, too?
Vanyel nuzzled Stef’s jaw gently, planting slow kisses up towards his ear, and that certainly tipped the balance of the young Bard’s desires. Tylendel shifted closer, wrapping his arms around Stefen and nipping at his earlobe on the opposite side from Vanyel. Stef groaned softly, lying back down on the bed and pulling his lovers down with him. ‘Lendel chuckled as they made a pile on the bed, and Stef turned his head to kiss him, so ready for this. Gods, he wanted to stay with them, tonight and forever.
Stef gasped as Vanyel’s hand slid down into the front of his breeches, and ‘Lendel shifted to start undoing the Bard’s laces. Yes, gods, yes; Stefen was more than willing to let them touch him, their hands demanding everything he wanted to give. He loved how much they wanted him, loved that they were just as eager to touch him as he was to be with them again. The feel of Van’s hand on his cock as ‘Lendel pulled his breeches and smallcothes down made him groan again. Then ‘Lendel’s mouth was on his cock, and Stef nipped his way down the side of Vanyel’s neck, reveling in his gasps. Desire, pleasure, a sense that things were right again now that they were all together - Stefen gasped and arched up under ‘Lendel, his fingers running down over Vanyel’s chest to tug at the laces of his breeches, aching to get both of the other men down to their skin as well.
“I love you. I love you both.” Stefen breathed, somehow managing to get Vanyel’s breeches undone, then tugging them down as ‘Lendel kept sucking him off. The air seemed like it was crackling with their craving for each other, with the way all three of them needed to be together. He kissed Vanyel again, wrapping one of his hands around the Herald-Mage’s cock. Vanyel hissed softly at Stefen’s touch, sharp and needy, the fingers of one of his elegant hands twining in the Bard’s red locks as the other reached down to cup ‘Lendel’s cheek. Softly stroking Vanyel’s length, Stef rested his forehead against the other man’s, his other hand reaching around to grasp his firm ass. He groaned as Tylendel continued working his lips eagerly over his cock, tightening his grip on Vanyel’s firm length, stroking more earnestly. Van’s breath was coming in tiny gasps, and his fingers tightened in Stefen’s hair, his body tensing in pleasure.
Abruptly, Stef pulled back from Vanyel, one hand still circling his cock; the other went to Tylendel’s jaw, a thumb pressed against the corner of his mouth. “Stop - ‘Lendel, I want to be inside you.”
Tylendel pulled back slowly, smiling at Stef and reaching down to untie his breeches and slide them down with his smallclothes, taking a moment to rummage in the saddlebags for a vial of massage oil. While he was busy with that, Stefen turned to Vanyel, helping him get off the garments still tangled around his knees. As Stef tossed Vanyel’s clothing on the floor, Tylendel joined them on the bed, situating himself between his two lovers. Stefen nudged him to turn toward Vanyel, pressing his lips to ‘Lendel’s spine between his shoulder blades as he took the vial from him. He was aching for this, to cement the fact that they were all together again; the fact that they might not be together like this again until after leaving Forst Reach was shoved firmly out of his mind.
“Suck Vanyel off for me,” Stef murmured, slicking his fingers with the oil before shoving the cork back in the vial and tossing it recklessly to the side. Tylendel chuckled throatily and moved to comply, bending to take his lifebonded’s cock in his mouth, one hand circled around the base. Vanyel watched with his eyes wide and his lips parted as Stefen slid his slick fingers along Tylendel’s crack and in to touch at his hole, circling it gently and pressing firm fingers against his opening. ‘Lendel groaned around a mouthful of Vanyel’s cock, making the slight Herald-Mage whimper.
These men - these beautiful men - were Stefen’s world. He didn’t know how that had happened; certainly, these things did happen, but not to him. He slowly slipped his fingers into ‘Lendel, marveling at everything that the three of them had, everything that tangled them together. He leaned forward to kiss Vanyel, capturing his lips briefly but hotly, then pressed his lips softly between Tylendel’s shoulder blades as he slipped his fingers out of him and replaced them with his cock.
Vanyel gasped as if he were the one being penetrated, his head tipping back and his eyes fluttering closed. Maybe he did feel it; Stef wasn’t entirely sure how much the lifebonded couple shared. Watching Van’s face, lovely in his ecstasy, Stef gently grasped ‘Lendel’s hips and started thrusting slowly and deliberately.
Gods. With his vision filled with the two men he loved, Stef felt utterly desperate. It had been too damn long, and it seemed somehow right that his hands were trembling slightly on ‘Lendel’s hips. Overwhelmed with pure feeling, with his love for these men and the joy that they were all together again, Stefen found that things were building quickly - almost too quickly - and he fought against it, trying to stretch this out. Desperately, he lifted one hand to cup the back of Vanyel’s head, drawing him in for a kiss, feeling the Herald-Mage gasp against his lips as he thrust steadily into Tylendel.
It was too much. Stefen moaned against Vanyel’s mouth as he came, and was met with a whimpering cry from him and a guttural moan from ‘Lendel. Stef withdrew slowly, panting, one hand still curled around the back of Vanyel’s head, as Tylendel pulled off his long-time lover’s cock and wiped his mouth with his hand. For a heartbeat, they were still, then ‘Lendel went up on his knees to kiss Vanyel, slow and sweet, before he turned to deliver the same loving press of lips and tongue to Stefen. Shifting into a more comfortable position on the bed, 'Lendel pulled first Stef, then Vanyel into his arms, holding them both tight against him. With a soft laugh, he let himself fall back onto the bed, pulling them down with him. “Gods of my fathers, I think all three of us needed that.”
Vanyel chucked warmly, reaching across Tylenel to caress Stefen’s cheek. “Watching you go off to sleep in another room the whole way here was miserable. At least Aunt Savil approves of you.”
Stefen started. “You told your aunt?”
“Well, she more figured it out herself,” ‘Lendel explained. “Neither of us has ever been particularly good at hiding things from her.”
The Bard shook his head. “Medren knows, too; he’s known since this all started.” He sighed in frustration. “So maybe we didn’t have to be quite so careful on the way here.”
“There were still the people at the inns to consider,” Vanyel sighed. “It’s unfortunate that everyone knows who I am, and a traveling Herald is a Herald on duty, but perhaps we could have talked more openly on the road.”
“We know for the trip back,” Tylendel said mildly, pressing a kiss to the top of Stefen’s head. “At least there are two more people we don’t have to keep it a secret from.”
That statement made Stefen’s heart ache. He would have loved to have their relationship public and damn what anyone else thought, but he wouldn’t force that on Van and ‘Lendel. Besides, he understood why it had to be secret; no one would understand why a lifebonded couple had taken a lover, even if they were sharing him. No, this whole relationship was like that moment in the grove in the Companion’s Field: eternal, hidden, and destined to eventually be lost.
Chapter 17
Notes:
No smut.
Chapter Text
Moodily, Stefen stared at the canopy of his solitary bed in his solitary guestroom two doors down from his lovers in Forst Reach. He hadn’t been able to stay the night with them, not with the risk of someone finding out. Tylendel and Vanyel’s reluctance to let him go had been reassuring, but ultimately hadn’t changed anything. He’d still needed to leave them, to go back to his assigned room and his lonely bed. Stef found the fact that he no longer slept well alone extremely annoying.
And yet, his public awaited him. Lady Treesa was likely to claim him the moment he appeared for the day, if he’d read her right. He just hoped that she wasn’t seriously pursuing him! That could get incredibly awkward, and not just because he was shaych and sleeping with her son. At the very least, she was far more heavy-handed at The Game than the ladies at court.
He managed to get himself impeccably put together despite his poor mood, his hair caught at the nape of his neck with a ribbon. He cut a fine enough figure, but he felt like the simplicity of his clothes was something that would stand out, and not in the best way. While Stefen was not the sort of clothes horse he’d discovered Vanyel to secretly be, he did try to look his best, to keep the fact that he’d been found in a gutter from surfacing in anyone’s mind. It was one thing to have the other Bardic Trainees know that he was likely some whore’s bastard; it was quite another to advertise the fact to his patrons.
Medren’s own appearance when Stef met his former roommate in the hall soothed him somewhat. The Journeyman Bard was dressed no better than Stefen himself - neat and tidy, without hole or patch, but nothing fancier than what he would have worn in Haven. While Stefen still felt underdressed, he felt less as though he would make a bad impression because of it.
“You’re taking that?” Medren asked by way of greeting, nodding toward Stef’s twelve-stringed gittern. At Stefen’s murmured affirmation, Medren shrugged. “The lute's my usual choice out here. Y'know, the first one of those gitterns I ever saw was Uncle Van’s, back when I first met him, before I was sent to Haven. He apparently fell in love with it the moment he first heard the way it sounds.”
“He’s a fine musician,” Stefen murmured. He and Van had done more than just talk about music, after all. The Herald-Mage was Stef’s favorite duet partner now, and he’d even managed to coax Vanyel into playing for him solo. As powerful and competent as Van was, he was certain his musical skills could never measure up to those of a Master Bard, even one granted the rank so young. And perhaps he wasn’t as technically proficient as Stefen, but he had decades of experience and a true passion for music, added to a small portion of Bardic Gift that he wielded with care. In another life, he could have made an excellent Bard.
“Not that most people know,” Medren mused. “It’s fairly well known that he loves music. He never goes anywhere without at least Woodlark, after all! But most people have no idea how good he is.”
“Which is a pity, truly. He really is good enough that he could have been a Bard, if things had turned out differently.” If he’d only had Bardic, perhaps, instead of every Gift under the sun, or if he hadn’t been Chosen … “He has more time for music when he’s out here, though?”
“He does,” Medren confirmed. “He tends to find a lot of time to play when he’s out here. He adores his mother, and playing for her is something he finds relaxing, I think. Or at least a taste of what he used to dream of.”
That made Stef’s heart ache a little. Vanyel had the heart of a Bard alongside the soul of a Herald, but he usually only found room for the latter. He deserved more than a life of pure duty.
Thankfully, Stef was saved from having to say more on the subject by their arrival at the orchard. Stef was visibly surprised by the choice in location - he’d expected the solar, and been distracted enough not to pay much attention to where they'd headed - and Lady Treesa smiled at him, bright and airy, her eyelashes fluttering girlishly as the other ladies gave their greetings.
“We only work indoors in the summer if there is a great deal of weaving to do,” she revealed. “The pear orchard is lovely, is it not? And even in the hottest summer days, it’s quite cool. Who would want to be indoors in such fine weather?”
“No one I can think of, my lady,” Stefen answered with his best winning smile. He watched as she took her seat, the only chair, a clever folding thing. Given her age, it was hardly unreasonable. He took a moment to tune his gittern, then turned another dazzling smile on Lady Treesa. “Now, what is your pleasure? Giving you pleasure is all my joy at this moment.”
A moment of The Game gave him the expected opening to flatter, and as Lady Treesa settled against the back of her delicate-looking chair, he began to play My Lady’s Eyes for her, ignoring Medren’s amusement at the selection. He certainly knew, as Stefen did from Vanyel, that this was his grandmother’s favorite song.
And, at the moment, his smiles were for her alone, following the demands of The Game. And with every bar of the songs he played for her, he found himself liking her more. It certainly helped that she flattered his ego and that she was Vanyel’s mother, but she was obviously in possession of a good heart. When Stefen paused to rest his fingers, she turned to Medren, and instead of immediately expecting him to fill the silence, she took some time to ask him of his life in Haven, and to bemoan the fact that he was not yet a Master.
“I do hope that you’ll consider coming here permanently when you do get your Scarlets,” she said finally, her cooing replaced by warm eagerness. “We have talked on it somewhat, I know, and you have been uncertain, but perhaps we could share you with Herald Tashir? He’s such a dear boy, and certainly we can work out our schedules together.”
“You know I said I’ll consider it, Lady Treesa,” Medren answered, “and I truly will. It would be lovely to be back home, and to see Mother more often as well. If, perhaps, you would allow me to flatter you with a song while Bard Stefen rests his fingers and voice?”
“Oh, that would be wonderful,” Lady Treesa answered, all cooing smiles again, and at first, the dazzle of the smile that met Medren’s promise of consideration - a clever non-promise that Stefen was impressed by - revealed something of the beauty she must have been in her prime.
Before Medren could begin, however, the delicate sound of hooves behind him caught Stefen’s ear, and Lady Treesa gave another dazzling smile over his shoulder.
“And here is the other reason we meet out-of-doors when Vanyel is home, especially if he will perform for us, or there is another musician about. Welcome, Lady Yfandes! It would certainly present some difficulties attempting to get you up to the solar, would it not?”
Stefen turned in time to see Yfandes bow elegantly to Lady Treesa, giving a wicker of amusement before folding herself gracefully into a spot that had been left for her. She was far more refined and dignified than any horse, perhaps even more so than any of the gathered ladies. Stef managed not to stare, but he was still getting used to the fact that she was far less like a horse than he’d ever imagined Companions to be. Lady Treesa, however, seemed to have no trouble at all seeing Yfandes as a person rather than a horse.
The attention Medren’s brief interlude received was less rapt than what Stefen had been offered, which, while expected, was also weighed on the Master Bard a little. It seemed that these days he was constantly stepping between Medren and his due. At least his best friend and former roommate never seemed to hold it against him!
Then it was Stefen’s turn to take the proverbial spotlight again, and he stepped into his role with ease, preening at the fluttering of Treesa and her ladies. He barely had to touch his Gift to enhance his performance, and it was positively restful to play for a bevy of eager ladies after how much he’d been straining himself for the King.
After a little while, Yfandes wandered off again, more silently than anything that big had a right to. Stefen was resting again, Medren filling the air with music. As he appreciated his friend’s performance, Stef noticed someone on the wagon road that made its way through the grove of pear trees, moving slowly, two baskets on a pole over his shoulders. Some sort of farmworker, and no one to be concerned about, although out of habit born of his time on the streets, he kept half an eye on the man as he drew closer. Something about the fellow made him uneasy, for all that none of the others were paying him any mind.
Then he realized what it was: the clothes. The supposed farmhand was dressed better than Medren or himself, better even than Stefen’s Bardic uniform. There was no reason for a man who was what he otherwise seemed to be to be dressed that way, and Stefen was overwhelmed by a sense of wrongness so strong that it shoved him into action. He leapt at Lady Treesa, knocking her to the ground as something that felt dark and deadly pierced his shoulder and made it burn.
The porch, bordered on three sides by cypress trees that hid it completely from view, was one of the few places where Vanyel and Tylenedel could be completely alone at Forst Reach. Even in their shared room, they sometimes were disturbed; out here, people would at least pretend they couldn’t be found.
It would have been nice if Stefen could have joined them, but for one, he had Lady Treesa to amuse, and for another, since no one outside a select few knew that the three of them were lovers, having Stefen with them would likely have been taken as a sign they’d welcome other company, which would utterly defeat the purpose of bringing him out here.
The two of them were relaxing together against the balustrade, participating in a little flirtatious conversation, when suddenly Vanel was hit with an overwhelming sense of danger. Judging by the way Tylendel vaulted over the balustrade seconds ahead of Vanyel, he felt it, too.
:The pear orchard,: Vanyel sent desperately. His mother would be out there with her ladies, which meant Stef would be, too, a thought that coiled dread in Vanyel’s stomach.
:Magic,: Tylendel responded. :No enemy mage of that power should be able to function with the vrondi around.:
That was all too true, but Vanyel didn’t have time to contemplate how this had happened right now. After the threat was dealt with, they could find out how to prevent another incursion.
‘Fandes and Gala met them as they ran toward the orchard, and the two Herald-Mages launched themselves onto their Companions, pulling themselves up onto their bare backs as they slowed to turn back toward the pear trees. Without their carefully trained expertise riding bareback, both Vanyel and Tylendel would have been thrown with the speed at which the Companions headed toward danger.
They burst into a crowd of screaming women, some falling as they attempted to run, encumbered as they were by their voluminous skirts. The maids had their own skirts pulled up around their knees as they fled into the trees. The reason for the chaos was immediately obvious: a man dressed in brown, his back to the Heralds and their Companions. Stef and Treesa lay sprawled before him, helpless as he gathered his energies in preparation to finish them where they lay.
Gala and Yfandes released twin battle cries, screaming their challenge to this enemy; the sound caused him to turn just enough in surprise that his mage-fire barely missed Stefen and Lady Treesa. Vanyel’s heart was thrumming in his chest, and he reached for Tylendel with mind and power, well-practiced and seamless. He had to protect Stefen. That instinct was all-consuming, almost completely overwhelming his concern for his mother.
Their mingled powers, dancing blue and gold, rushed out from them to shield the lifebonded pair and their Companions even as Vanyel shaped his power into a levinbolt. Tylendel’s firebolt came a moment behind, and the mage could not protect himself from both. It was the firebolt that struck, making his shriek, but he did not move away from his targets. As his levinbolt failed against the mage’s shields, Vanyel called up a sandaar, which flew at the enemy's face only to be blown away by a burst of power from the mage.
Vanyel took that breath to merge his mind more seamlessly with ‘Lendel’s, in a place where they could never go without their lifebond, centered together as one. Now, instead of separate attacks, they sent one together, Vanyel directing their mutual energies. He sent a relentless volley of mage-bolts at the mage’s unprotected feet, forcing him to move away from Stefen and Treesa, where they could safely unleash their fury.
It worked, although more slowly than Vanyel-and-Tylendel would have liked. They were so tightly meshed at the moment that there was minimal separation between their thoughts and emotions, and none between their energy centers. To Othersight, they glowed as one being.
As they drove the strange mage away from the bodies lying on the ground, their ladies danced on sure hooves, moving to put their bulk between the threat and his targets. Vanyel-and-Tylendel pushed their shield out further, seeking to shelter their lover and their mother under it, and the mage moved in what seemed to be a last-ditch effort to pull something out of his boot, throwing a blade of some sort toward them. For another mage, the knife might have made its way through; many forgot to protect against physical attacks. But Vanyel-and-Tylendel always defended against steel as earnestly as they did magic and mind-magic.
“Hey!”
The sudden appearance of Radevel surprised them all, and it was too late for the mage. The pure force behind the swing of Rad’s blunt-edged metal practice blade snapped his raised arms, and then a second swing brought the heavy length down on his head, crushing it with a wet thud.
It took a second that felt like an eternity for Vanyel-and-Tylendel to disentangle themselves, and for Vanyel to become just Vanyel again. Then they were dismounting, hurrying toward the fallen victims as Treesa struggled upright under Stefen’s limp figure.
Limp and pale as death, with a blade standing out from his shoulder. The wound was not severe enough to account for his stillness, and Vanyel only half-heard Radevel lecturing his charges about how to use the advantage of surprise against a mage most effectively. He reached for the hilt of the knife -
“DON’T TOUCH THAT.”
The sound of Savil’s command-voice halted Vanyel, his fingers an inch from the knife. She was rising from a stoop, Kellen at her back, and lifting the other knife with the hilt carefully wrapped in a pristine white handkerchief. “If you pull that, you’ll kill him. I know you’ve never had the bad luck to see one in person, but don’t you recognize a leech-blade?”
Vanyel’s breath caught in his throat, his heart stopping. He knew what that was, although he’d never heard of anyone who had the skill as a mage-smith to make one. He bent further toward Stefen, brushing his vibrant curls back from his too-pale face, incredulously aware of how the pallor of his skin made the Bard’s freckles stand out. Then Tylendel scooped Stef up in his arms, and Vanyel raised his gaze to the crowd. Medren helped Lady Treesa up, a shocked stare fixed on Stefen in ‘Lendel‘s arms; the terrified ladies and their maids peeked out from between the pear trees.
He had the sheer power to deal with a leech-blade, especially with Tylendel at his side, but he didn’t have the expertise. He turned helplessly to his Aunt, only to see Savil staring at him with shock even more intense than that in the stare Medren had leveled at Stefen.
“I’ve never dealt with this before.” His voice was tight, laced through with a slight quiver of uncertainty.
“I know, ke’chara,” Savil said, the harsh edge gone from her tone. “He’s not being drained as quickly as I’d have expected, though; you can take him for help.”
It took only a moment for what she meant to dawn on Vanyel. K’Treva. He might never have dealt with a leech-blade, but surely Moondance or Starwind would have that expertise. He turned to Tylendel, hope in his eyes as his lifebonded settled Stefen a little tighter against his chest, careful not to jostle the blade jutting out from his shoulder.
“We’ll have to Gate,” ‘Lendel said, sounding far more steady than Vanyel knew he felt. He only did that, reflexively hid what he was feeling behind a mask of professionality, when he was at his most stressed. “The doorway of the old chapel is still the best place for a Terminus, we need to get him there -”
“Calm down, demon child,” Savil cut in wryly. “He’s not going to come to lasting harm in the next hour. Besides, the chapel in the keep is hardly the best place to take Gala and Yfandes through. Besides, you don’t either need to exhaust yourself - I’ll build the Gate.”
Vanyel sagged slightly in relief, then bent to scoop up Stefen’s twelve-stringed gittern, cradling it carefully in his arms. Stef would want to know it was safe when he woke.
“Come along; we’ll use the door of that egotistical little temple Leren insisted on having built. I don’t suppose you’re packing anything else.” She paused long enough for Vanyel to shake his head. “Well, come along. Medren and I will see to it that everything you brought makes it back to Haven.”
Lady Treesa was staring at them, still grasping Medren’s arm, wide-eyed but with something like understanding in her gaze. She knew, or at least suspected - but this was not the time for that. He knew there would be a great deal of fallout later, but right now, all that mattered was Stefen.
“Go.” His mother’s voice was trembling, but her gaze was steady. “Take care of him.”
Vanyel hesitated, then nodded. She knew. She could see how important Stefen was to them. Vanyel swallowed hard, tightening his grip slightly on Stefen’s gittern. “Thank you, Mother.”
Chapter Text
It had been entirely unexpected to have Tylendel and Vanyel come through a Gate with a young redheaded man, although far less shocking than the way all three of them were linked together. A trio of shay’kreth’ashke was not completely unheard of, but it was rare enough that it might as well have been. Of course, Wingbrother Vanyel had always been exceptional. He’d first come to them, frightened yet defiant, after that business with the blood mage he’d scorched into oblivion with pure untrained power. Power that he’d grown into, that he’d learned to harness. What was more, he wielded his shay'kreth'askhe’s power - or, rather, that of his first shay'kreth'ashke - as easily and naturally as he did his own. All in all, he was an impressive figure.
And now he came to them, worried for the life of his second shay'kreth'ashke, as he should be with the leech-blade jutting from the young man’s shoulder. Vanyel carried the second leech-blade, carefully wrapped in a handkerchief by Savil, and the slight redhead cradled desperately in Tylendel’s arms. Even were he not bonded so tightly to their two Wingbrothers, k’Treva would be inclined to help one in such a state that was brought to them. Since he was a part of the bond between Vanyel and Tylendel, tied in as firmly as if he had been there from the beginning, failing to save him was not an option.
The five of them were in Moondance’s chamber here-below, with Tylendel coaxed into laying the young man out on the luxurious bed. Vanyel had carefully positioned the gittern in a chair, just as careful with the instrument as Tylendel was with young Stefen. The second leech-blade, he handed to Moondance with the care one would show a venomous serpent.
The second blade was as of yet inert, the taste of blood having yet to activate it, but it whispered with the same malice with which its twin screamed. It was something to study, to perhaps find signs of its maker, but for the moment Moondance placed it, still carefully wrapped, into a pocket of his fanciful robes. Stefen was what was important at the moment. "Ashke, if you will."
Starwind, already inspecting the blade lodged in Stefen's shoulder, nodded. He reached for the leech-blade with one hand wrapped in a length of silk. The other offered a tempting treat as it glowed with his concentrated life-energy. Moondance raised his own hands, power arced between his palms, and Starwind brought the blade down into it.
For the space of five breaths, the blade shrieked into the minds of those present, a terrible discordant sound as it sought with all the animosity inside it to survive. Then it fell silent just as suddenly, and Starwind held only the hilt, the blade destroyed and the scent of charred silk permeating the air.
Starwind turned the blackened hilt over in his hand, then tucked the dead thing away in a pocket as well. The inactive blade and the hilt would both be helpful - but later. First they had to call Stefen back to himself.
Or, rather, have Vanyel and Tylendel do so.
The two Herald-Mages were already moving forward, their eyes fixed on the still figure on the bed. Vanyel sat on the bed by Stefen's feet and immediately reached to place a hand on the young man's knee; Tylendel moved to the head of the bed, moving to pillow the Bard's head in his lap. Their attention was so fully on the redhead that for a moment Moondance thought they were going to call him back to them without trying.
Then Vanyel looked up at the two Tayledras with helplessness in his silver eyes, and Moondance thought perhaps his education had not been as thorough as he had thought. Of course, Vanyel and Tylendel had received only the education that a child might among them; their adult experiences were those of the Herald-Mages of Valdemar.
"You must call him back to you," Moondance explained gently. "Take his hands in yours and show him the path back."
Vanyel nodded, and though he still seemed confused, he turned his attention back to Stefen. Vanyel moved higher up the bed, sitting at Stefen's side as Tylendel dropped a kiss on the youth's pale forehead. Tylendel took one of the Bard's hands and Vanyel the other, each with the sort of sacrosanct tenderness that reinforced the intensity of their lifebond.
Moondance had oft wondered whether Vanyel had been able to first draw on Tylendel's power in his time of need because of the strength of their bond, or if that use had strengthened that bond. Perhaps still it was to some extent the latter, but the vibrancy of what they shared with Stefen made it clear the Goddess had always intended their bond to be one of notable strength.
"Now call to him," Starwind instructed, ever their teacher. "Show him the way back to you."
Tylendel's eyes closed first, a soft exhale announcing the fact as he fell into himself and sought Stefen; Vanyel followed a heartbeat later, flowing into his center and deeper.
When he came back to himself, Vanyel was curled up against Stefen's side, his head on the Bard's good shoulder. Tylendel stroked Stef's hair, slow and gentle, his eyes fixed on their lover's face. Van was exhausted, but he didn't want to sleep while Stef was still out, although thankfully his color had returned and he now only slept deeply.
But they had done it. Stefen was once more anchored in his body, and he would wake on his own in perhaps a candlemark.
"You should rest, ashke," Tylendel murmured, a tired smile on his lips. "I can wake you when Stef wakes."
Vanyel smiled up at 'Lendel and shook his head languidly. "You did as much as I did, love. And you know very well that I'm just as unwilling to rest before he opens his eyes."
'Lendel grinned. "It was worth a try. You really do need to take care of yourself."
"After Stef wakes up," Vanyel insisted. He shifted slightly to settle his head better on Stefen's shoulder, his fingers still twined with the Bard's. He already felt a near-constant itch to be near Stef, to touch him; the attack that had come so close to taking him from them had only intensified that feeling. "I just want to see that he's all right."
"I do, too," 'Lendel sighed as he gazed down at Stef, concern creasing his brow. "He looks better already, but I won't really feel secure until he actually wakes up, no matter what Moondance and Starwind say."
Van hummed in agreement, his eyes closing for just a moment. He was tired, both from fighting that mage and from whatever it was they'd done to call Stefen back. He didn't fully understand it, but that didn't really matter since it seemed to have worked. "He's warmer, too. He seemed half dead before …"
The idea made him sick. Even with no one knowing they were lovers - or, at least, very few people had known before the scene they'd made at Forst Reach - Stefen had been hit by an attack meant for Van's mother. That was something else that Vanyel needed to deal with, the fact that Lady Treesa and Lord Withen were in danger. At the moment, however, his only concern was the young man sleeping beside him.
"We showed him the way back." Tylendel didn't sound like he knew what that meant anymore than Vanyel did. "He'll wake up soon."
"Soon," Vanyel agreed sleepily. "Not much longer at all."
Lady Treesa had gotten everyone re-settled to her liking as soon as the three Herald-Mages had hurried off with Stefen. She was quite adept when it came to managing her household, although she tended to do so with as much flare as possible. At the moment, that meant that her swooning and theatrics had to be the center of attention. What Medren hadn't noticed when he was younger was how she used that to pull everyone together and direct them the way she wanted them. Somehow, through her apparent hysterics, Treesa had her ladies and the maids gathering up their things while the men and boys swept the area under Radevel's direction.
As everyone bustled around her, Treesa kept Medren at her side, her grip surprisingly strong despite the delicate way she held his arm. There was no way he was going to leave her side, not to aid either party; she barely let him pay the necessary attention to his lute and other oddities. And when Savil reappeared, halfway to exhaustion as she claimed a pillow and a spot under a tree to direct the menfolk, Treesa casually pulled her grandson to the side as though further indulging in her vapors.
When she spoke, her tone was anything but airheaded despite her continued outward appearance of fluttery excitement. "Medren, dear, you should have told me!" Her voice was quiet enough to keep from carrying, but no less avid for it. "Well, my sweet Vanyel should have told me, but he is so silly about such things."
Medren stared, wondering how much he could or should say. "What do you mean, Lady Treesa?"
"That Vanyel and Tylendel have gone and lifebonded that young Bard!" she whispered eagerly. "He is a handsome young man, isn't he? That hair is quite striking, and he's very charming. Still, I should have been told! I am Vanyel's mother, after all, and he's home rarely enough as it is. He should have sent word! We could have arranged for things to be more comfortable for them, poor dears. I doubt they enjoy being separated, although havens know I enjoy my privacy."
For a moment, Medren stared, completely flabbergasted. How in the name of all the gods had Treesa figured out that Stef had lifebonded Uncle Van and Uncle 'Lendel if they couldn't do so themselves? The notion of a three-way lifebond wasn't exactly something that would occur to most people, and it was hard to wrap his mind around the fact that it was apparently the first place Lady Treesa's mind had gone when presented with the sight of Vanyel and Tylendel afraid for Stefen's life. Certainly, it had seemed obvious that the three of them were involved, but lifebonded? And yet she was right.
"I don't think they believe people will understand," Medren said, trying to stay diplomatic. He didn't want to tell his grandmother that the three had no idea that Stefen was part of their lifebond. In fact, he'd just as soon she never find out they'd started sleeping together without knowing that fact.
"I suppose it's a little unconventional, but Vanyel has never been particularly conventional, has he? And everyone knows Heralds are different from the rest of us … and Bards do have a reputation." She tittered and fanned herself with her free hand in response to coming so near such a crude topic. "When did they meet? How did they fall in love? Tell me everything you know."
Medren hesitated, then settled in to tell his grandmother an edited version of what he knew of what she would think of as Van and 'Lendel's courtship of Stef. "They met this spring," he began, "when Stefen joined the Court."
Stefen blinked up at the strange greenness above him, wondering if he was still lying in the pear orchard. Except, he felt too warm to be laying on the ground, and even before he felt fully awake he was aware of Vanyel and Tylendel there with him. Certainly they wouldn't be on the ground in the orchard with me. Not when they're trying to hide this from everyone.
He stretched slowly, groaning, and winced at the twinge of pain in his left shoulder. Stef looked down in alarm and grimaced at the sight of the bandage there. If his arm was ruined …
Gingerly, he tried to move his fingers, relief washing over him as they responded properly. He proceeded up his arm, flexing his wrist and his elbow. It seemed prudent not to try the shoulder itself, but if everything below it was working properly, it was likely nothing was damaged beyond repair.
Only then did Stef look around further, at Vanyel sleeping peacefully on his other shoulder and Tylendel above him, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed and Stefen's head in his lap. They'd taken this posture often enough in the past, the three of them lounging together and enjoying each other's company. 'Lendel and Van had obviously fallen asleep watching over him, a fact that made his heart clench at the affirmation that they really did love him.
His shifting made the two Herald-Mages stir, Vanyel first, eyes snapping open like they so often did. Tylendel's pewter eyes fluttered open a mere moment later, and they both smiled at him, love and relief writ on their faces.
"Welcome back," 'Lendel murmured, reaching down to stroke Stefen's cheek gently. "How do you feel?"
"Tired," Stefen answered honestly. "Sore. Relieved. My arm -"
"Moondance said you'll make a full recovery," Vanyel broke in hurriedly. They both knew he worried about ruining his arms, but Vanyel understood. He had that hand that hadn't healed quite right after having his arm broken when he was young, after all, and he was a musician as well. "You'll have a scar, but functionally, you'll be fine."
Stef cracked a smile at that. "I'll just match you two, then."
Tylendel chuckled tiredly, but Vanyel looked as though he was about to swallow his tongue. Of course Van would be the one worried about Stef picking up a scar. Stef himself didn't care; he was reasonably certain Van and 'Lendel would still love him, and so long as his arm worked, a scar under his clothes was hardly something that was going to bother him.
"Really, Van," he reassured quickly. "I don't care that it's going to scar."
"I do," Vanyel said mournfully. "We shouldn't have put you in that position. If it wasn't for us, you wouldn't have been in danger in the first place."
That sounded far too much like Vanyel might start suggesting they give Stef up 'for his own good,' and he wasn't going to tolerate any of that. "I'm not a child," he snapped. "I chose to bed you two, and I chose to come with you to Forst Reach. I chose to get between Lady Treesa and that knife." The slight Bard glared at Vanyel, his brow drawn down and his mouth tight. "You didn't make me do anything. I got hurt because of my own choices, and you're not going to take that from me."
Vanyel jerked slightly, then flushed and averted his eyes. Tylendel grinned, reaching down to stroke Vanyel's hair fondly. "He's got you there, ashke. You do tend to take on a great deal more than you have to." He turned his attention to Stefen then, a hand cupping his cheek. "Your decisions are your own, but we're allowed to be concerned. You almost died, Stef. We almost lost you." His thumb brushed against the corner of Stefen's mouth. "I already have Van constantly putting himself in danger. I can't take it from you, too."
Tylendel's words, and his touch, soothed Stefen somewhat, and he chuckled darkly. "Oh, believe me, I don't plan on making a habit of it. I'm very attached to my skin, and I don't intend to put it at risk regularly." He looked over at Van, then sighed and shifted so that he could roll onto his side, careful of his injured shoulder. Stef slipped his right arm out from under Van and cupped his cheek, turning the older man's face up. "I'm all right, Van, and I'm not going to go running into danger. Quite the opposite, in fact. But there's nothing I'm willing to do that would make me safer."
"I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you," Vanyel murmured, gently trailing his fingers over Stefen's cheek. "I love you, Stef - and - I don't think you really understand how close we came to losing you. None of us have ever dealt with a leech-blade before. If we hadn't -" His voice caught, and Vanyel surged in to kiss Stefen desperately.
Stefen responded to the kiss just as fiercely. He was still half-aware that he had to be careful of his injured shoulder, but he rolled off of 'Lendel's lap and on top of Vanyel, propping himself up with his good arm and gazing heatedly down at the lovely Herald-Mage. His head lifted as he turned his gaze to Tylendel, wanting them both. And, from the look in Tylendel's eyes and the way Vanyel was gazing up at him like he was trying to burn a hole through to Stefen's soul, they felt the same way.
Tylendel reached out then, running barely-there fingers down Stefen's bare spine. "You're still healing. We should let you rest."
"To all the hells with that," Stef retorted. He tensed slightly in anticipation under 'Lendel's touch and swooped down to kiss Vanyel, half-giddy. He was alive, and he'd not been entirely sure he was going to wake up after he'd been hit by the knife. He was going to be fine, with the only physical evidence of what had happened a scar on his left shoulder. His lovers were with him, had stayed with him as he slept a Healing sleep. They loved him, for all that he'd just had to dig his heels in to avoid being cast aside because Vanyel had an over-developed need to protect others and sacrifice himself.
As Stef pulled back from the kiss, 'Lendel's hand slid down to caress his ass with a strong palm. Stefen groaned softly, settling more on top of Vanyel, looking down into those impossibly luminous silver eyes.
Only then did it fully register that both of the Herald-Mages were still in their clothes. "Why -"
'Lendel chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to the small of Stefen's back, lips caressing his spine. "You're the one who got Healed, ashke."
"Ah. Well, you're both wearing far too much," Stefen declared playfully.
"We really should let you rest," Vanyel said, already sounding slightly breathless. He reached up to touch Stefen's face with tender fingers. "We nearly lost you …"
From the way Tylendel pulled away behind him, Stef assumed he felt the same way. With a sigh, Stefen flopped back to stare at the strange, cloth-and-greenery. He flexed his injured arm gingerly, his gaze drifting down to the strange, moss-like covers that lay over him to his waist. "Where are we, anyway?"
"K'Treva Vale," Tylendel answered, apparently satisfied with Stef's implicit surrender. He waved vaguely at the fantastical canopy of leaves and vines and clever bits of fabric above and around them. "This is Moondance's bed. He only uses it during storms anymore, and so it's no trouble for him to lend it to us." He chuckled. "Even if we'd been able to get you up into an ekele without hurting you further, you might not have taken well to waking up there."
"An ekele?" Stefen asked, testing the word on this tongue.
"They're treehouses of a sort," Vanyel supplied. "The Hawkbrothers prefer to live in trees. Moondance only keeps his dwelling here below because he wasn't born here."
"So he became a Hawkbrother?" Stefen asked, fascinated.
"So did we, technically," Tylendel said. "We're Wingbrothers - that means we're a part of the clan. Savil, too; she's the one who first brought us here."
"Huh." Even knowing that the Hawkbrothers were real, that the masks on Van and 'Lendel's walls actually came from those legendary people, he'd still only half believed. And now he was actually in a Hawkbrother Vale. "This is certainly … different."
"If you'd like, we can go outside; Moondance said you needed to rest, not that you had to stay in bed. There's a hotspring not far from here."
Stef perked up at that. "A hotspring?" He'd only had a chance to go to the one near Haven a couple of times, but it was delightful.
"They're dotted all over the Vale," Tylendel confirmed with a twinkle in his eye. He got up and grabbed a silky green robe, seemingly detaching it from the bed hangings. "The Tayledras seem to find places without them utterly lacking."
Notes:
I did minimal editing for this chapter so forgive me if I've missed anything.
Chapter Text
"Stef," Vanyel said urgently, "Stef, you're supposed to be resting."
Despite his injury and the accompanying weakness and fatigue - or perhaps because he had just nearly died - Stefen was not interested in merely relaxing in the hot spring. He was, therefore, currently engaged in attempting to bring his lovers around to his way of thinking, his left hand on an amused Tylendel's ass under the water while the fingers of right ran teasingly down Vanyel's abdomen.
"I suppose," Stefen said with mock innocence, "that I'll just have to lean back against the edge of this lovely pool while the two of you show me how worried you were." They'd only had sex once in over a week, damn it, and Stef would rather hang himself than allow a simple thing like getting stabbed in the shoulder with a magic knife keep him from changing that.
Vanyel whimpered softly, his resolve obviously on the edge of cracking; when Stef wrapped clever fingers around his already hardening length, he moaned helplessly.
Tylendel gave a heated chuckle, one of his arms going around Stef's waist to pull him closer, his lips finding the junction of the Bard's neck and shoulder for a rough kiss. "I think you've convinced Vanyel, ashke. Look at the way you have him squirming."
Van was indeed squirming; while he obviously tried desperately to keep still, the gentle motion of Stef's hand had him lifting his hips under the water as he bit his lower lip hard. "Figured he'd be the harder one to convince," Stef said with a one-armed shrug.
With another chuckle, 'Lendel nipped Stefen's earlobe. "He can be stubborn sometimes," Tylendel allowed. "But he's desperate for you right now." His lips brushed along the side of Stefen's throat. "You are supposed to be resting, but no one said you can't rest with Van in your lap. Right, ashke?"
Vanyel groaned in frustration and placed a hand on the ledge so he could push himself up. The water sloshed as he moved to deposit himself in Stefen's lap, back pressed against the Bard's chest. "We really shouldn't -" And yet he was already rocking insistently, seeking sensation from the hard cock pressed against his ass.
"You want to, though," Tylendel murmured, kissing down the length of Vanyel's neck. "You want his cock - you weren't the one to get it last night."
With a soft whine, Vanyel dropped his head back against Stefen's shoulder. "Yes," he admitted softly, then swallowed hard. "Please - I do."
Tylendel reached down between Vanyel's legs, his fingers going to his hole, teasing slowly. Stef busied himself sucking a bright mark against the line of Vanyel's shoulder, rocking slowly against the cleft of his ass, the head of his cock brushing against 'Lendel's busy fingers.
Then 'Lendel pulled back his hand, positioning himself in front of Vanyel and between his white thighs. His hands grasped Vanel's hips tightly as he guided his lifebonded onto Stefen's cock. Stef and Van both groaned as they came together, and 'Lendel shifted one hand between himself and the other Herald-Mage. Stefen shifted so he could see around Vanyel as the mage slowly rode his cock, watching the way 'Lendel's hand wrapped around both of the other men, stroking their lengths in time with Vanyel's movements.
Gods, but Stef wished he could see Vanyel's face. He could all to clearly picture him as he looked to Tylendel now: lips fallen open and eyes closed, chest heaving with every gasp of pure pleasure that escaped him. Stefen's heart swelled with love, his arms going around Vanyel's waist to hold him close, unable to keep his own hips still. Stars, Van felt so good -
Stef's vision whited out as he came, certain his lovers had as well. He could always near feel it when they did, like echos of pleasure reflecting between the three of them. Slumping back against the edge of the pool, Stefen tried to catch his breath, still holding Vanyel close as Tylendel moved back beside the two of them, resting his head on Stefen's shoulder. Stefen was breathless, boneless, and more than a little tempted to try to work them up again once his own desire returned.
A rustling in the leaves brought Stefen's head up with lazy curiosity, just as Vanyel tried to make himself smaller in his mortification. The man who came into view was gorgeous, with golden skin, long white hair, and piercing ice blue eyes. He took in the sight of the three of them, then shook his head.
"I know resisting your shay'kreth'ashkes can be difficult, especially when a bond is new, but this does not look restful," the man admonished.
Vanyel and Tylendel both went completely still, and Stefen looked curiously between the strange man and his lovers. The twin looks of shock on the Herald-Mages' faces made Stef's brow crease in concern. "What is it?"
"Moondance seems to be of the opinion that we're lifebonded," Vanyel answered. "All three of us."
Emotions crashed through Stef almost too quickly for him to catalog. Shock, confusion, wonder, delight, joy. Gods - how? It was everything he wanted, and still felt utterly impossible. "That can happen?"
Tylendel reached down to take Stefen's hand under the water, squeezing it gently. The stranger, however - Moondance - looked dismayed.
"You did not know? It seemed so like you did! Ah, but you cannot fry the fish once it is eaten." He shook his head ruefully. "It is rare even among lifebonds, but yes, sometimes -" He spread his hands, the gesture taking in the three men in the hot spring. "A rare thing indeed, but somehow less surprising since it is our Wingbrother."
Even in his current position, Stefen could see Vanyel's blush. Tylendel laughed, playfully elbowing the pale man in the ribs. "You do seem to attract the impossible, ashke."
Vanyel mumbled something unintelligible, turning to bury his face in the side of Tylendel's neck. Stefen was too overawed by the revelation to wonder too hard at what Vanyel had said. He stared at Moondance, his hand tightening on 'Lendel's and his arm pulling Vanyel closer against his chest. "We're really - we're all lifebonded?"
"Aye," Moondance confirmed. "It is how Vanyel and Tylendel were able to call you home so easily. Perhaps I will leave the three of you to talk on it?" He glanced at the way they were cuddled together in the pool, Vanyel in Stefen's lap and Tylendel close at their side. "And to rest. It would not do for you to undo my work!"
Before any of them could object, he was gone in a swoosh of fabric, not a single leaf or twig announcing his departure back down the path.
As Vanyel slipped off Stefen's lap and turned to face the other two men, silver eyes wide as he looked back and forth between them. "How -"
"Ashke, you know that no one knows," Tylendel sighed. "The gods, fate, random chance - there are plenty of theories, but no one knows. But I'm glad it happened." His voice was firm, implacable. "Stef belongs with us."
Vanyel nodded, his gaze shifting to focus on Stefen's face. "Of course he does." He reached out to touch his cheek, tender, wondering. "I just can hardly believe it."
"You can hardly believe it?" The words burst out of Stefen, who reached out for Vanyel, grabbed the older man's hair, and dragged him in for a heated kiss. Turning to Tylendel, he gave him the same treatment. "Gods. I can't believe I actually get to keep you both."
Surprise and confusion briefly painted the Herald-Mages' faces. Carefully, 'Lendel asked, "Why would you think you couldn't?"
Stefen waved a hand dismissively. "It isn't like I could have been a lover to a lifebonded couple forever. But with all three of us -" His throat tightened, stopping him from speaking further, and he looped his right arm around Vanyel's shoulders, pulling him close; his other squeezed Tylendel's hand that he still held under the water.
Vanyel leaned in, resting his forehead on Stefen's, and Tylendel laid his head against the Bard's shoulder. "We're here with you, Stef," 'Lendel murmured softly. "For this life, and the next."
“I don't want to push for anything you aren't ready for." The three of them had moved back inside Moondance's chamber, piling together comfortably on the bed, Stef and 'Lendel lounging against the headboard and playing with Vanyel's hair. The slight Herald-Mage had such a blissful expression on his face as he dozed. Stef was still entirely awed, looking periodically between his lovers. "I know what a new lifebond is like, after all, and you’ve got two to handle at the same time. It has to be intense.”
Stef snorted. “That’s one way of putting it. Does it ever fade? The itch to - to be around you two all the time?”
“Not really,” Tylendel admitted, “but it does get easier to live with.” His lips twitched. “It could be worse. At least we’re in Haven most of the time now. You would not believe what Vanyel put me through when we were stationed down on the Karsite border.”
“I can imagine,” Stefen said dryly. “I’ve seen the scars. It almost seems like he was collecting them on purpose.”
“Not on purpose,” Tylendel temporized, “but he has a habit of putting himself last. The two of us - I’m afraid we’re the ones it’s going to fall to the most, keeping him from sacrificing himself unnecessarily.”
Stefen was quiet for a moment, contemplating what Tylendel had said so far. Softly, he asked, “What was it like? When you met. It had to be simpler than this.”
Tylendel laughed. “Maybe. Van - he didn't know people could be shaych at first. Not that anyone called it anything that polite back then, except for Savil. She’s the one who taught us the Tayledras word shaych comes from, shay’a’chern. Anyway, Van’s father was sure he was from the time he came out of the nursery, and had done everything possible to keep him from finding out that some people prefer their own sex. So when we met … gods, I was sure he wasn’t shaych, and he wasn’t sure at first why he reacted so strongly to me. So it was a different sort of complicated, but it was still complicated.”
The Herald-Mage turned thoughtful. “At first, Vanyel was so uncertain, so desperate for love, and he would have given me anything. He admitted later that he thought he had to give me everything I wanted.” Tylendel shook his head ruefully. “Then, when his Gifts were awakened, he was suddenly so powerful, and I was the only person he could truly lay that down with. And now you. We can let him let that all go for a little while.”
“Were awakened - they didn’t just come naturally?”
Tylendel shook his head, making a face. “No. That’s quite a nasty story, actually. I’ll let Vanyel tell you the whole of it if he feels up to it, but in short, he was kidnapped by a blood mage to use for power theft, and he pulled my power through our bond to protect himself. It ripped everything open. That was when Yfandes Chose him, and Savil brought us here so that Van could be Healed and we could both receive training from them.”
Stefen swallowed hard, suddenly sure that he didn’t want to hear the whole story - but also knowing that he’d listen if Vanyel wanted to tell him. "It was bad, wasn't it?"
"Very bad," Tylendel breathed. "He saved himself from the worst of it, but it took him time to come to terms with what he went through. It wasn't pretty, and he still has scars from it - and not just physical ones."
With a slow nod, Stef considered that. He didn't know exactly what Van had gone through, but he'd seen enough on the streets as a child that he had some idea what trying to heal from trauma looked like. Even with the extent of the horror only implied, Stef found it a marvel that Vanyel was able to trust as deeply as he did.
"It really is an honor," Stefen said softly, gazing down at Vanyel's face, "that he wants to give himself to us the way he does. It's a wonder that he can."
A sad smile curved Tylendel's lips. "You have no idea how true that is. And he needs it, desperately, needs to have somewhere he can put down his burdens. He needs us to be that for him. He needs safety and music and love. And we need to give him that, don't we?"
Stefen smiled gently, tipping his head back against the headboard. He had everything he wanted, everything. The only thing his lovers shared between them that he wasn't a part of was a teenage marriage, and it wasn't as though three people could wed, so he wouldn't begrudge them that.
That, and their minds. They get so tangled up in each other, and I can't do that, can't be part of that.
It was always something else, wasn't it? Every time Stefen thought he had everything, he found some new way he was shut out. He felt greedy for wanting more, but damn it all, Stefen wanted to be a part of this relationship in every way possible.
He sighed, pushing off from the headboard, still careful of his left shoulder, and moved to lay down next to Vanyel, left arm tossed carefully around his bare stomach. "Vanyel's got the right idea, I think - and I am supposed to be resting."
Tylendel chuckled, looking down at the other two men, then slipped down to join them on the bed. Tugging the mosslike blanket up over them, 'Lendel leaned over to kiss Stef, then dropped a soft kiss to Vanyel's forehead. "Rest isn't a bad idea, especially if what I suspect is true, and the whole Vale knows."
"Oh?" Stef asked curiously. "Why's that?"
"Because no one throws a party like the Tayledras," Tylendel answered seriously, "and they're going to want to celebrate us."
Pages Navigation
Nocna_Mora on Chapter 1 Fri 21 Feb 2025 01:06AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 1 Wed 26 Feb 2025 01:14PM UTC
Comment Actions
lirason on Chapter 1 Fri 21 Feb 2025 04:23AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 1 Wed 26 Feb 2025 01:15PM UTC
Comment Actions
tzanbish on Chapter 1 Fri 21 Feb 2025 06:10PM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 1 Wed 26 Feb 2025 01:20PM UTC
Comment Actions
Blue_Jay_Jay on Chapter 1 Sat 22 Feb 2025 10:05PM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 1 Wed 26 Feb 2025 01:22PM UTC
Comment Actions
AlexaStain on Chapter 1 Wed 07 May 2025 07:07PM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 1 Wed 07 May 2025 07:49PM UTC
Comment Actions
AlexaStain on Chapter 1 Thu 08 May 2025 07:02PM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 1 Thu 08 May 2025 08:41PM UTC
Comment Actions
AlexaStain on Chapter 1 Fri 09 May 2025 03:03PM UTC
Comment Actions
Halcyon25 on Chapter 2 Tue 25 Feb 2025 04:22AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 2 Wed 26 Feb 2025 01:24PM UTC
Comment Actions
Blue_Jay_Jay on Chapter 2 Tue 25 Feb 2025 05:14AM UTC
Last Edited Tue 25 Feb 2025 06:50AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 2 Wed 26 Feb 2025 01:37PM UTC
Comment Actions
isnt_it_pretty on Chapter 2 Tue 25 Feb 2025 05:32AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 2 Wed 26 Feb 2025 01:43PM UTC
Comment Actions
pherryt on Chapter 2 Tue 25 Feb 2025 06:36AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 2 Wed 26 Feb 2025 01:43PM UTC
Comment Actions
tzanbish on Chapter 2 Wed 26 Feb 2025 05:48PM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 2 Wed 26 Feb 2025 11:26PM UTC
Comment Actions
Rymenhild on Chapter 2 Sat 01 Mar 2025 08:30AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 2 Sat 01 Mar 2025 09:30PM UTC
Comment Actions
lirason on Chapter 3 Sat 01 Mar 2025 10:36PM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 3 Sat 01 Mar 2025 10:39PM UTC
Comment Actions
Gildaurel on Chapter 3 Sun 02 Mar 2025 12:31AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 3 Sun 02 Mar 2025 12:32AM UTC
Comment Actions
pherryt on Chapter 3 Sun 02 Mar 2025 06:00AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 3 Sun 02 Mar 2025 10:39AM UTC
Comment Actions
pherryt on Chapter 3 Sun 02 Mar 2025 07:32PM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 3 Sun 02 Mar 2025 07:58PM UTC
Comment Actions
pherryt on Chapter 3 Sun 02 Mar 2025 08:12PM UTC
Comment Actions
Blue_Jay_Jay on Chapter 3 Mon 03 Mar 2025 04:31AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 3 Wed 05 Mar 2025 03:18PM UTC
Comment Actions
pherryt on Chapter 4 Fri 07 Mar 2025 05:53AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 4 Sat 08 Mar 2025 10:52PM UTC
Comment Actions
Rymenhild on Chapter 4 Fri 07 Mar 2025 07:40AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 4 Sat 08 Mar 2025 10:52PM UTC
Comment Actions
Blue_Jay_Jay on Chapter 4 Sat 08 Mar 2025 11:28PM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 4 Wed 19 Mar 2025 06:15AM UTC
Comment Actions
Nocna_Mora on Chapter 5 Sun 09 Mar 2025 01:49AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 5 Wed 19 Mar 2025 06:16AM UTC
Comment Actions
pherryt on Chapter 5 Sun 09 Mar 2025 06:31AM UTC
Comment Actions
dragonem on Chapter 5 Wed 19 Mar 2025 06:16AM UTC
Comment Actions
Pages Navigation