Videl's head would find itself lowered as Sylvari tussled with his hair. The moments in which her fingers run through his hair are enough to set his heart aflame. No matter how many instances of it he experiences, this was perhaps one of the most comforting things that she could offer to him. Even with the context of their conversation, this was something that he had truly enjoyed. "I understand where you're coming from.. I really do.. but all that I am asking for is the attempt. There's no guarantee that any change will come about but the attempt would make a world of difference."

Feeling as though this topic had drained him, Videl would instead focus on this new part of the conversation. How she felt as though he couldn't attain happiness with her by his side, simply due to the fate that would likely befall her. If such a thing had truly bothered him, he would have left long ago. And yet he hadn't. He was still here, hoping to provide her with the solace that she needed. To show her the love that only he could. "I don't think that it's cruel at all.. The struggle is all a part of life.. Being able to have you by my side is enough to bring me happiness. I may not receive the same kind of love that I hold for you but I still receive a form of it from you. And that's enough for me. To be able to wake up each day with you by my side.. That's all that I need. To see those beautiful scarlet eyes, that soft pale skin, and that smile that makes me weak in the knees each morning as I awaken and each night as I drift to sleep.. That's enough to bring me a world of happiness. And then there's the little moments like this.. Where you tussle my hair and refer to me affectionately.. I love all of it."

Sylvari frowned and abruptly retracted her hand, drawing her arms closely about herself in a defensive gesture. "Then I am the one who is cruel. I've unwittingly been giving you false promises of a happiness we cannot share. It wasn't my intention, but I can see how my actions can be taken that way. Death is not a thing to be grasped. This path is not one that many should walk, V. It's fit only for saints and monsters, and I don't want to compel you to be either. You deserve real happiness with someone who is not fractured and unworthy. The metal of my heart has been dented to the point of uselessness, and I don't know that I can ever reciprocate these feelings you harbor..."

Sylvari sighed, and looked away, bringing her drink to her lips. It was bitter and ashy in her mouth, of course, but in this moment, she appreciated the foul sensation drawing her out of the tidal wave of hurt within herself. She hated herself for being so inept. She hated herself for hurting Videl, over and over. Most of all she hated herself for being unable to feel the emotions that Videl held for her so easily and steadfastly. Everything would be simpler if her heart wasn't broken beyond repair. She wished her mother were here to guide her.

"That's not quite right either though. You've done nothing wrong in either of those regards. These feelings of mine are deeply seeded.. but I would never hold it against you for not sharing them. We each have our own way of seeing things. Our own feelings and our own pasts that influenced these emotions. While it might seem as though you've drawn me into this life, and down this path, the truth is that I've chosen it for myself. I've chosen to follow you down this path, knowing the risks. And out of all of the people in this world.. I've chosen you."

Reaching out a single hand, Videl would take one of her own within his. He didn't want her to always be on the defensive. If he could, he would keep her hand here for far longer. "I don't need to be a saint or a monster to follow this path. I just need to have you by my side. You are my happiness. I don't need any false promises of happiness. I just need to know that I'll have you in my life. That is the only assurance that I need. And it's not even one that needs to be vocalized. So stop worrying about me.. and stop pulling away. Once you trust me, you'll let me in. And until then? I'll be patiently waiting."

Sylvari sighed, allowing her friend to encapsulate her hand within his own. I don't think I'll ever be able to understand him. To want so little, to be content with the shattered pieces of an unrequited lover... I truly pity his upbringing that such happiness is all he's seen fit to grasp. But driving a wedge between us now serves only to cut us both. If he says he's happy, then I am forced to take his words at face value.

The justiciar's emotions must have been clear on her face with how intently Videl looked at her. If only to break the tension, Sylvari rocked in her seat and gently shoulder-checked her friend in a teasing way, an impish smile on her face. "I think your happiness meter is broken, V. But so be it, for as long as you put up with me, we'll draw what happiness we can from each other."

The vampiress smiled at her friend, genuine as it was subtly sad, and intertwined her fingers in his. She'd never understand Videl, not fully, but maybe that was okay. As long as she had him, and he had her, they would weather the storms of life together: a vampire and a mage, a boy and a monster, grasping what happiness they could from the jealous claws of life.

A soft smile would overtake the T'saya's features as Sylvari had teasingly shoulder checked him. Her claims that his happiness meter had been broken had caught his ear but he chose not to respond to it. She was very likely right. While he hadn't wanted to admit that to himself, even he had been aware of how skewed his feelings on some things might be, due to his upbringing. None of that had mattered to him though. Not when his one source of happiness was beside him.

Videl's gaze would turn towards their intermingled fingers, his heart picking up in pace yet again, and a deep crimson hue would overtake his cheeks. She was truly one of a kind.. The kind of person that he would die for, if he had to. She simply meant that much to him. And in moments like this? Where they could teasingly joke with one another while displaying even the faintest moments of affection? These were the moments in which he was truly the happiest.

Although she hadn't reacted to his previous kiss on the cheek, the thought of kissing her once more had begun to creep within his mind as he fondly looked upon their interwoven fingers. This was something that had surprised him of course. For his thoughts to be so brazen.. Just what was going on within his head?! Rather than act on this feeling though, despite having finally claimed her attention enough for Sylvari to likely properly react, Videl would hold himself back. They had just discussed how she couldn't understand his feelings and would likely never reciprocate them. If he were to take advantage of the situation and attempt such a thing.. Well he wasn't sure if he could live with himself after that.

Hoping to try and get this thought out of his mind, Videl would slightly increase his grip over her intermingled hand whilst returning his gaze back towards her veil. "You know.. I hadn't quite made mention of it yet but you look rather ravishing in that dress, Sylvari. I'm not sure why you decided to wear that out tonight but I must say that I'm grateful for the fact that you have. I never thought that I'd see you in such an outfit~" This was his attempt to tease her now, getting back at her for her own teasing musings but also being entirely honest. "I'll have to try and find something more upscale for myself if you intend on wearing this out more often." A soft laugh would pour forth from his lips at this point, his blush on deepening as he laughs.

Sylvari smiled in response to Videl's words, her teeth flashing just enough to light up the room. "Thank you, V. It was quite good quality, and I had an experienced eye help me select it. I paid far too much for it, and sometimes I wonder what good I could have done charitably with the money wasted on such an extravagance, but I suppose having formal wear can be a boon of itself. I'm beginning to garner attention from the nobles of the various lands, and, unfortunately, only those who dress the part are taken very seriously. Until such time as I can change the incentive structure towards minding more the general welfare of the people, the game must be played."

The vampiress sighed, clearly distraught for the state of affairs. She wasn't a revolutionary by any means, but she could assess that the current hierarchy too often let the needs of the lesser fall by the wayside. If she ever elevated to an authoritative title, she would work as a servant, as a leader should, attentive to the needs of her people.

A playful smile would continue to tug at Videl's lips as he listened to the tactful manner in which Sylvari had spoken. For all intents and purposes, she had been willing to play the game that the nobles had so often found themselves enjoying. While she might not like it all that much, from what Videl could tell, she was rather decent at it thus far. The whole ordeal had left Videl thinking of Dante and how he had spoken on the matters of a party in the future. With the gown that Sylvari wore at this moment, he could certainly tell that she would be welcomed there.

"I know that this is my first time mentioning this but.. Well, it's quite honestly the first time that I've really cared enough about such a thing to speak on it. There's an individual that I met not all that long ago, back when I was visiting Frost Gale. A man that goes by the name of Dante. Some kind of Chancellor of the Arts if I'm recalling correctly. He.. Well he was hoping to throw some kind of party in the future. One in which all of the strongest adventurers would meet up and enjoy themselves. With that fancy dress of yours.. Well I think that you'd fit right in."

Not only had Sylvari been amongst the strongest people that he had come to know but she could assuredly power her way through a party in Videl's eyes. And in that dress? She was likely to be the center of everyone's attention. "If I had the funds.. I think that I'd enjoy wearing something akin to what you have. Something fancy enough to grab the attention of those around them. Honestly, I would love it if I found something that captivates you in the same way that you have me."

A soft laugh would escape the mans maw as he turned his gaze towards the woman shoulder. He was so used to seeing Noe resting either upon Sylvari's shoulder or within her arms beside her abdomen. Just where had the little guy been? Had she simply not called for him or was he resting with Mercy? Curiosity getting the better of him, Videl would simply ask. "So where's Noe? I know that things are a bit.. complicated with him.. but it'd still be nice to have him here. Even if some of the others might be a bit put off."

Sylvari grimaced at the mention of Dante. She'd met the feisty fellblood while on a guard mission some moons back and their philosophical disagreements had culminated in a frenzied dash across the city and a heated exchange of veiled insults. The justiciar had no doubt that an event where he hosted foreign dignitaries was nothing more than a ploy to subvert the orderly workings of government. Still, given Videl's apparent enthusiasm for the prospect of a party, Sylvari decided to let the foremost reason of her distaste fall away from her arguments.

"Can't say I'm much one for parties, V. When's the last bash you went to with a constable? Same concept, people get nervous around me, given my oath." It wasn't a lie, not exactly, more like an omission of the whole truth. Though it was done for consideration of her friend's feelings, Sylvari worried at her inclination to compromise morality to spare her loved ones from pain. Perhaps such a thing was natural for the masses, but a justiciar was subject to a higher calling.

SO engrossed was the vampiress in her musings, she missed Videl's next talking point entirely, only being shaken from her reverie at the mention of her undead dragonling. "Hmm? Oh, Noe. Well, commoners aren't exactly keen on necromancy, V. Noe may eek by on cuteness enough for general travel, but in a city, he would likely cause more negative attention than is necessary. I've left his bones some ways from the gates of the city, but in truth, I should be able to cause him to inhabit any suitably-sized corpse." Sylvari's tone was so commonplace and matter-of-fact, it was hard to reconcile the fact that her words pertained to despised black magic.

Videl would find himself laughing once more at Sylvari's words. It was more of an endearing laugh than anything else though. "Well, I mean, I was more so looking for an excuse to spend more time with you than anything. I've never really been to a party before so I don't really have much to compare it to. Not sure why a party would require a constable in the first place but.. If that constable had to be you, I can assuredly say that I'd much rather have you there than not."

Once the conversation fully turned towards Noe, Videl would find himself nodding along politely. He had understood why she had left behind. In truth, there were several reasons that she should have left him out of the publics eye. The fact that she would be known as a necromancer was only one of those reasons, from his understanding. Better to not expose either of them to such unwarranted dangers. "I see. Well I'll be sure to keep that in mind. I forget sometimes how others react to this kind of thing. In most places, my homeland included, there aren't exactly many that are fond of what you're capable of. Not that any of that matters to me of course. Since I've come to know you, I've managed to change my mind on quite a few things."

Figuring that it was best to steer away from this conversation, unless Sylvari deemed it as something that she wanted to continue on with, Videl would broach another subject. One that he wasn't sure Sylvari was willing to focus on at the moment. Hoping that they could produce some actual results here though, Videl would push onward. "So.. I've got a bit of a question if you don't mind. When I.. When I uh.. Ahem. When I do things like.. kiss your cheek or whatever.. Why doesn't it seem to phase you? Even if you know of my affections.. It's almost like they don't exist in your mind or something."

If the T'saya's goal was to make the vampiress blush, he succeeded in his mission. In fact, he may have gotten more than he bargained for. A shade of scarlet that would put her hidden eyes to shame covered Sylvari's face as she looked at him in shock.

"I-wh-V!" The justiciar's outburst was a bit too loud in the still-quiet tavern, causing eyes once again to swivel to them, only furthering the embarrassment Sylvari felt in that moment. The vampiress bowed her head, ears burning with shyness, as she continued in a muted down, not daring to look anywhere but her lap. "Why would you ask something so blatantly like that?"

Sylvari squirmed uncomfortably in her seat, deciding how she would, if she even could, answer Videl's question. "I-I don't know. I know you have feelings for me, but they're sort of... out here." Sylvari motioned with her hand in a swirling motion over her head before bring her hand between them. "In here, it feels different. My people were-are-very physically
affectionate. that's just the sort of thing family does, I guess." 

Sylvari was too overwhelmed with the way her heart caught in her throat to connect the obvious dots for Videl. What she hadn't said out loud was the he was like family to her when she wasn't confronted by his romantic inclinations.

Did.. Did he do something wrong? With how frequently the pair had found themselves dancing around things in conversation, he had figured that it was best to come right out and ask here at this point. Given her overall reaction though, her face burning a deeper scarlet than he's ever really bore witness to, Videl was worried that he might have upset her somehow. Especially when she had gone on to ask him why he felt the need to ask such a question so blatantly.

It had taken him awhile to fully understand what Sylvari was attempting to get at, and quite honestly, he hadn't quite comprehended everything that she was hoping to get across to him. From his understanding, based off of what she had just said, these were thoughts that weren't really even on her mind. As if she was so far removed from them that they weren't exactly thoughts to be had. This left the T'saya feeling a bit conflicted, to say in the least. Both on the bright and the dark side of things, he had been reminiscent of her people somehow.. and sticking with the dark side of things, this meant that she likely could never hold such feelings for him. Having never really dealt with a situation like this, Videl would have to take a few moments to himself, remaining quiet yet again as his thoughts try to settle everything out.

After those moments had come to pass, Videl would slowly nod in response to Sylvari's words. He could see why she wouldn't react to his affections if this was simply something that she was used to. Did this ultimately mean that she couldn't hold such feelings for him? He didn't know. The thought of her blatantly putting the idea off had left his heart a bit stunned with agony but he would quickly come to accept as much. "I see.. Well in that case.. If these feelings of mine ever find themselves in here," he would say while softly bringing one of his fingers to her forehead, a soft yet somewhat pained smile playing out on his lips as he does so. "Than be sure to let me know. Once again, you need not return them if that's something that you don't wish to do. If you ever do want this though.. Well I'll be waiting. Until that day comes, if it ever does so, I'll remain your ever loyal companion."

"I..." Sylvari squirmed uncomfortably in her seat as she struggled to put voice to her perplexing whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. "Thank you, V. It means the world to me that you are patient and understanding."

The vampiress reached out with halting, uncertain fingers before softly wrapping them around Videl's hand. She looked at him, knowing he would feel the emotion from her touch, if not from her covered eyes. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea, V. That... part of me is something I sealed off a long time ago. It's cracked. It's broken. I don't know if I'll ever have the strength to open that door again. I'm very sorry if that hurts you, I just don't want you to have unrealistic expectations of me. I understand if you don't want to be around me anymore, even though I shall miss your company. It would be selfish to demand your attention when you harbor feelings I may never be able to reciprocate."

Sylvari retreated her hand, wringing both together in her lap as she frowned and blushed. She just wanted Videl to be happy, but she very much doubted she could ever open her heart open to love again. She was too hurt, too frightened, and too committed to her mission to make such a prospect even worth the pain of considering. As much as she wanted Videl to stay by her side, she couldn't give him what he wanted, and she refused to chain him to herself for a lifetime of disappointment and unhappiness.

Rather than the pain that often accompanied this sentiment, Videl had finally settled down into acceptance. It was like he had said to her earlier. At the end of the day, he'll be waiting to see if those feelings that he holds for her are ever returned. If they are than great! And if not? Well that was something that he was just going to have to live with. She meant more to him than he could possibly imagine and to throw away their entire relationship over such a trivial matter would be ridiculous. Having her return his feelings, while a nice notion, wasn't something that he needed. He only needed to have her by his side. Whether that be as a lifelong companion or a lifelong partner.

Hoping to try and maintain this previous stance, Videl would simply find himself offering the vampiress' a soft smile. Perhaps one of the softest that he had ever mustered. Even when their fingers had no longer found themselves intermingled, this smile would remain. "Truly, Sylvari, it is okay. I appreciate the fact that we've been able to settle down and discuss all of these things together. If nothing else, it has helped to reassure me of the future. Even if we cannot be in that kind of relationship.. Well I'm happy to just have the one that we have now. So long as I can keep you in my life, I'll find a way to make it all work out. And besides.. Who needs to worry about such things when they have the perfect companion by their side?" A soft laugh would escape from his lip as his gaze would find itself turned back towards the entrance to this particular establishment.

"Why don't we wrap things up here and head on out then, huh? P-perhaps after we've changed though.. I must admit that I would find that dress to be a tad distracting on the battlefield.." Another laugh would exude from the man at this point but unlike the last time, this one had been a bit more jovial and teasing. "I've started to get the hang of a few new things as of late and I would love to show them to you. Soon they'll refer to me as the North Wind Knight, you know~" His words were simultaneously joking yet serious as he begun to stand from his seat, then moving around to her own to pull her chair back for her. "Let us perform a feat that'll leave bards singing our story for years to come~"