An'desha reached tentatively to touch Firesong's face; wondering fingertips grazing cheek and jawbone. "How is it possible that you're so beautiful?" he whispered.
Firesong grinned, his ice blue eyes sparkling with amused mischief. "Well, I am descended from Herald-Mage Vanyel Ashkevron," he drawled. "I've heard him being described as 'being possessed of an unearthly beauty'." His grin widened, and his gaze locked with An'desha's. "I guess I got more than his…personal preferences from his genes."
The young shaman gasped. "You mean he was shaych too?" His eyes wide, and disbelieving, "And they made him a Herald?"
The healing adept laughed, white hair shimmering around his waist. "He didn't flaunt it, I assure you, but everyone knew none the less." The laughter subsided into chuckles. "And yes, they made him a Herald. Of course, since he'd been chosen, they didn't have much of a choice."
"Much like I didn't have a choice when Falconsbane took over."
Firesong watched as An'desha's amber eyes clouded, remembering all the evil things the monster had used his body for. He wrapped gentle arms around the young man, and whispered into his ear. "But you did have a choice. You chose to fight him the only way you could."
Closing his eyes, he grimaced. "It wasn't enough. People were hurt."
Blue-green tendrils of healing energy wrapped around the boy as Firesong spoke. "Those who Falconsbane harmed have forgiven you, welcomed you into their lives and hearts. Now you need only forgive yourself."
'Desha shuddered and pulled away. "You don't understand! If I hadn't run away, if I hadn't tried to use magic, it never would have happened!" He began to cry. "How can I forgive myself?"
Looking at 'Desha with gentle anger, Firesong spoke quietly but forcefully. He was tired of this round of never-ending self doubt. "It wouldn't have happened to you, no – it would have happened to someone else. Maybe they wouldn't have had Hawkbrothers and Heralds to finally kill the beast and free them." He took An'desha's face in his hands and looked straight into his eyes. Letting his voice get cold, he delivered what he hoped would be the killing blow to 'Desha's self loathing. "If not for you – your strength and courage, Falconsbane may have lived forever."
He lifted 'Desha's face, kissed him softly, and stood. Holding a hand out in clear invitation, he smiled. "Now come, young love, and let me show you the levels of pleasure a recently unburdened soul can experience."
His face alight, An'desha started to laugh. He took the beautiful adept's hand and walked into complete bliss.