[When Reynir tells him it's obvious that his vows wouldn't be as effusive coming from him, and calls him silly, Onni feels that surge of affection as if he's being hit by a wave. Blinking, he looks down at where Reynir, who has his head rested against his shoulder, with an expression of puzzlement. That feeling of warm affection is a little overwhelming, not because he's never felt that kind of affection before, but because he can tell that it's how Reynir is feeling about him. Onni has known that people loved him before, he's known love from his parents and from Tuuri, and he knows that Lalli loves him even if he's not so good at expressing it, but he's never experienced it in this way. Though he supposes it's not exactly normal to be experiencing it like this.]

Yes. You're right. I don't say things that I don't mean.

[It's quiet, and for a moment he just sits there and allows himself to bask in the warmth of that feeling, allows himself to accept that it's real even if he doesn't understand the reasons for it. There's a possibility that Reynir might become aware of that, the tentative, slightly uncertain acceptance and enjoyment of the affection he's projecting, but Onni doesn't let himself dwell on it too much, doesn't want to make himself recoil from the feeling.]

Ah. Yes. I can definitely feel the difference too. That sort of restless feeling is gone, I don't feel like my limbs are shaking.

[A pause, and then somewhat carefully.]

What is it like for you, without the bond?