Smelled like Geralt. I don't know if shapeshifters are generally advanced enough to know how to mimic that. [Maybe they are??? Who is to say?] There always comes a critical point where hunter and prey are confused for each other with monsters, it seems. One of those awful things that pop up in every sphere.

[It isn't great, but it has been nice to share those observations with someone who gets it. Especially when under normal circumstances, things might be very different indeed.]

I don't think that optimistic at all. [The statement is even handed, like Alucard is observing the weather.] I think that's a realistic observation based on civilization and how life deals inequities. There's a human impulse to categorize and make sense of things and assign responsibility for things, good and ill.

[Even he seems to realize that this is miserable conversation. The dhampir shakes his head, admonishing himself.] One day I'll be better at less miserable conversation.