abraxaslogs | [October Catch All]

[ Sausage and puddings, he almost has to laugh. The sound itself would have been flat, devoid of humor, as he begins to wonder if this man isn't just playing with him after all. ]

Oh! Vampires hoarding their secrets? What a surprise! [ His expression makes a mockery of shock, and there's a hint of venom in his tone that he really shouldn't let spill, but it's hard to contain completely.

Well, that is until he gets an offer of charity. He gives the vampire a dumbfounded look. There is something deeply wrong with everyone here. They must all be in a cult. Between that bard, meeting Haelva, and now this?

His expression twists, and rather than a carefully calculated reply, Alucard gets this: ]

Why? [ And then - ] What are you?

[Alucard can roll with that level of mockery. It is always worth poking fun at, so far as he is concerned. His voice is dry, but there's no hiding the amusement in his eyes.]

Some things transcend all spheres, it seems. The ones here, the ones from my world, what I've heard from others...

[The next look though? That is one Alucard does not like. He can sense he's said something incorrect on a personal level, and having been on the other side of the equation before (read: two years before, when first dragged into Abraxas and at the absolute lowest moment of his own life), he wants to tread carefully.

The why is easy. But it can't be flippant. In fact neither part can.]

Because when I first arrived here, the circumstances were worse. It was only Thorne doing the Summoning ritual, and half of us were imprisoned immediately. No one deserves that, especially when their needs differ from human norms. [Honesty is best, yet something in his gut suspects this will end badly.]

I am a dhampir. My father was a vampire, my mother was human.

[ Astarion brushes off the first part of his response, eyes remaining narrowed as he explains himself. His middle goes cold at the mention of imprisonment, even just the vague threat of it from however long in the past of this 'ritual'. Sometimes, he swears he feels the phantom beat of a heart that no longer functions, hammering against his rib cage.

It takes him too long to wrench himself back to the present and realize that Alucard may be referring to himself. His imprisonment, at some point here. His expression, frozen for that lost moment, shifts to uncertainty, then - not guilt and not sympathy, but something akin to both and in between. Guilt is a feeling he tries to discard as quickly as it appears, and sympathy he barely has the energy for. Except, sometimes.

It's far easier to latch onto the last thing revealed. ]

A dhampir? [ Again, he seems taken aback. Clearly not what he was expecting. He continues to frown, though less as a form of aggression and more thoughtfully. ] Well, that's certainly new. I almost feel like you deserve my condolences.

[ Almost. If he's anything like the dhampirs of Faerun, Astarion imagines it's a lonely existence to straddle two worlds - but the powers should more than make up for that. ]

Edited 2023-10-08 20:18 (UTC)

I've had time to find balance on the matter. Thank you all the same.

[Earlier here, Alucard might have bristled because the phrasing implied far too much incorrect information about the nature of his parent's relationship which was nothing but loving. But Astarion is not incorrect that there is a loneliness to it, and that it really can't be understated.

Figuring that if they linger, he'll get push back about the wine, Alucard starts to head to the register.]

[ He certainly seems balanced. Ugh.

Astarion watches to see if he'll put down the recommended bottle as they walk toward the register. As much as he loathes to be pitied, if the man wants to waste his coin on him then he won't argue further. He's already half regretting that he refused Haelva's offer. ]

You mentioned Thorne earlier - I take it that's your current residence?

I work as an architect. Most of my clients are in Libertas, my office is in Cadens. Politely put, Thorne can go fuck itself.

[There used to be far greater animosity towards Thorne in the past. A real, angry desire for revenge rather than this lingering dislike that really would be happy to put everything off to one side and never think on Thorne again.

The wine is paid for. It is bagged. And then Alucard hands the bottles back to Astarion.]

I'm Alucard.

[ His eyebrows raise in bewilderment at architect, as though somehow this is the most ridiculous thing he's heard all day.

Good for him at following his dreams, or whatever it is that gets him up in the morning. ]

What a coincidence. [ He takes the bottles without hesitation. They're past that point now. ] It seems I've lucked out on locale, then.

[ Not being in Thorne - by his answer it's fair for Alucard to assume he's in Cadens as well. At the start of the conversation he would've been... let's say less than thrilled to find out he's sharing a city with another vampire. He still isn't entirely trusting of any of this, but at the very least it seems like he won't be competing for limited resources, or have to worry about catching blame for any misdeeds. The man comes off as positively tame compared to what he's used to. A dhampir architect, really.

(Cazador didn't show his true face until after he'd been bound to him, body and soul) ]

Astarion. [ He offers his name in return with a small bow, a dip of his head without taking his eyes off of him. ]

[Look, one cannot sit in a tomb and lurk all day. Even if it is fun and sometimes deeply satisfying during a depressive episode.]

My understanding is that Thorne's relatively short leash on the Summoned there means sunlight is easier to avoid in lodgings, but that's really about it. It's also what makes the Free Cities more difficult, especially if one is not inclined towards taking over an established burial space.

[There's a shrug at that. Alucard may be able to go into the sunlight, but he sometimes prefers the quiet among the dead, having been brought up fairly isolated all things considered. Cities are exhausting.

No bows from Alucard. Only an offered hand.

There's a few adaptive devices elsewhere here that may be worth your attention in the future. Specifically, the people of Ikorr have made shadow lanterns that cloaks one in darkness, if it works with your version of vampirism.

[ A small shrug, and he takes the hand offered - though there's a moment of noticeable hesitation first. His own hand is ungloved and his skin is cool. Astarion will keep contact for no longer than is absolutely necessary for the gesture. ]

I appreciate the suggestions. Fortunately, recent events have relieved me of that particular weakness. [ Among others. He tries to remind himself not to count on that lasting, though. His situation still holds many uncertainties, with most outcomes including a painful demise. There's a tension to his grin again. ]

Are there many others of our kind creeping in the city's shadows? Or - [ his expression hardens further now, the smile vanishing completely ] - those who won't suffer our existence in their streets?

[ Monster hunters, he means. Anyone to watch for? ]

[The lack of glove cuts both ways. Alucard's hand is decidedly cold, but it is not vampire cold. There's a lukewarmth in him that marks his half human nature, and he'll manage to not comment either way.]

--Ah, I forgot that it takes about a week for natural abilities to reassert themselves. Enjoy the light.

[That much seems sincere, but then the topic changes to something harder to give real information on. He doesn't frown, but the so-so gesture follows.]

Those that are around are usually motivated by coin. You'd have to be extremely egregious in your needs or leave an on going body trail that will be noticed by detectives. The ability to take without killing is an advantage in this case.

The only other vampires are here in Ikorr or elsewhere in the factions.

[ His eyes raise in confusion for a second before his expression smooths out again. He could correct Alucard, explain the complicated circumstances of his ability to walk in the sun - but that would involve talking about brain worms, and who wants to get into that unless they absolutely must?

In a few weeks if they meet again, he can elaborate.

The ghost of a smile returns, and he nods. ]

I am very discrete.

[ Literally everything about him screams otherwise. With this, however? It's true. He's not some ravenous newborn, and he's capable of making do with non-sentient creatures even if it's not his preference. His preference in general is staying alive, so, that trumps all else.

There's little else he can think to ask right now, he has probably taken up enough of his time. Also, he dislikes this place and its oppressive dark. So, time to take his leave... ]

If need be, might I seek you out again at your office? Or do you have other haunts.

Then I wouldn't worry too much. They're not subtle in their activity either. Keep an eye on who comes and goes from the desert.

[Alucard only knows Geralt personally. The rest of the monster hunting group are strangers, and he prefers it that way. The witcher is a friend besides, and more understanding than much.

As a dhampir who comes by drama naturally, he won't comment about being discrete. He still lives in a cactus some days.]

The office is usually the best bet, although I'm often in Libertas on business. My business partner Jaskier is often in, otherwise you'll see me around eventually. Including here.

[ He certainty will keep an eye out. As for the rest... there's a brief flicker of recognition at Jaskier's name, which might not be such a surprise. The man is famous. ]

I suppose I'll have to make my way to Libertas sooner than later, then. [ He has the freedom to explore, so of course he's going to now. ]

Thank you again, Alucard. [ He gives another little bow. ] It's been a... surprise and a pleasure meeting you.

[ There's nothing sultry about his tone or expression, he appears genuine in his thanks. This has been something entirely unexpected. ]

[October Catch All]

I'm sorry for his rudeness...

This is like, zero on on a one to trevor belmont scale

oh no...

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