abraxaslogs | [open] november/december catchall

Let's see.

[Viktor notes the dodging of his question, though he supposes it's only fair, as he didn't really frame it as such. He finishes preparing the slide, then fixes it into the microscope, peering into it to put the sample into focus. While he does that, he continues his train of thought, perhaps with the hope that Astarion will chime back in with specifics.]

I think we could do this one of two ways. The first is to reverse whatever ritual or process put you in this state. The second--and this might be the easier approach--would be to target specific disadvantages, as you said, and work to negate them.

Hmmm. [ he hums thoughtfully, stalling. Because truth be told, he didn't think any of this out beyond see what happens. ]

Well, to start, the original process involved a vampire lord draining me dry. I suppose it's the bite the passes on the - let's call it a curse.

[ He won't go into the gory specifics right now. Not unless pressed. And yes, Viktor might not be a healer or doctor or whatever kind of specialist might apply here, but let's not forget that there's a supernatural component to his affliction. ]

When I next awoke, I was like this. [ He motions with both hands from his shoulders down to his hips, then waves one hand in front of his own face. ] Fangs and red eyes. No reflection. [ a dramatic flourish of the same arm ] And forevermore compelled to follow the sadistic whims of the bastard who did this to me! Which is a connection I hoped to permanently sever by killing him - [ and, well, he still plans to... ] - but for now I'll take whatever I can get.

[ Which, currently, is a lethal parasite in his brain.

... he's still deciding whether or not that's relevant to all of this. ]

Call it whatever you need.

[He doesn’t seem pressed by the fact that there’s a clear supernatural element involved, almost as if he has some experience in the matter. What does get his attention is the reference to a bond—Viktor wonders if that connection, like others, has been supplanted by a link to the Singularity. If Astarion would notice such a thing, in the (presumed) absence of said vampire lord. The intent to murder, well. He’ll unpack that later.

All of that, however, seems far too personal to address, not when so many of his other questions are being deftly sidestepped. Viktor pulls back from the microscope and invites Astarion to have a look for himself, not that he would be able to discern what he’s seeing without supplemental explanation.]

I don’t see anything here too different from the sample of an ordinary human. A bit…deoxygenated. A more thorough study of your physiology might be required.

[Though he’s not so presumptuous to assume that Astarion will permit that—he phrases it like it’s an option he can pursue or decline. No obligation.]

Does your blood have any particular properties? Regenerative ability, perhaps?

[ One wary look later and he'll take Viktor's place at the lenses. Just as Viktor predicted, he has very little idea of what he's looking at - other than a bunch of dark-ish dots. He's not sure what he was expecting exactly, and after not too long he's stepping aside again, arms crossed over his chest. ]

I regenerate more quickly than most of the living, yes. [ It's been slowed down a bit since he gained the tadpole, though. One of the downsides, for whatever reason.

He's decided right now not to mention the passenger hanging out just behind his eye. Maybe people here are tolerant of vampires - he can't be sure that tolerance extends to someone in constant danger of bursting out of their own skin and transforming into an illithid. ]

What would a more thorough study entail, exactly?

Have you ever tested its effect on someone else?

[Viktor knows more than he's letting on, given his research with Alucard's blood, and the integral role it played in his surgery. If Astarion and Alucard are at all similar, even in small ways, that might be a good place to start.

He also can't help but notice the fact that Astarion doesn't seem to consider himself among the living, hence the suggestion for some kind of work-up. Viktor will have to ask for further clarification from Alucard after this, though it does make him feel a bit guilty, that he's already planning to discuss this behind Astarion's back.]

A physical, to start. Like the one you might receive from a doctor. And I'll analyze these samples to see if they reveal anything with regards to your...disadvantages. The biological source of them, perhaps.

What? [ He gives Viktor a surprised look, then one of distaste. ] No. Why?

[ He's only a spawn, his blood doesn't serve a purpose the way his maker's would - as far as he's aware.

Unless this is some kink shit.

The topic of a physical and samples gets ignored in favor of stepping closer to Viktor again and eyeing him pointedly, breathing in deep through his nose to satisfy a curiosity - there's always been a slightly strange smell following him around, they're just not usually quite close enough for him to tell if it's coming from him, or just a whiff of something he's working on, or something else -

Also, he hadn't been recently in close proximity to Alucard.

What have they been getting up to...?

Another pointed look: ]

Is this your way of asking for a taste? [ And then he takes a step back. ] Because the answer will be no.

[ You're not his type. Also, he's trying not to mix business and pleasure anymore. It gets messy. ]

Edited 2023-11-27 22:31 (UTC)

Curiosity. I've heard of vampire blood used in elixirs. Medicines, that sort of thing. If you have known abilities in that regard, it could help me isolate specific properties, perhaps even the ones that cause your disadvantages.

[Sort of a lie, that first part, but it seems best not to divulge his own prior experimentations with vampire blood. Besides, he's still figuring out how it all works. Just because something is true of Alucard or the Nocwich vampires doesn't mean it's true of every vampire in the universe--that much is readily apparent here.

Still, this is all very invasive, which Astarion makes readily known. Viktor shakes his head, pulling back.]

I'm not interested. [Astarion doesn't have to worry about that, at least.] Though, if you'll indulge one more personal question, are you...subsisting? Do you have a reliable source?

[Because he can imagine that might be a hard sell, and Viktor doesn't really like the idea of one of his employees enduring...food insecurity. In a manner of speaking.]

[ Oh. He's 'heard' of these elixirs and tonics made of vampire blood. And just 'happens' to smell a bit vampire-y.

Right.

Astarion is already giving Viktor an openly suspicious look at the explanation, and then his eyebrows shoot up at the next question. Excuse?

Okay, look. He's failed to get Viktor to squirm even once, so at this point he's going to cut the shit, otherwise they'll be here forever: ]

Are you... offering?

[ Because, weird little friend, you don't appear to be the healthiest donor.

Not that that's an automatic no... it's more... the rest of the conversation putting him slightly off. ]

Your situation is complicated. [And he imagines most people might not be keen on assisting Astarion, in this department. A gesture, to the additional tubes in the centrifuge.] And you're putting some amount of trust in me. If you need anything else, I'm amenable.

[Alucard might not be, though, and it occurs to him that he should probably pump the brakes on all of this and consult him. It's tempting, in the wake of Astarion's suspicious expression, to remind him that he is the one who asked for assistance to begin with, but despite Viktor's general lack of tact, he can recognize when things need a lighter touch. Astarion likely doesn't want to be more indebted to him than he has to be, not that he's familiar enough with Viktor to know that he isn't that kind of person.

(He's reminded, again, of how indelicate he is, in interpersonal matters. How if this business was still a partnership, instead of a solo operation, he could have just done the work. How he wants to try, despite that.)

Viktor discards the used needle and begins to arrange the metal tools back in their case.]

Whatever we do with these findings--and how we proceed--is up to you.

[ The suspicion has started to fade from his expression, though he continues to read Viktor's face, seeking something. Some catch, some part of this bargain that he could be missing. The stakes are far lesser than they were back home - yes, he's giving Viktor some measure of trust, but vampires aren't treated like vermin to be exterminated here. He's come to accept some relative understanding of safety in his time 'settling in'.

Telling him that everything will be up to him - well - ]

Alright. [ He seems for a moment almost oddly conflicted by his own answer, a pinch at his brow. ]

Just as long as we're clear that no one - [ he looks pointedly at Viktor ] - plans on consuming any samples. [ he wrinkles his nose, reminded of the blood merchant - strangely for the first time this afternoon. Surprisingly, he actually doesn't think they're alike at all.

A pause, then with a slight frown and a dismissive wave of his hand. ]

And - so you know, I'm subsisting well enough for now. [ On animals mostly, which isn't ideal - ] But I'm not opposed to supplementing my current diet.

[ He only feeds off of Haelva once a month, and the occasional Draconae visiting the Free Cities. It's not really enough, not compared to how often he had humanoids in his diet before coming here. Viktor's right to assume he doesn't want to be indebted to anyone in that particular way - it's part of why he refused Haelva the first time. But with the way things are, the more options the better, spread out so he's not beholden to one person for this. ]

[Well, that seems to have been at least a little convincing, and Viktor's shoulders relax a bit, releasing some of their tension. The last thing he wants is for Astarion to think he has nefarious motives, or that he would jeopardize him by taking advantage of the samples that he plans to analyze.]

I promise. [They don't know each other well, but hopefully this will mean something to him.] Nothing leaves this workshop without your permission.

[It's the same terms he agreed to with Alucard, really. Viktor is already thinking about involving Nadine, but it might be wise not to push too quickly, too soon. They already have enough to think about. He gives Astarion a nod.]

It's an open-ended offer.

[Viktor doesn't outright ask if he needs it now, but he'll leave the door open, so to speak.]

Edited 2023-11-30 21:59 (UTC)

[ Well. This has been. Something. He's still doubtful that Viktor will come up with any solutions for him, but there's always a chance. Another way to keep his options open.

And, you know, nefarious motives are fine in general. If Viktor had a secret torture dungeon in the basement of this place he'd mostly be annoyed it took him this long to share. All he cares about is not ending up a victim to someone's nefarious motives.

Although he's moved on to larger prey, he still does the majority of his hunting at night. Which means he manages his constant hunger during the daylight hours, right now a low-grade pain in his middle and itch in the back of his throat.

So, when offered the chance to ease it... ]

Well - no time like the present, is there? [ He holds out a hand, tilting his chin down with a pleasant smile.

Are you really sure about this? ]

[It sure has been something. Astarion might have his doubts, but Viktor is already thinking of avenues to explore. More will be revealed once he runs the additional blood samples, so right now he'll just be glad that the conversation didn't implode.

Except, now is the part where Viktor has to admit to himself that he's playing a dangerous game. It's possible he offered in the first place to sate his own curiosity--to see if there's anything detectable in his own blood, that would reveal what he did to himself, in search of a cure.

He should halt this. He should check with Alucard, first, to get on the same page. But he doesn't. He rolls up his sleeve, instead.]

I trust the arm is suitable?

[Viktor has seen the two puncture wounds on Astarion's neck. That, in particular, feels a bit too intimate.]

Edited 2023-12-02 04:23 (UTC)

[ He gives a small, careless shrug, his head tilting this way and that in neither a conclusive nod or shake. ]

It's good enough.

[ If he's asking his honest opinion. When hunting he prefers the neck, but he also generally doesn't have to worry about not killing his victim. Given certain parts of the previous conversation, and the late reminder of that wretched drow, it's all probably for the best anyway.

He takes a step forward into Viktor's space, waiting for him to offer his arm. ]

This won't be anything excruciating, but it won't be painless either. I hope you're not the squeamish type.

[ Fair warning. ]

I'm not worried.

[And he's not exactly a stranger to pain. Even before curing his illness, he considered his tolerance fairly high. And after, well. He doubts anything will compare to what he felt during the procedure. The one concern, beyond whatever might be detectable in his blood, is that he does not know Astarion and therefore doesn't know if he's able to control himself.

So when he offers his arm, his other hand reaches for his crutch. Viktor plays it off as needing it for some stability, but as he grasps the handle his finger searches for the button on the underside, just in case.]

[ (Perception check, 9: he's too distracted by the prospect of a quick meal to notice anything amiss about that grip - although the presence of the crutch in general makes him feel like this is PROBABLY a bad idea...) ]

Just be ready to say when.

[ Not that he's not going to stop, but - just to be sure.

With that, he lifts the offered arm to his mouth, the fangs that puncture his flesh will feel like two shards of ice sinking down into an artery just enough to get a coppery trail going. And while he's definitely had healthier donors, there's a hint of something unique to the taste that hits his tongue, matching the scent he caught on Viktor's skin whenever he got close - the one that seems to match a certain dhampir.

It's not awful, more like... noticing someone else's perfume on a partner.

Probably because of that - and despite his earlier warning for Viktor to pipe up when he's had enough, Astarion pulls away on his own after maybe twenty seconds, wiping any stray blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. ]

I'm ready.

[If this goes on a moment longer than he wants it, he's prepared. Viktor remains still, not wanting to accidentally harm either of them, and he sucks in a breath when the fangs plunge into his arm. It's colder than he might have expected, but to Astarion's credit, he is efficient.

He spends the few minutes it takes wondering if and when Astarion is going to express some kind of surprise, but he doesn't. Maybe that's good. Maybe that means there's nothing unusual, or detectable. At the release, Viktor lets out an exhale of his own.]

Sufficient?

[ The immediate effect of drinking blood is the brief release from that aching pain in his throat and middle - he appears slightly more relaxed and calm, though maybe a bit distracted. ]

Mm - ? Oh, yes. Very much so. [ His wry grin is maybe a touch more genuine than usual. ] Thank you, Viktor.

[ And of course, he's thinking about mentioning the connection between Viktor's blood and Alucard's scent - his gaze slips down to Viktor's forearm again with a curious look.

What's a 'polite' way to do this... ]

Have you ever looked at your own blood under the glass?

[Viktor studies him for another moment, as if he was expecting something a little less mundane—but maybe that’s good. It’s better, he thinks, if all of this is as casual as possible. Now that he’s been released, so to speak, he reaches for fresh gauze, pressing it against the two puncture wounds on the inside of his elbow. Cleaning up provides a good distraction from the fact that he’s probably been caught.

Or, perhaps for now, Astarion is just curious.]

I have, yes.

[Among other things. He sees no reason to lie.]

[ He hums, crossing his arms. ]

And when you were looking at mine earlier, did you notice any glaring differences? [ One arm uncrosses to make a vague gesture. ] Or, perhaps, some similarities...?

[ What is subtly, he doesn't know her.

He's prepared with a hammer next, though. ]

Mine are alive for one thing.

[Or, at least, give the impression of having been living tissue in recent memory. Viktor raises an eyebrow at Astarion--he knows exactly what he's getting at, so there must have been something detectable in his blood, but there's still enough plausible deniability that he has no inclination to explain.

If anything, Astarion should explain the whole...undead aspect of this, but Viktor is fine taking things one step at a time. He can't expect the other man to be forthcoming when he himself has not disclosed his own personal experience with vampirism.]

But that's good, that the differences are noticeable. It means I have something to work with.

Are they, though?

[ He peers at Viktor. There's certainly something off about him, besides the itty bitty hint of dhampir in his system. He doesn't taste of disease. But there's something... lacking. Malnourished, maybe? Or perhaps recovering from some past illness.

He waves his hand. ]

I'm kidding. But yes, I'm technically deceased. Risen from the grave and all that.

[ Literally. He was forced to claw his own way out. Astarion grimaces. ]

Edited 2023-12-11 06:51 (UTC)

They are.

[Not that he thinks Astarion could tell the difference, just by peering into the microscope. He stares for a moment, challenging, until Astarion breaks the tension. His shoulders relax, just slightly, and nods at the confirmation.]

Like I said, it may be difficult to reverse your...physical condition. But if we target your specific disadvantages, brought about by the, eh, conversion, that could be a start.

[ As much as he wants to poke and prod Viktor about his physical state and all its oddities, he does actually need him to not throw him out of the lab. So. Maybe he'll bother Alucard about it later instead. ]

As much as I'd love to give you more details about the process, I wasn't very conscious throughout most of it. [ And what he does remember is pain. Horrific pain. His frown lines deepen. ] And my master wasn't exactly the forthcoming type. Asking wasn't an option.

So let's see... disadvantages. [ He counts off his fingers as he lists them off. ] Being bound to the one who turned me - we already went over that one. Turning to ash in the sun, needing an invitation to entire private residences - both of which you might have noticed aren't a current issue, which I've been led to believe is thanks to the benevolence of a giant rock. But I prefer not to gamble with that one so...

[ A major lie, of course. He knows most of his vampiric banes have been nullified not thanks to the Singularity, but the tadpole lodged behind his eye. But the only one who could contradict him is Haelva, and why would she? He sighs, looking down at the three fingers he's already counted off and adding a fourth - ]

Food meant for the living tastes like chewing on wood at best, and wine might as well be vinegar. [ He opens his hand for the fifth. ] I can only be sustained by blood.

[ And as fun as it may be to feed while in the midst of battle, the constant pain is a problem. He still has nightmares of that year spent imprisoned in the dark, starving. ]

Edited 2023-12-11 22:26 (UTC)

It's fine. I know that it involves the draining of your blood...and a magical element, clearly.

[For Astarion to be dead, technically, but still walking and talking.]

Or a pathogen.

[But maybe not. Viktor has been working with magic long enough not to dismiss it as an explanation. As Astarion lists his disadvantages, Viktor pulls a notebook towards him and starts to write.]

I don't like the idea of you relying on the Singularity to not burn up in the sun. That seems like a priority target, yes?

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wrap!