abraxaslogs | [March Catch-All]

Just because another artefact can do the same thing you can doesn't mean you have to make it everyone else's problem.

[Alucard grunts, leaning back in his seat.]

Umbvagher, Herald of Abberations. Said to have a capricious nature and indicate coming turbulence. Quite frankly, it sounds like he has created the turbulence. But that's all that the individual in Solvunn could locate.

You think it's capable of pettiness?

[Viktor says that half-joking, and not really expecting an answer. The more important thing is the resurgence of the Heralds--or the appearance of a new one.]

If it was already released from the latchkeys, there's nothing we could have done. Even destroying them would be meaningless, if the entity was unbound during the theft.

Genuinely? Yes.

[Look, he doesn't trust this rock and this absolutely feels like a tantrum.]

Actually, that's what I am unsure of. Is the entity bound to the latchkeys themselves and have a limited radius, or is it fully freed now? I could go either way with an answer, if I'm being honest.

I wish Sten had been present, at any rate. I did write him a note.

[Viktor makes a little hm noise, at that, deciding not to litigate it further. It's all semantics, anyway, and he has to admit that it does feel a little petty, both on the part of the Singularity and on this new herald, who has clearly shown up to ruin all of their lives.]

I would think the latter, unfortunately, given that the weather seems to be everywhere, including the Horizon.

[He likes Sten--he'd been just as disappointed to realize he wasn't present, given the fact that he might have understood why the Summoned were making the choice they did, or explained things in more detail. Perhaps this could have been avoided.]

I'm sure he read it. I hope it might ease the tensions.

Honestly, I feel embarrassed now. I thought the latchkeys kept this deity on a tether. It would have at least explained why he didn't show up with the other three. [Alucard swears softly before leaning his head back and letting his hair drape over the back of his chair. It is deeply and pointlessly dramatic.]

I always thought the problem was followers of a religion more than gods themselves. [He hates being wrong.]

I hope so. Sten has always seemed like what would happen if Geralt wasn't....Geralt.

There's no reason it can't be both.

[In fact, Viktor isn't sure which he prefers--religious fanatics who sow death and destruction in the name of some nonexistent god, or the nonexistent god being very existent, and causing death and destruction anyway. The latter is more relevant to the immediate situation at hand, but the mention of Sten reminds him that Oleuni square itself is now in question.

He frowns.]

I hope you mean that he won't hold a grudge like Geralt. It would be a shame if we lost access to Nocwich permanently because of a choice they never should have asked us to make.

[The soft groan acknowledges that Viktor is entirely right and Alucard absolutely, 200% hates it thank you very much. Please kill him now.]

I was mostly referring to the fact he's more socialized but...I don't know if the were-folk will hold grudges or not. I'm...truth be told, I feel as if the assumption made that we would help without question is reasonable on their end, but I wish there had just been more information. It shouldn't have taken poking around Solvunn to get a name for this god.

They should have been more forthcoming.

[Viktor does not regret his decision, and might even be a little miffed at the way they were put on the spot, and how poorly the werewolves made their case.]

I suppose there's no use dwelling on it. Not when things already seem to be in motion.

I agree, but they felt they didn't have to. Clearly. And I understand the perspective.

[Still. Alucard pauses, looking back towards the bar area. He could do with another cup of tea.]

And yet again we find ourselves reacting rather than heading things off at the pass. Do you want anything? The coffee here is quite good.

They all too often forget that we are here against our will--and we don't owe any of them anything.

[Perhaps a callous opinion, but Viktor will stand by it. What he can agree on is that he doesn't like reacting to things, instead of preventing them or mitigating the damage. Cleaning up in the aftermath is becoming slightly old. He frowns.]

If you're buying.

No. But they didn't owe us in helping with the kidnappings last year either. [He gets it. And moreover:] I know I'm biased in favoring Nocwich anyway. I appreciate that the technology of the Free Cities is similar to what we had in the castle, but--

[He doesn't need to fill the rest in. Alucard knows that Viktor will understand to a certain extent. No need to overdo the words.]

I am, yes. Wouldn't offer otherwise. I'll take that as a yes?

I suppose not.

[He understands that the situation is complicated, and that if they ever have to abandon the Free Cities because of political jockeying, Nocwich or the Nether might be their best bet. But it serves no one, to punish the Summoned for making an unfavorable decision under pressure. Especially when it seems like the entity inside the Latchkeys would have been unleashed either way.]

It means I don't have to stop what I'm doing if you get it. So, yes.

[Alucard rolls his eyes as he gets up from the table to fetch coffee. A simple yes would had sufficed. He lingers at the bar for a few moments, returning with a cup of coffee for Viktor and more tea for himself. (Best to do it while he's up.)

He settles back in moments later, casting an eye towards Viktor to see how far he has progressed. There's no asking if he needs help. Alucard will be told if that's the case.]

Would you be willing to come check progress in a few days, if the storms allow?

I would be willing to check progress even if the storms don't allow.

[If they stop everything they're doing every time the Singularity throws them a curveball, he imagines he'd never get anything done. Despite the coffee that's now in front of him, he already seems itchy to keep working.]

Anything you need, just ask.

I know you will. Just let me get out there first so if there's a ton of sand in the way, I can move it and make your life easier.

[He knows Viktor is inclined to Work. That's why he tries to do some enforced stops.]

Where would I be without you?

If you insist.

[But, despite his bravado, he appreciates the sentiment—it really would make his life easier, even if he’s a bit too proud to say as much. The compliment gets a little smirk out of him, regardless.]

Relying much more on government scientists, I’m sure. I look forward to seeing your progress.

[March Catch-All] | Open

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and then this became foreshadowing no regrets

hee hee hoo hoo