[The context makes it worse, if Alucard was forced to elaborate on absolutely any of it. Let this just sit as an isolated incident in Jaskier's mind for now, completely and utterly unconnected to witch burnings and patricides. One horrifying thing is more than enough, and Alucard's pretty sure he has used up his ability to share anything with relative calmness for oh, a few months now.
It does beg the awkward question of how does one react to information like that? Gideon's response had been supportive. Peppier, but that was also her nature and one of the reasons Alucard felt comfortable sharing. Jaskier feels like a gamble. Not that he'd be so judgemental as to react horrifyingly right out, but Alucard can't gauge if there will be any distancing after.
There's a lot of relief that they're still walking though, that the bard can't see the little facial tics that are trying to keep this a calm, straight forward explanation rather than an emotional torrent (he'd laugh with the eye of the storm comparisons. Far too correct.)
But there is a very hollow laugh that follows Jaskier's words, and finally Alucard turns his face slightly. That thin mask of calm is still there, wanting to stay there.]
Small wonder Thorne pulled me here only days later and threw me in a hole.
I know. We need to go back!!
It does beg the awkward question of how does one react to information like that? Gideon's response had been supportive. Peppier, but that was also her nature and one of the reasons Alucard felt comfortable sharing. Jaskier feels like a gamble. Not that he'd be so judgemental as to react horrifyingly right out, but Alucard can't gauge if there will be any distancing after.
There's a lot of relief that they're still walking though, that the bard can't see the little facial tics that are trying to keep this a calm, straight forward explanation rather than an emotional torrent (he'd laugh with the eye of the storm comparisons. Far too correct.)
But there is a very hollow laugh that follows Jaskier's words, and finally Alucard turns his face slightly. That thin mask of calm is still there, wanting to stay there.]
Small wonder Thorne pulled me here only days later and threw me in a hole.