Alucard \\ Adrian F. Ţepeş (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cryptsleeper) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
abraxaslogs2022-10-02 02:53 pm
cryptsleeper) wrote in abraxaslogs2022-10-02 02:53 pm
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No, that seems unwise.
[Despite, ostensibly, being the reason for this trip, Viktor is more than content to let Alucard handle the actual transaction, staying off to the side. Regardless, he can certainly agree that experimentation needs to take place in a secure lab, if only to avoid any kind of incident in a place like this. Being able to visit Nocwich regularly should prove to be a boon, for reasons like this and otherwise, and he’s not about to do anything to jeopardize it.
Still, the least he can do is thank her for this.]
You’re Jayce’s teacher. [Despite his generally exhausted demeanor, he manages a small smile.] He’s learned a great deal from you.
[Despite, ostensibly, being the reason for this trip, Viktor is more than content to let Alucard handle the actual transaction, staying off to the side. Regardless, he can certainly agree that experimentation needs to take place in a secure lab, if only to avoid any kind of incident in a place like this. Being able to visit Nocwich regularly should prove to be a boon, for reasons like this and otherwise, and he’s not about to do anything to jeopardize it.
Still, the least he can do is thank her for this.]
You’re Jayce’s teacher. [Despite his generally exhausted demeanor, he manages a small smile.] He’s learned a great deal from you.
[ It's sensible, but she wouldn't blame them for their excitement should they wish to get right to it. (Caution against it? Mayhaps. But understandable either way.) So she nods in acceptance and begins to undo the ties to her satchel.
A pause when Jayce is mentioned. Himeka smiles and nods with the look of a fond but proud instructor. ]
He's a bright and eager student. That's what makes all the difference.
[ And seeing how greatly affected he had been by that mage in his childhood it made perfect sense. She's glad that he can realize that dream now, even if it's far from home.
Reaching into the bag, she pulls out a small, round jar. It looks as if it's been repurposed from something of kitchen ingredients, but now is nearly full with the promised sap. She holds it out to the men. ]
This is what I have, at least until the traders are back in town.
A pause when Jayce is mentioned. Himeka smiles and nods with the look of a fond but proud instructor. ]
He's a bright and eager student. That's what makes all the difference.
[ And seeing how greatly affected he had been by that mage in his childhood it made perfect sense. She's glad that he can realize that dream now, even if it's far from home.
Reaching into the bag, she pulls out a small, round jar. It looks as if it's been repurposed from something of kitchen ingredients, but now is nearly full with the promised sap. She holds it out to the men. ]
This is what I have, at least until the traders are back in town.
[Alucard realizes he may have missed a beat when Jayce comes up, but he rolls right along with the matter. Of course Jayce had to figure out healing magic from somewhere. This makes as much sense as any.
When the sap is withdrawn, Alucard takes it carefully. Almost reverently, considering the weight of the jar and then holding it up to examine it as best he can. It is nothing especially remarkable, and the volume is fair. More than he had hoped for at any rate, and if they run out, then they run out.
There's a long exhale, and he offers the bottle over to Viktor to take a look at.]
It'll be enough for our purposes this month. I also suspect that if you acquire too much in any transaction, you might raise eyebrows.
When the sap is withdrawn, Alucard takes it carefully. Almost reverently, considering the weight of the jar and then holding it up to examine it as best he can. It is nothing especially remarkable, and the volume is fair. More than he had hoped for at any rate, and if they run out, then they run out.
There's a long exhale, and he offers the bottle over to Viktor to take a look at.]
It'll be enough for our purposes this month. I also suspect that if you acquire too much in any transaction, you might raise eyebrows.
[Viktor inspects it in turn, not that he'll really be able to determine anything by it. He's not a botanist or a chemist or even a biologist, so he and Alucard are more-or-less fumbling in the dark, but the things he's heard about this compound are heartening. He's sure they can make good use of it.]
It's appreciated.
[More than she knows, probably, especially if she's putting herself at risk by doing this.]
If there's anything I can do for you--or make for you, just ask.
It's appreciated.
[More than she knows, probably, especially if she's putting herself at risk by doing this.]
If there's anything I can do for you--or make for you, just ask.
[Viktor is not a chemist. He's not a biologist. He knows very little about plants and their various properties and secretions--all things he can study in books, but that requires the knowledge to already exist and be recorded in a useful way--this sap from Ikorr is more-or-less an unknown entity. Still, he does his best, studying up on as much alchemy and herbalism and potion-making as he can.
He's not sure if it's helping, but it certainly can't hurt.
With a limited amount of the sap to work with (perhaps there's the possibility of more, but Viktor doesn't want to put Himeka in danger by continuing to offer it to them), they have to be even more careful than they were with the blood, as ridiculous as it sounds.
So here's Viktor, hunched over a rack of vials, pipetting a solution made from the sap into each one--carefully, painstakingly.]
Higher concentration. I think this should get us some results.
He's not sure if it's helping, but it certainly can't hurt.
With a limited amount of the sap to work with (perhaps there's the possibility of more, but Viktor doesn't want to put Himeka in danger by continuing to offer it to them), they have to be even more careful than they were with the blood, as ridiculous as it sounds.
So here's Viktor, hunched over a rack of vials, pipetting a solution made from the sap into each one--carefully, painstakingly.]
Higher concentration. I think this should get us some results.
Either way, I'll have to start arranging for more.
[They've had false starts. An hour here, two hours there. Steps in the right direction, in getting the healing process to take for longer periods of time, but there's been no single, perfect dose.
It's stressful. It's tiring. And in the deepest part of Alucard's mind, there's the gear of what happens if their connection to the sap dries up. Not that he's said that part out loud yet. It isn't helpful, and he suspects Viktor may have already considered it.
He doesn't hover by Viktor as he works. Instead, Alucard is letting Quincy explore his hands, the little mouse clearly enjoying it.]
Do I need to bleed again and refresh that supply?
[They've had false starts. An hour here, two hours there. Steps in the right direction, in getting the healing process to take for longer periods of time, but there's been no single, perfect dose.
It's stressful. It's tiring. And in the deepest part of Alucard's mind, there's the gear of what happens if their connection to the sap dries up. Not that he's said that part out loud yet. It isn't helpful, and he suspects Viktor may have already considered it.
He doesn't hover by Viktor as he works. Instead, Alucard is letting Quincy explore his hands, the little mouse clearly enjoying it.]
Do I need to bleed again and refresh that supply?
[ For all appearances, it doesn't look like anything special. Mayhaps for the best lest it seem enticing for someone else. A little bit goes quite a long way from what she has been able to experiment with. She hopes it will prove to do the same for them. ]
I frequent the markets often enough to avoid too much scrutiny.
[ Either as a shopper or errand woman, as she is wont to offer her services. The sap is a hot item, being both new and potent, but they are both right--hoarding too much of it would make one worry just what she needs it for.
Still, she smiles, looking hopeful. ]
I'd like to know how it goes, of course. You may be onto something that could help a lot of people.
[ But, she had been thinking on the journey over. ]
I do have something in mind, actually, if you both don't mind indulging me...
[ Luckily her fee is easy enough to accommodate. ]
A bit of information? If either of you are familiar with summoning rituals. Not necessarily for us, but for...greater beings?
I frequent the markets often enough to avoid too much scrutiny.
[ Either as a shopper or errand woman, as she is wont to offer her services. The sap is a hot item, being both new and potent, but they are both right--hoarding too much of it would make one worry just what she needs it for.
Still, she smiles, looking hopeful. ]
I'd like to know how it goes, of course. You may be onto something that could help a lot of people.
[ But, she had been thinking on the journey over. ]
I do have something in mind, actually, if you both don't mind indulging me...
[ Luckily her fee is easy enough to accommodate. ]
A bit of information? If either of you are familiar with summoning rituals. Not necessarily for us, but for...greater beings?
[Alucard tries not to be automatically dismissive with helping others. The thing that makes all of this work is his blood, and he is terribly cautious about where it goes and who should be working with it at all. If other bloods have healing properties, fine. But he would rather keep the abilities of his own secret.
But he can indulge a question. One that does require clarification.]
How do you define greater beings in this context?
But he can indulge a question. One that does require clarification.]
How do you define greater beings in this context?
[As much as Viktor would jump at the chance to provide the kind of medical breakthrough that he and Alucard are working on, the additional component means it's not up to him. Besides, how receptive would the general public be to something like this if they knew there was blood involved? Best not to say anything at all, for now.
He'd sort of been hoping that Himeka would ask for something tangible, but he does understand the inherent value of an exchange of knowledge. He just wishes he had something better to offer, in that department.]
I have theories about the summoning ritual that brought us to this place, but if you're asking about recent events, well. It isn't exactly my area of study.
He'd sort of been hoping that Himeka would ask for something tangible, but he does understand the inherent value of an exchange of knowledge. He just wishes he had something better to offer, in that department.]
I have theories about the summoning ritual that brought us to this place, but if you're asking about recent events, well. It isn't exactly my area of study.
[Viktor is considering all of these things and more. He's trying not to get to the point where he's wholly reliant on healing magic or various potions and injections, simply because they don't know how long his body will tolerate such intervention. Every time he receives healing from Jayce, he might become more desensitized to it. One day it might not even work at all, and then he'll be right back where he started.
That's the whole point of this, though--to keep from becoming dependent on only one method that might fail at any time.]
I have enough for now.
[Enough for this current round of testing, at least. Viktor holds up a vial.]
The good news is, we don't have to inject this.
That's the whole point of this, though--to keep from becoming dependent on only one method that might fail at any time.]
I have enough for now.
[Enough for this current round of testing, at least. Viktor holds up a vial.]
The good news is, we don't have to inject this.
I do appreciate not having to stab you constantly.
[Alucard knows his attempts at levity often fall flat, and right now will likely be no different. He pauses to place Quincy on his shoulder, and then stands. This is nerve wracking.]
If we have a sustained effect, then I suggest we at least go for a walk. I'd like to see some sunlight before we have to come back in.
[Alucard knows his attempts at levity often fall flat, and right now will likely be no different. He pauses to place Quincy on his shoulder, and then stands. This is nerve wracking.]
If we have a sustained effect, then I suggest we at least go for a walk. I'd like to see some sunlight before we have to come back in.
I don't consider that an issue.
[As in, he's more than used to various injections and poking and prodding. Were this an intravenous solution, he'd simply add it to his normal regimen of medications and treatments. He has to admit, however, that a potion taken orally is more convenient.
Speaking of, if he thinks about it any more, he's going to get in his own head about it, so Viktor takes a look at the watch out on the table, and throws back the contents of the vial.]
Record the time, then we'll go for a walk.
[As in, he's more than used to various injections and poking and prodding. Were this an intravenous solution, he'd simply add it to his normal regimen of medications and treatments. He has to admit, however, that a potion taken orally is more convenient.
Speaking of, if he thinks about it any more, he's going to get in his own head about it, so Viktor takes a look at the watch out on the table, and throws back the contents of the vial.]
Record the time, then we'll go for a walk.
I'm more relieved at not having to inject directly into your lungs.
[Alucard would still be willing to do so, if that was what Viktor needed, but for now the matter isn't required. He's likewise accepted that Viktor seemingly takes every experiment in stride in trying to figure this thing out, and it helps to a certain degree. Medicine was not Alucard's forte. Doing something wrong has always been a risk in his mind.
His eyes glance to the watch. There's a note jotted down, and then Alucard pockets the notebook. They can take notes on the way if they must.]
Any place you want to go in particular?
[Alucard would still be willing to do so, if that was what Viktor needed, but for now the matter isn't required. He's likewise accepted that Viktor seemingly takes every experiment in stride in trying to figure this thing out, and it helps to a certain degree. Medicine was not Alucard's forte. Doing something wrong has always been a risk in his mind.
His eyes glance to the watch. There's a note jotted down, and then Alucard pockets the notebook. They can take notes on the way if they must.]
Any place you want to go in particular?
[ It's a fair clarification. Not everyone holds the same beliefs and she's learned that what may be considered great at one juncture may be revealed to be a farce later on. Mayhaps greater wasn't the right term. ]
Mmm...gods. Deities? Idols or creatures otherwise thought to be worthy of praise or reverence. I suppose that's a better fit. I know that Solvunnites are really the ones who hold true to those beliefs, but I'm curious if such things may exist elsewhere...just viewed in a different light.
[ But what Viktor says does seem equally important. As much as she's trying to pin down the gods, going back to their stars is the true end goal. She raises her brows. ]
Do you? If you don't mind sharing, I'd be interested to hear.
Mmm...gods. Deities? Idols or creatures otherwise thought to be worthy of praise or reverence. I suppose that's a better fit. I know that Solvunnites are really the ones who hold true to those beliefs, but I'm curious if such things may exist elsewhere...just viewed in a different light.
[ But what Viktor says does seem equally important. As much as she's trying to pin down the gods, going back to their stars is the true end goal. She raises her brows. ]
Do you? If you don't mind sharing, I'd be interested to hear.
I can only speak to a family member summoning demons. [Alucard's seriousness and disapproving tone will, hopefully, not invite too many questions. He'll be honest, but he also does not want to help reaching out to any more gods.] And that is not something I would recommend.
[So his eyes go to Viktor instead, hoping his theories might turn the discussion around to the right spot.]
[So his eyes go to Viktor instead, hoping his theories might turn the discussion around to the right spot.]
I know little of gods. [Or, he's concerned himself little with gods.] I have always preoccupied myself with the sciences.
[That said, the summoning ritual is magic, which Viktor has come to realize is not so different. It can be puzzled out, like he's puzzled out an innumerable number of things.
It does not, however, mean that it isn't complicated.]
The summoning ritual uses arcana symbols to target a specific individual, which sounds simple enough until you consider that we are all brought here not only from different universes, but from different places on individual timelines. That's what makes it difficult to reproduce.
[That said, the summoning ritual is magic, which Viktor has come to realize is not so different. It can be puzzled out, like he's puzzled out an innumerable number of things.
It does not, however, mean that it isn't complicated.]
The summoning ritual uses arcana symbols to target a specific individual, which sounds simple enough until you consider that we are all brought here not only from different universes, but from different places on individual timelines. That's what makes it difficult to reproduce.
[ Alucard you can't casually drop that you've summoned demons and not expect a few looks. Granted, it's not terribly off stories she's heard before, but it is enough for her to do a doubletake. Summoning demons might as well be voidsent, right? All around a not-so-good idea.
(Unless it's for science, apparently.)
She won't ask...this time. But she'll definitely put that little mental note away for later.
The arcana--part of her has wondered how deep it really goes into greater society. Everyone has one, after all, not just the Summoned. It's highly likely that they would be used in any sort of primal summoning rituals as well. ]
Yes, picking specific people out across time and space isn't really an easy feat. I've seen it done before to some levels of mishap and success, but...
[ A very mundane way to gloss over how her friends' souls were separated from their bodies and placed on a reflection of their world in an attempt to bring her there hale and whole. Whoops. ]
I've not a clue how it works. Do you think it's something inherent in using the arcana to do it?
(Unless it's for science, apparently.)
She won't ask...this time. But she'll definitely put that little mental note away for later.
The arcana--part of her has wondered how deep it really goes into greater society. Everyone has one, after all, not just the Summoned. It's highly likely that they would be used in any sort of primal summoning rituals as well. ]
Yes, picking specific people out across time and space isn't really an easy feat. I've seen it done before to some levels of mishap and success, but...
[ A very mundane way to gloss over how her friends' souls were separated from their bodies and placed on a reflection of their world in an attempt to bring her there hale and whole. Whoops. ]
I've not a clue how it works. Do you think it's something inherent in using the arcana to do it?
Don't count that out just yet.
[Viktor, too, would be more than willing to do so, and he hasn't written it off as a possibility if an oral potion doesn't do what they need. He might, somewhat reluctantly, send a message to Dr. Strange, if it has to come to that, so for now he's willing to see what they can accomplish on their own, first.
He gathers up his notebook, reaches for his crutch, and stands.
Let's walk to the public hall.
[Viktor, too, would be more than willing to do so, and he hasn't written it off as a possibility if an oral potion doesn't do what they need. He might, somewhat reluctantly, send a message to Dr. Strange, if it has to come to that, so for now he's willing to see what they can accomplish on their own, first.
He gathers up his notebook, reaches for his crutch, and stands.
Let's walk to the public hall.
I just would rather not--
[It is a very long needle.]
That's a reasonable distance. [Not too far away, but just far enough to be different. Alucard's eyes consider the crutch for a moment - is it needed now, or just later? - but he won't ask. No need.
Once they're outside, Alucard breathes out, considering the weather.]
It's so much colder by this time of year back home.
[It is a very long needle.]
That's a reasonable distance. [Not too far away, but just far enough to be different. Alucard's eyes consider the crutch for a moment - is it needed now, or just later? - but he won't ask. No need.
Once they're outside, Alucard breathes out, considering the weather.]
It's so much colder by this time of year back home.
I am no stranger to uncomfortable medical procedures. The size of the needle is a non-issue.
[Because there’s very little he won’t do, to accomplish this. The discomfort is more than worth it if it brings them closer and closer to their goal, though the fact that they aren’t there yet is at least a little heartening.
Viktor has to take a moment to put his coat on, because despite their desert locale, he gets cold easily and the nights tend to be much chillier than the days, but the air feels good on his face after being in the workshop for so long. He offers Alucard a little smile as they start to walk.]
Do you miss it?
[Not necessarily home. Maybe just the weather.]
[Because there’s very little he won’t do, to accomplish this. The discomfort is more than worth it if it brings them closer and closer to their goal, though the fact that they aren’t there yet is at least a little heartening.
Viktor has to take a moment to put his coat on, because despite their desert locale, he gets cold easily and the nights tend to be much chillier than the days, but the air feels good on his face after being in the workshop for so long. He offers Alucard a little smile as they start to walk.]
Do you miss it?
[Not necessarily home. Maybe just the weather.]
I know. To both ends, even if I wish it otherwise.
[Alucard knows and respects Viktor's determination. It is impossible not to, but Alucard also knows he doesn't need to say anything else in praise of Viktor or to show his esteem for the man. He's willingly given his own blood. What more can be said after that?
The question gets a thoughtful noise, hands going into the dhampir's pockets.]
Home? No. I wouldn't go back if the opportunity to presented itself. The concept of there being four seasons instead of just hot and hot, but also cold at night? Very much so.
[Alucard knows and respects Viktor's determination. It is impossible not to, but Alucard also knows he doesn't need to say anything else in praise of Viktor or to show his esteem for the man. He's willingly given his own blood. What more can be said after that?
The question gets a thoughtful noise, hands going into the dhampir's pockets.]
Home? No. I wouldn't go back if the opportunity to presented itself. The concept of there being four seasons instead of just hot and hot, but also cold at night? Very much so.
I didn’t ask if you wanted to go back.
[Though, perhaps those questions are one in the same, to some. Viktor has complicated feelings himself, to the point where he has no real opinion about whether others want to stay or go, should such a thing become possible. He knows he can’t judge either way, but even those who choose to make a life here might have things about their home they’re giving up.]
Just if you miss it.
[Beyond the weather, obviously—Viktor is not necessarily a fan of a desert clime, either.]
[Though, perhaps those questions are one in the same, to some. Viktor has complicated feelings himself, to the point where he has no real opinion about whether others want to stay or go, should such a thing become possible. He knows he can’t judge either way, but even those who choose to make a life here might have things about their home they’re giving up.]
Just if you miss it.
[Beyond the weather, obviously—Viktor is not necessarily a fan of a desert clime, either.]
They're together in my mind, admittedly.
[Alucard pauses, looking from right to left, before his eyes settle on Viktor.]
Maybe if I was still in Thorne, or in Solvunn I'd feel differently. I'd miss indoor plumbing and the kitchen being just so, but the Free Cities have all of the technology I grew up with and consider routine. The differences are so small that...no. Outside of the weather, I don't miss home much, if at all.
[He breathes out, slow and considered.] It feels insulting to say, in some capacity, but it is also freeing.
[Alucard pauses, looking from right to left, before his eyes settle on Viktor.]
Maybe if I was still in Thorne, or in Solvunn I'd feel differently. I'd miss indoor plumbing and the kitchen being just so, but the Free Cities have all of the technology I grew up with and consider routine. The differences are so small that...no. Outside of the weather, I don't miss home much, if at all.
[He breathes out, slow and considered.] It feels insulting to say, in some capacity, but it is also freeing.
That’s fair.
[He takes a few more steps before he continues, nodding along to Alucard’s rationale. He can’t say he blames him—what little Viktor knows of his situation back home, it seems unpleasant, or fraught, at the very least.]
This place has afforded many of us new opportunities. [Said with a small smile, given what they’re doing right now, though he doesn’t necessarily feel similar to Alucard, when it comes to staying here or returning home. The trade-off is that no matter what kind of second chance they’re given, they are still captives, technically. Political pawns. It may only get worse.] I’m glad you’ve found some sense of belonging, here.
[He takes a few more steps before he continues, nodding along to Alucard’s rationale. He can’t say he blames him—what little Viktor knows of his situation back home, it seems unpleasant, or fraught, at the very least.]
This place has afforded many of us new opportunities. [Said with a small smile, given what they’re doing right now, though he doesn’t necessarily feel similar to Alucard, when it comes to staying here or returning home. The trade-off is that no matter what kind of second chance they’re given, they are still captives, technically. Political pawns. It may only get worse.] I’m glad you’ve found some sense of belonging, here.
It's not belonging, precisely. It's more...[Alucard pauses, looking for words. He is not Sypha. Words are hard. Action has always come easier.]
I've been allowed to define myself here on my own terms. Building that has more weight, and the only important part of home or my parents has been the usefulness of my blood to your situation. That could have never come to pass in Wallachia.
I've been allowed to define myself here on my own terms. Building that has more weight, and the only important part of home or my parents has been the usefulness of my blood to your situation. That could have never come to pass in Wallachia.
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