[ CATCH-ALL ] the wishes I've made are too vicious to tell

[wiedzminka]

Who: Ciri & various
When: late Oct through end of November
Where: Free Cities, Nocwich, who knows
What: some post-event follow-ups and whatever happens in Nov
Warnings: nsfw, warned for in thread



(( ooc: if you want to do any plotting with Ciri, hmu on plurk @ belleteyn or @ lenafish#3861

happy to write a starter for you if you want one, just lmk! ))

Comments

[cryptsleeper]

No, we were not. And while circumstances are beyond our control, it is still our responsibility to make them right. [Ciri's practicality is a sharp reminder of Geralt's influence, if Alucard was to remark upon such things at all. An apology is still needed, if only for one particular part of it all:] I'm also very sorry that I insulted the taste of your blood that much. [The whole thing is silly. He knows that, and there's a small smile as he continues.] But now you truly don't have to worry about vampires.

[Alucard uses what he hope will be a moment to laugh to take out a thin package bundled in paper. It goes on the table, and Alucard unrolls it carefully.

The belt itself is black, made of fabric, comfortable to wear close to the skin or under other more durable belts. Truth be told, the fabric isn't the point. Stitched in autumnal golds, oranges, purples, and reds are what at first seems to be a meandering, abstract pattern of swirls punctuated by flowers and leaves. Closer inspection and some knowledge of Alucard's work with the Hall reveals a finer detail: the swirls end in small spells of protection. Durability. Fireproofing. Volume reduction for movement. It is a belt of enhancement and protection, and a few drawstring bags that dangle (and can be detached) have much the same pattern. One has a small white wolf's tail, disappearing behind the seam of the bag.

Alucard has no idea what to expect, so he offers:] Food didn't seem like enough and my hands needed something to occupy themselves with.

[wiedzminka]

It really doesn't bother me you didn't like the taste of my blood, Alucard. Might have bothered me more if you did, but--

[ Ciri stops, watching him take out the package and moving closer curiously to watch as he unwraps it on the table. It takes her a moment or two to realize what exactly it is that she's looking at.

Once he's completely unrolled it, Ciri reaches forward to pick up the embroidered strip of fabric and examine it more closely. Her thumb brushes some of the needlework, tracing the lines with quiet fascination.

She looks genuinely surprised. Her smile softens. ]

...you've really outdone yourself this time, you absolutely daft man.

It's beautiful.

[cryptsleeper]

[And housewife of the year award goes to: Alucard!

There is the inevitable awkward, nervous tension in watching Ciri inspect the belt. Alucard knows that the work he put in is flawless, that it is worth every little effort even if Ciri hates it, but it means the world not only to hear it called beautiful, but that he's outclassed himself.

Not a goal, that, but a wonderful achievement through sheer effort.]

Thank you. [He'll take the compliment, and maybe there's a little more warmth in his words.]

The designs aren't just decorative either - they're spells, meant to enhance and defend. Adaptations from some of my building work.

[wiedzminka]

Seriously? That's amazing!

[ She looks genuinely impressed, running her fingers over the beadwork and lifting it up to the light to get a better look. ]

Does it need anything to... activate the spellwork? Or is the enchantment constant?

[cryptsleeper]

[The dhampir shakes his head no.]

Much like the building's spells, all you have to do to activate is to just be present around the item. Even just carrying it would afford some level of protection. Wearing it just makes it all work.

I admit, some of this was an experiment to see if the concept was possible. You might've just gotten a nicely stitched belt had I failed.

[wiedzminka]

How modest of you.

[ Complimenting his own needlework. She's just teasing, of course; it's really quite good. A dhampir of so many random talents is Alucard. ]

I'm looking forward to trying it out. The practical use of the additional pouches is nice too. You really did think of everything.

[cryptsleeper]

[He is the best housewife, and no one is around to romance him now.]

Let me know if there's anything that seems especially strong or weak or off. I've never done this before, so I admit that you're wearing an experimental accessory. [Or...wait...] I can always add things in later upon request too, if there's something you find useful more than others.