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[Despite the agitated pacing Vanessa is listening, is watching him and processing the story that he is telling her. She relates and reacts very deeply at the fate of his mother and for a moment she turns away from him and the smoldering fireplace. Letting her mind fill with the horrific sights and sounds of Joan's death at the hands of the small-minded savages of the moor.
Vanessa's turn back toward Mr. Tepes is slow, limbs slow and numb with residual pain, loss in the face of this uncertainty. His words are plain, personal, but in this world of dark threat it could simply be a ruse. For what reason she hasn't a clue but the last few months have been nothing but chaos and reactive flailing from her and her allies. It makes her wary and suspicious and that shows plainly on her drawn face as she moves back toward him and the seat across from his own.]
I am sorry to hear about your mother. I too lost someone close to my heart because of the ignorance of men of power. Such women possess powers to change the soul of a person. To fill them with such beliefs and strengths. I can see how she could make such an impression on your views of humanity but I must verify.
[Vanessa will not apologize for this need. Even as she walks the fine line of being sympathetic of his loss, his need for guarded personal information. She uncurls fingers and offers a steady hand to him.]
Allow me to read you. To see this part of which you speak.
Vanessa's turn back toward Mr. Tepes is slow, limbs slow and numb with residual pain, loss in the face of this uncertainty. His words are plain, personal, but in this world of dark threat it could simply be a ruse. For what reason she hasn't a clue but the last few months have been nothing but chaos and reactive flailing from her and her allies. It makes her wary and suspicious and that shows plainly on her drawn face as she moves back toward him and the seat across from his own.]
I am sorry to hear about your mother. I too lost someone close to my heart because of the ignorance of men of power. Such women possess powers to change the soul of a person. To fill them with such beliefs and strengths. I can see how she could make such an impression on your views of humanity but I must verify.
[Vanessa will not apologize for this need. Even as she walks the fine line of being sympathetic of his loss, his need for guarded personal information. She uncurls fingers and offers a steady hand to him.]
Allow me to read you. To see this part of which you speak.
[It's hard to give words to the worst of one's memories and be told that they are not enough. Alucard doesn't snap though, groan, or give any indication that he views Vanessa's request as unreasonable. Her circumstances are extraordinary, as is the nature of the vampires she has dealt with so far.
So he offers out his right hand, knowing that palmistry is a matter that demands the dominant hand.]
As you see fit.
[There is a good chance that the matter of Alucard's father will come up in the reading. So be it.
Alucard's hand is cool to the touch, pale as the rest of him, and his pulse far slower than any human's should be. But he has explained his origin already. There's no reason to blink at it.]
So he offers out his right hand, knowing that palmistry is a matter that demands the dominant hand.]
As you see fit.
[There is a good chance that the matter of Alucard's father will come up in the reading. So be it.
Alucard's hand is cool to the touch, pale as the rest of him, and his pulse far slower than any human's should be. But he has explained his origin already. There's no reason to blink at it.]
[ The vines grow thicker as he digs down. More numerous, until it becomes clear even through the small hole that this, whatever is here, this is the source of every one of those roses.
Before long, the trowel hits something solid with a hollow, woody sound. ]
Before long, the trowel hits something solid with a hollow, woody sound. ]
I hope that's not a bone.
[Alucard whispers the matter to no one in particular, and he picks his head up for a moment. It feels precarious, how quiet things are. He strains his ears, listening for an approach, but then returns to the thing below.
He uses the trowel's edge to brush of a little bit of dirt. Not a bone, not a bone, not a bone please...]
[Alucard whispers the matter to no one in particular, and he picks his head up for a moment. It feels precarious, how quiet things are. He strains his ears, listening for an approach, but then returns to the thing below.
He uses the trowel's edge to brush of a little bit of dirt. Not a bone, not a bone, not a bone please...]
[ It’s not a bone. It’s a cluster of roots, scorched and knotted together into what looks like the top of a lumpy, hollow shape. The shape is fairly large, maybe a third of Alucard’s height across. ]
That's different.
[Alucard uses the trowel to gently poke at the lumpy hollow shape. Touching it is a bad idea. But if this thing reacts, well, that tells him a lot.]
[Alucard uses the trowel to gently poke at the lumpy hollow shape. Touching it is a bad idea. But if this thing reacts, well, that tells him a lot.]
[ It doesn’t react. But it’s solid, and the sound of the trowel hitting it echoes, and since Alucard has bat hearimg it’s clear from the way the sound bounces that There’s something in there. ]
[Alucard doesn't want to break it open. It could impact the environment and make the grounds unliveable. That's unacceptable, and so Alucard crouches there, staring at the whole damn thing like that will finally reveal the secret within.
...And it does. Alucard extends his nails and scribbles something madly into the dirt. An illumination spell, an attempt to get a sense of what's inside. An x-ray.]
Let's see...
...And it does. Alucard extends his nails and scribbles something madly into the dirt. An illumination spell, an attempt to get a sense of what's inside. An x-ray.]
Let's see...
[ The magic moves through the thing in the same way that the sound had, bouncing over surfaces to give a picture of the inside of the know of roots.
It’s distorted, hard and brittle where softer skin ought to be, and curled in upon itself, but it’s a body. Three of them, to be exact. Two very small and one larger. The larger of the three hangs in the centre of the thing, suspended by vines. The source of all of them.
In the distance, something heavy scrapes over the ground. The hunt is over. ]
It’s distorted, hard and brittle where softer skin ought to be, and curled in upon itself, but it’s a body. Three of them, to be exact. Two very small and one larger. The larger of the three hangs in the centre of the thing, suspended by vines. The source of all of them.
In the distance, something heavy scrapes over the ground. The hunt is over. ]
[He offers his hand and she knows that it is not an easy thing to do if he believes in what she can do. But in this dark and murky world that they both travel in doubt isn't always something one struggles with.
He offers his hand and she takes it with a hand that is also cool but for a different reason. As she gazes at him, focusing, the touch between them warms. As she gives over to her bittersweet gift her gaze goes through him, traveling back, back through the years and all the breaths from then till now.
The emotions come first, slow. Then the visuals, slow. Then it is all there and in shrieking high clarity; an intensity that comes with a being not fully human. His words, the truth he spoke - all there. Then the sight of Dracula's furry is terrifying beyond all words as the conflict between the two. Vanessa drops his hand like it is scalding liquid, rearing back, chest heaving, eyes rolling. A bead of sweat rolls slowly down the small of her back. Unable to speak she nods quickly that she know he speaks true.]
He offers his hand and she takes it with a hand that is also cool but for a different reason. As she gazes at him, focusing, the touch between them warms. As she gives over to her bittersweet gift her gaze goes through him, traveling back, back through the years and all the breaths from then till now.
The emotions come first, slow. Then the visuals, slow. Then it is all there and in shrieking high clarity; an intensity that comes with a being not fully human. His words, the truth he spoke - all there. Then the sight of Dracula's furry is terrifying beyond all words as the conflict between the two. Vanessa drops his hand like it is scalding liquid, rearing back, chest heaving, eyes rolling. A bead of sweat rolls slowly down the small of her back. Unable to speak she nods quickly that she know he speaks true.]
[Alucard frowns. Three small humans, much like a bundle of fetuses. He isn't sure what it means, his only thought is of mandrake roots and how they supposedly look like humans.
But Alucard hears Trevor's approach, and so he replaces the dirt as quickly as he can. Tamps it down. Replaces the furs. And for good measure he withdraws from being inside the fireplace, but not removing himself from the den's area. There are still tools he's dropped, and so when Trevor returns?
The vampire is on his hands and knees, scooping up another scattered tool.]
But Alucard hears Trevor's approach, and so he replaces the dirt as quickly as he can. Tamps it down. Replaces the furs. And for good measure he withdraws from being inside the fireplace, but not removing himself from the den's area. There are still tools he's dropped, and so when Trevor returns?
The vampire is on his hands and knees, scooping up another scattered tool.]
[ The scraping stops, and Trevor stalks in. He looks around at what’s happening before picking up a dropped work glove in his jaws, bringing it to Alucard. ]
You’ll need to make more of the medicine.
[ It’s one of Vlad’s inventions, if one dedicated to Lisa. A medicine for the sicknesses caused by proximity to the night creatures. He’s been bringing back the bodies of late, so that Alucard can take samples to brew it, before heading back to put that medicine into whatever water supplies the might creatures have tainted.
For the moment, at least, Alucard is off the hook.. ]
You’ll need to make more of the medicine.
[ It’s one of Vlad’s inventions, if one dedicated to Lisa. A medicine for the sicknesses caused by proximity to the night creatures. He’s been bringing back the bodies of late, so that Alucard can take samples to brew it, before heading back to put that medicine into whatever water supplies the might creatures have tainted.
For the moment, at least, Alucard is off the hook.. ]
How large a batch?
[Alucard does take the work glove, but he brushes against Trevor's fur before he puts it on. It's a thing he's trying, petting the bear every so often.]
Are they intensifying?
[Alucard does take the work glove, but he brushes against Trevor's fur before he puts it on. It's a thing he's trying, petting the bear every so often.]
Are they intensifying?
[Alucard keeps his hand rock steady. Doesn't flinch. Doesn't react even as he can feel the deepest, darkest memories stir to life in his own mind. He has lived with them for so very long now that they have little power over him.
But he knows the intensity of the memories. When Vanessa reacts as she does, letting go of his hand, he withdraws it slowly.]
I'll put the kettle on for tea if you'd like a few moments alone.
[He's figured out the tea thing pretty fast, being not English and all.]
But he knows the intensity of the memories. When Vanessa reacts as she does, letting go of his hand, he withdraws it slowly.]
I'll put the kettle on for tea if you'd like a few moments alone.
[He's figured out the tea thing pretty fast, being not English and all.]
[More nods and then finally she finds her voice, quiet and thankful.]
Yes, I would be most grateful, Mr. Tepes.
[Damnation, if she could only find a way to steady her heart. The time alone to collect herself is also gratefully appreciated.]
Yes, I would be most grateful, Mr. Tepes.
[Damnation, if she could only find a way to steady her heart. The time alone to collect herself is also gratefully appreciated.]
Of course.
[Alucard exits quietly and neatly, as if none of this has happened. It is only once he is in the kitchen, with the kettle set upon the stove and the burner going that he finally lets out a deep exhale that he had been holding in.
Sorting through the residual emotions is for later. In private. Nothing that needs to be done here or now, because it's hardly the point. So he focuses on getting tea cups and tea leaves and the tea pot and all the little accoutrements that are demanded for tea.
It takes ten minutes in all. More than is strictly needed for tea, but it seems important all the same.
The set that Alucard carries out on a lacquer tray is simple. White bone china with golden colored (but not true gold) handles, tea leaves and their strainers set atop the cups, and an equally plain tea pot beside them. The sugar bowl and cream pitcher are a deep blue glass rather than the same fine china.
Alucard sets them down, but doesn't settle himself. He instead goes to the fireplace, realizing how smouldering it is. A few logs are fed, and then poked and prodded at with the poker.]
[Alucard exits quietly and neatly, as if none of this has happened. It is only once he is in the kitchen, with the kettle set upon the stove and the burner going that he finally lets out a deep exhale that he had been holding in.
Sorting through the residual emotions is for later. In private. Nothing that needs to be done here or now, because it's hardly the point. So he focuses on getting tea cups and tea leaves and the tea pot and all the little accoutrements that are demanded for tea.
It takes ten minutes in all. More than is strictly needed for tea, but it seems important all the same.
The set that Alucard carries out on a lacquer tray is simple. White bone china with golden colored (but not true gold) handles, tea leaves and their strainers set atop the cups, and an equally plain tea pot beside them. The sugar bowl and cream pitcher are a deep blue glass rather than the same fine china.
Alucard sets them down, but doesn't settle himself. He instead goes to the fireplace, realizing how smouldering it is. A few logs are fed, and then poked and prodded at with the poker.]
[Vanessa has not moved from her spot on the couch since he left. There has been shifting of course, she is not made of stone, but to lift ones self up and move about seems like such a Herculean task that she has not attempted it.
After her breathing eased her mind went blessedly blank, lured perhaps by the simple crackle pop of the slowly dying fire and the common noises of the London street. Soothing in the way only human noises can be, a loose tether to reality.
By the time he returns she has the forethought and energy for a brief smile and the familiar task of preparing tea.]
One of the first things I managed to accomplish on my own when I was released from the asylum was to prepare a cup of tea. I couldn't recall how I took it at first, that came later. How do you take yours, Mr. Tepes?
After her breathing eased her mind went blessedly blank, lured perhaps by the simple crackle pop of the slowly dying fire and the common noises of the London street. Soothing in the way only human noises can be, a loose tether to reality.
By the time he returns she has the forethought and energy for a brief smile and the familiar task of preparing tea.]
One of the first things I managed to accomplish on my own when I was released from the asylum was to prepare a cup of tea. I couldn't recall how I took it at first, that came later. How do you take yours, Mr. Tepes?
[Asylum.
That feels like a deeper thing that wouldn't be shared in most company. Alucard does not know how to acknowledge that, but he understands it is important to have shared at all.]
Black with one sugar, please.
[He fusses with the fireplace for a few moments more, then finally makes his way back to his chair and their little conversation corner.]
That feels like a deeper thing that wouldn't be shared in most company. Alucard does not know how to acknowledge that, but he understands it is important to have shared at all.]
Black with one sugar, please.
[He fusses with the fireplace for a few moments more, then finally makes his way back to his chair and their little conversation corner.]
[An offering, like his to leave and make tea. A peek into the insides after a look at his. Information not freely, easily given.
She pours his first, deftly handling the teapot, the delicate tongs for the cube of sugar. The composure of a woman of title and breeding.
Then her own. Vanessa lets the silence sit till she has her first sip of tea. Shocking how such a simple thing can be so stabilizing.]
Thank you for allowing me a moment, Mr. Tepes. That was a series of very difficult conversations, I appreciate your honesty and understanding.
She pours his first, deftly handling the teapot, the delicate tongs for the cube of sugar. The composure of a woman of title and breeding.
Then her own. Vanessa lets the silence sit till she has her first sip of tea. Shocking how such a simple thing can be so stabilizing.]
Thank you for allowing me a moment, Mr. Tepes. That was a series of very difficult conversations, I appreciate your honesty and understanding.
Of course. But I trust that my nature will remain between us.
[It's the only thing he'll ever insist upon. London may be large, and there may be comfort in the fact it is easier to hide among the masses, but Alucard knows better than to bank on just that fact.
He only holds the tea, for in truth the point was to focus on Vanessa rather than himself. He takes precious comfort in the stuff, but when in England...]
[It's the only thing he'll ever insist upon. London may be large, and there may be comfort in the fact it is easier to hide among the masses, but Alucard knows better than to bank on just that fact.
He only holds the tea, for in truth the point was to focus on Vanessa rather than himself. He takes precious comfort in the stuff, but when in England...]
[ He makes a soft noise, like an exhale but louder, leaning into the contact. He's started to be used to it, by now. The touching, that strange warmth that he doesn't deserve. ]
No more so than they usually do this time of year. Come summer, most of them will have moved on. I shouldn't need more than last time.
[ Then he raises his head to sniff at the air. Something seems wrong. ]
No more so than they usually do this time of year. Come summer, most of them will have moved on. I shouldn't need more than last time.
[ Then he raises his head to sniff at the air. Something seems wrong. ]
[Skritchy skritchy. It's cute, in it's way, although Alucard would never dare to voice that thought.]
Understood. I'll get right on it.
[Shit. Alucard doesn't freeze up, but he does sigh in an apologetic tone.]
Some of the tools rolled into your den and wedged themselves under your furs. I apologize.
Understood. I'll get right on it.
[Shit. Alucard doesn't freeze up, but he does sigh in an apologetic tone.]
Some of the tools rolled into your den and wedged themselves under your furs. I apologize.
[ He tilts his head. ]
Did you find them?
[ Then he turns and enters the den, pawing at the furs to feel for anything underneath them to make sure he can return the tools. And then freezes. Something is wrong. Something is very wrong.
Every flower in the area turns to face Alucard. When he next speaks, it comes out as a growl. ]
What did you do?
Did you find them?
[ Then he turns and enters the den, pawing at the furs to feel for anything underneath them to make sure he can return the tools. And then freezes. Something is wrong. Something is very wrong.
Every flower in the area turns to face Alucard. When he next speaks, it comes out as a growl. ]
What did you do?
[Them. So Trevor has known what he lies on top of to some degree.
Alucard knows better than to lie. He never did it in front of his father, and he won't do it now. It'll ruin everything, but better truth be the destruction than a lie.]
I only found them. Did nothing else. Returned dirt to where it was. No finger even brushed over that hollow form.
[He stays so still.]
Who are they, Belmont?
Alucard knows better than to lie. He never did it in front of his father, and he won't do it now. It'll ruin everything, but better truth be the destruction than a lie.]
I only found them. Did nothing else. Returned dirt to where it was. No finger even brushed over that hollow form.
[He stays so still.]
Who are they, Belmont?
[ The only answer that Alucard receives is a low snarl, and that itself is the only warning he receives before he's being charged down by a bear. He launches itself at Alucard, all claws and fangs, as thorny vines stretch out to block off every exit but the way to Alucard's own wing. ]
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