![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Somewhere warm.
(Which is to say that the castle will direct them where they need to be.
It is a sitting room attached to Alucard's royal suite. The one with overly plush sofas and a roaring fire. It is there that Alucard parks them both. Drags Trevor into his arms and stays there.)
Mmmm.
Il giorno martedì 14 gennaio 2020, miraclewhip - DW Comment < dw_null@dreamwidth.org> ha scritto:
[ And so he's here. Half sitting, half leaning against Alucard. And he's happy. Really, truly happy. Still scared, still a little ashamed, partly infuriated that it was that easy. But mostly, happy. He's missed this. Missed the contact. Missed Alucard's own contentedness about it.
He's still certain that staying away would have been the right thing to do. But being here in Alucard's presence, knowing for sure that he's happy, presents a convincing argument. Or maybe it's just nice enough that it's hard to care that it isn't the right thing. ]
You'll tell me. The second this isn't right. The second this is- disgusting. The second you don't want me here anymore. You'll tell me?
And I'll just- assume that you're happy for me to stay until you do.
He's still certain that staying away would have been the right thing to do. But being here in Alucard's presence, knowing for sure that he's happy, presents a convincing argument. Or maybe it's just nice enough that it's hard to care that it isn't the right thing. ]
You'll tell me. The second this isn't right. The second this is- disgusting. The second you don't want me here anymore. You'll tell me?
And I'll just- assume that you're happy for me to stay until you do.
If I'm ever unhappy, you'll know.
[He doesn't shush Trevor. He wants to, but this moment is so much more important.
With a wave of his fingers, a blanket floats over, wrapping around them both.]
But I have you. How can I be unhappy?
[He doesn't shush Trevor. He wants to, but this moment is so much more important.
With a wave of his fingers, a blanket floats over, wrapping around them both.]
But I have you. How can I be unhappy?
Oh, I think we'll find all sorts of ways to be miserable. World is good at that shit.
[ He tugs the blanket a little tighter. Just like before. Just like before, just- moreso, maybe. In a few ways. Carefully, almost experimentally, he kisses Alucard's cheek. ]
Just not tonight.
[ He tugs the blanket a little tighter. Just like before. Just like before, just- moreso, maybe. In a few ways. Carefully, almost experimentally, he kisses Alucard's cheek. ]
Just not tonight.
[Trantoul must control it's bold priests. You know very well that they will consider their next step to be crossing our borders, and we will dispatch of them with no mercy. Tonight, reflect on how to manage yours and how we can help.
For now, let us dine.
That had been the end of negotiations for the day. Trantoul's priests at the border were doing everything but crossing over that line to convert people to the ways of the Unnamed Saint. They were bold, and Theodora knew they had backers within the government that saw Alucard's temporary reign as a way to regain land. This meeting was meant to prevent all of that, and so they had three days to make it all go away.
It demanded a formal dinner. Alucard at the very head of the table. Theodora, as ambassador to Trantoul, was to his right. Trevor sat as his left, and the food served was perfectly human. Hearty. Wallachia had good farms but it was still early spring, meaning the bounty was not in full yet. But they could offer wild boar as a center piece to the table, speaking over that and cups of wine as perfect humans.
Tension remains because of course it does. Trevor's presence offends several of them, but Theodora had opened the meeting by reminding them all that Trevor's appointment was at Dracula's pleasure, not that of his son.
Alucard is quiet as he takes another sip of his wine, ears keenly attuned to a discussion being held at the far end of the table.]
For now, let us dine.
That had been the end of negotiations for the day. Trantoul's priests at the border were doing everything but crossing over that line to convert people to the ways of the Unnamed Saint. They were bold, and Theodora knew they had backers within the government that saw Alucard's temporary reign as a way to regain land. This meeting was meant to prevent all of that, and so they had three days to make it all go away.
It demanded a formal dinner. Alucard at the very head of the table. Theodora, as ambassador to Trantoul, was to his right. Trevor sat as his left, and the food served was perfectly human. Hearty. Wallachia had good farms but it was still early spring, meaning the bounty was not in full yet. But they could offer wild boar as a center piece to the table, speaking over that and cups of wine as perfect humans.
Tension remains because of course it does. Trevor's presence offends several of them, but Theodora had opened the meeting by reminding them all that Trevor's appointment was at Dracula's pleasure, not that of his son.
Alucard is quiet as he takes another sip of his wine, ears keenly attuned to a discussion being held at the far end of the table.]
[ He eats.
The food is Wallachian, but it isn't without meaning in Trantoul's culture. The boar is traditionally a food of nobles, a beast well suited to people with powerful magic or who can hire someone else to kill it for them. They're more common in Wallachia, with local vampires wanting to ensure the humans under their protection are well fed on rich meat. Everything else is considered more peasant fare than what the visitors might be used to. Wallachia has no concerns about the use of offal in the human food of all classes, and far more more aversion to waste than to eating a meal less prettily presented than it ought to be. Such attitudes in Trantoul are looked down upon among those who can afford it.
...which is to say there's a statement being made here. Very few things are accidental when it comes to dinners like these, and he and Theodora had a long discussion with the staff brought in to cook yesterday. Wallachian food. Trantoul peasant food. It's not an insult, not unless they choose to take it as such, but a statement. That Wallachia is its own land with its own ways, and that they will not compromise.
...some are choosing to take it as such. He is choosing to ignore it and to eat, offal and all. Offal especially, in truth. Supposedly it's important for people who volunteer their blood (Which was a message that was unintended and that hopefully won't be caught), as he will likely be doing in the next few days. ]
Can you tell what they're talking about?
[ Eventually curiosity gets the better of him. His voice is low, but not a whisper. Whispering looks more suspect than the quietness avoids. He gestures to the men who are talking to each other. What started out as anger at the food choice has become a discussion on the fact that while Theodora is abstaining, Alucard is actually eating the food. Speculation about his diet, about whether under their laws he's more or less human than Theodora. About where blood comes from, if he isn't sustained by the food alone. ]
The food is Wallachian, but it isn't without meaning in Trantoul's culture. The boar is traditionally a food of nobles, a beast well suited to people with powerful magic or who can hire someone else to kill it for them. They're more common in Wallachia, with local vampires wanting to ensure the humans under their protection are well fed on rich meat. Everything else is considered more peasant fare than what the visitors might be used to. Wallachia has no concerns about the use of offal in the human food of all classes, and far more more aversion to waste than to eating a meal less prettily presented than it ought to be. Such attitudes in Trantoul are looked down upon among those who can afford it.
...which is to say there's a statement being made here. Very few things are accidental when it comes to dinners like these, and he and Theodora had a long discussion with the staff brought in to cook yesterday. Wallachian food. Trantoul peasant food. It's not an insult, not unless they choose to take it as such, but a statement. That Wallachia is its own land with its own ways, and that they will not compromise.
...some are choosing to take it as such. He is choosing to ignore it and to eat, offal and all. Offal especially, in truth. Supposedly it's important for people who volunteer their blood (Which was a message that was unintended and that hopefully won't be caught), as he will likely be doing in the next few days. ]
Can you tell what they're talking about?
[ Eventually curiosity gets the better of him. His voice is low, but not a whisper. Whispering looks more suspect than the quietness avoids. He gestures to the men who are talking to each other. What started out as anger at the food choice has become a discussion on the fact that while Theodora is abstaining, Alucard is actually eating the food. Speculation about his diet, about whether under their laws he's more or less human than Theodora. About where blood comes from, if he isn't sustained by the food alone. ]
They're divining the meaning of entrails.
[It's clever, but it isn't inaccurate either. Alucard had trusted the other two and the cook with the menu, and the fruits of it are excellent. A design to let the delegation focus on stupid, petty slights that may or may not be intended rather than discussing what they're all really there to deal with.
Alucard's ear twitches ever so slightly, narrowing in.]
And why our ambassador has chosen not to eat as we are. Apparently someone fakes the nutritional value of human food when she's left to her own devices.]
I rather wish they weren't so invested in their legal definition of humanity though. It seems poor dinner discussion among this company.
[It's clever, but it isn't inaccurate either. Alucard had trusted the other two and the cook with the menu, and the fruits of it are excellent. A design to let the delegation focus on stupid, petty slights that may or may not be intended rather than discussing what they're all really there to deal with.
Alucard's ear twitches ever so slightly, narrowing in.]
And why our ambassador has chosen not to eat as we are. Apparently someone fakes the nutritional value of human food when she's left to her own devices.]
I rather wish they weren't so invested in their legal definition of humanity though. It seems poor dinner discussion among this company.
[ A snort of laughter, which he just about manages to swallow back. ]
They think that's just what we do over here?
[ Contrary to popular belief, there are very few entrails involved in dark and forbidden magic. But that doesn't stop gossip and storytelling, does it? He turns his attention to Theodora, who is pointedly not eating. ]
You know as well as I do that she only loves the pretty little cakes for their looks. I suppose they hadn't figured it out.
[ He goes on, enough to earn a glance from Theodora, who one cannot speak of without sharp ears hearing it. But he's not the only one talking. The conversation continues, continuing on to the topic of the source of the blood.
It is, of course, why the King keeps the Belmont in his court. To keep his son well-fed. I wonder, will we have to watch the cask being opened at the table. ]
They think that's just what we do over here?
[ Contrary to popular belief, there are very few entrails involved in dark and forbidden magic. But that doesn't stop gossip and storytelling, does it? He turns his attention to Theodora, who is pointedly not eating. ]
You know as well as I do that she only loves the pretty little cakes for their looks. I suppose they hadn't figured it out.
[ He goes on, enough to earn a glance from Theodora, who one cannot speak of without sharp ears hearing it. But he's not the only one talking. The conversation continues, continuing on to the topic of the source of the blood.
It is, of course, why the King keeps the Belmont in his court. To keep his son well-fed. I wonder, will we have to watch the cask being opened at the table. ]
They're the magic users, and yet...
[He smiles very thinly, aware it's a joke and actually it isn't terribly funny. Alucard just lets Theodora take Trevor's comment, and that? That gets a laugh.]
Obviously. Maybe they'll get the clue at dessert. The chef and I had very detailed discussions about decoration after you left, Belmont.
[Because of course she did. While she speaks of dessert, Alucard's ears remain fixed on the conversation down the table, and his face sets into something firmer.]
Mm. Now the inevitable speculation.
They'll approve of the sugar flowers, at least.
[ He can feel Theodora's gaze. Someone's going to be subjected to a conversation on why sugar flowers are good and deserving of respect later. Worth it.
Perhaps I was wrong to take offense that he has a seat here. It is, at least, more proper than if they laid him out on the table with the rest of the meal.
Trevor cant quite catch the individual conversation over the hum of all the others, but he tenses as Alucard does. He doesn't quite understand that he's being spoken about, but he can tell that they've hit a nerve for Alucard. ]
That bad?
[ He can feel Theodora's gaze. Someone's going to be subjected to a conversation on why sugar flowers are good and deserving of respect later. Worth it.
Perhaps I was wrong to take offense that he has a seat here. It is, at least, more proper than if they laid him out on the table with the rest of the meal.
Trevor cant quite catch the individual conversation over the hum of all the others, but he tenses as Alucard does. He doesn't quite understand that he's being spoken about, but he can tell that they've hit a nerve for Alucard. ]
That bad?
They better. I ended up helping make them because the attention to detail will infuriate them.
[Theodora's true past time is entertaining. This counts, and it's so much more fun to fuss over flowers than actual matters of state.
Alucard's face grows more serious as the conversation continues, freezing into something that would look better on his father. It is a look that Theodora clocks onto, and she shakes her head.]
Not worth it.
[At the same time Alucard replies:] Very much so. Any point where people are only placed on the food chain is That Bad.
Ah, that bullshit. [ He corrects himself before Theodora can respond. ] Ah, that.
[ He waves a hand dismissively. ]
She's right. Not worth it. They want you angry, Adrian. If they get a rise out of you here, they can hold it against you at negotiations. Get better terms. Pretend that they're protecting the people on the border from your temper.
[ Dracula wouldn't let a slight go, but Dracula had the strength to turn armies away if he needed to. Alucard doesn't. The scorched earth, 'I do what I want' style of negotiating won't serve them here. ]
[ He waves a hand dismissively. ]
She's right. Not worth it. They want you angry, Adrian. If they get a rise out of you here, they can hold it against you at negotiations. Get better terms. Pretend that they're protecting the people on the border from your temper.
[ Dracula wouldn't let a slight go, but Dracula had the strength to turn armies away if he needed to. Alucard doesn't. The scorched earth, 'I do what I want' style of negotiating won't serve them here. ]
[Theodora pauses though. Considers. Smirks.]
But this would be the right opportunity for head games.
But this would be the right opportunity for head games.
I think I can manage that.
[ Under the table, his hand goes to Alucard's knee. Squeezes, then lets go. ]
With your leave, my prince?
[ Under the table, his hand goes to Alucard's knee. Squeezes, then lets go. ]
With your leave, my prince?
[Theodora's smile is razor sharp and thin, perhaps a little too gleeful all things considered. That's dangerous, but...
....Alucard nods once, before his eyes move to his cup. Picks it up, then nods at Trevor.]
As you see fit, director.
[That is his title, technically. Director of intelligence. Everyone is a director. Ministers are forbidden in Wallachia, after all.]
....Alucard nods once, before his eyes move to his cup. Picks it up, then nods at Trevor.]
As you see fit, director.
[That is his title, technically. Director of intelligence. Everyone is a director. Ministers are forbidden in Wallachia, after all.]
[ He coughs. ]
I understand that some of you are worried about our Prince's wellbeing. We are, of course, grateful for your concern, but there is no need. Wallachian cuisine serves him as well as it does any of us.
[ Which does, of course, mean 'we chose this as an insult, but if you take it as such then that means you're declaring yourself to be higher than actual royalty, a grave crime in Trantoul'. Then he smirks. ]
He will be taking his second meal tonight, in his own chambers. [ And one perfectly timed pause later. ] Worry not, I will see to it personally.
I understand that some of you are worried about our Prince's wellbeing. We are, of course, grateful for your concern, but there is no need. Wallachian cuisine serves him as well as it does any of us.
[ Which does, of course, mean 'we chose this as an insult, but if you take it as such then that means you're declaring yourself to be higher than actual royalty, a grave crime in Trantoul'. Then he smirks. ]
He will be taking his second meal tonight, in his own chambers. [ And one perfectly timed pause later. ] Worry not, I will see to it personally.
[It is a little fun, watching the faces of Trantoul's delegation struggle to find the right expression. There are little ohs of understanding, a few faces of distaste because Trevor may be a Belmont, but he's still technically of their country, and then there's the two at the very end of the table who look mortified at being called out.
Alucard's face is ice cold. Theodora's lips, hidden behind a napkin, have become :333.
Now is the correct time to dismiss themselves. Dessert will be served as a small banquet that is being set now at the end of the hall, but a good fifteen minutes makes life easier for dhampir and kitchen staff alike.
Alucard rises, and exits the hall. The castle, good thing that it is, has the door open directly into Alucard's room and the living room/library that overlooks the endless mountains.]
Alucard's face is ice cold. Theodora's lips, hidden behind a napkin, have become :333.
Now is the correct time to dismiss themselves. Dessert will be served as a small banquet that is being set now at the end of the hall, but a good fifteen minutes makes life easier for dhampir and kitchen staff alike.
Alucard rises, and exits the hall. The castle, good thing that it is, has the door open directly into Alucard's room and the living room/library that overlooks the endless mountains.]
[ He follows Alucard, letting Theodora attend to her own business and the delegation to whatever their imaginations summon up.
It's a relief to be here. Not quite so much that he immediately makes contact with Alucard, but enough that his shoulders sink and he lets himself stretch. ]
Did I go too far with that one?
It's a relief to be here. Not quite so much that he immediately makes contact with Alucard, but enough that his shoulders sink and he lets himself stretch. ]
Did I go too far with that one?
[Maybe it's inappropriate for Alucard to grin so wickedly as he does once he takes a seat on the sofa. The contrast of all his formal clothes and crown against being flopped over on the sofa like an exhausted teenager is made only worse as he props his feet up on the coffee table, nearly consumed by the cushions.]
Not at all. I don't know how long you had to look at their muted but horrified faces, but it was there and it was amazing.
[Alucard lifts his head, gesturing Trevor beside him.]
We have fifteen minutes to let them stew. I think the question is should we have you with a visible bandage or not.
Not at all. I don't know how long you had to look at their muted but horrified faces, but it was there and it was amazing.
[Alucard lifts his head, gesturing Trevor beside him.]
We have fifteen minutes to let them stew. I think the question is should we have you with a visible bandage or not.
Envy your eyesight, sometimes.
[ He sits on the floor next to the sofa, leaning his arms against the cushions of it and his head against his arms to look up at Alucard. ]
Well, if we're going to need them later on anyway, no harm in having them there already.
[ He sits on the floor next to the sofa, leaning his arms against the cushions of it and his head against his arms to look up at Alucard. ]
Well, if we're going to need them later on anyway, no harm in having them there already.
[WHY FLORR. Alucard grumbles, then leans down all the way so he can at least kiss Trevor's forehead.]
Hmmmm.
Well, if we don't, it invites curiosity about myself and you. Perhaps you've gained new powers in your time here. That might alarm them.
Hmmmm.
Well, if we don't, it invites curiosity about myself and you. Perhaps you've gained new powers in your time here. That might alarm them.
[ He likes florr! But he also likes kisses and kisses are easier up there on sofa, so that's a problem. ]
Bandages sounds like the safer option. We want to fuck with their heads a little, not make Theodora's life too difficult. I imagine it'd stop being funny for her sometime around the seventh time she has to explain that I've not been turned.
Should I get them?
Bandages sounds like the safer option. We want to fuck with their heads a little, not make Theodora's life too difficult. I imagine it'd stop being funny for her sometime around the seventh time she has to explain that I've not been turned.
Should I get them?
[So GET UP HERE Belmont!!!]
True, and we need her more than ever.
[Alucard pauses, waving his hand lazily.]
In a few minutes. I think we've earned that much.
True, and we need her more than ever.
[Alucard pauses, waving his hand lazily.]
In a few minutes. I think we've earned that much.
We have.
[ Fine, FINE. He pulls himself up onto sofa, and it's squishy and not as solid-feeling as florr. But there's a boyfriend here so that's nice. ]
Don't let them get under your skin. They want you angry. This? This is better.
[ Fine, FINE. He pulls himself up onto sofa, and it's squishy and not as solid-feeling as florr. But there's a boyfriend here so that's nice. ]
Don't let them get under your skin. They want you angry. This? This is better.
Oh, if only all affairs of state involved a kissing break.
[Because that's what's happening right now, Trevor Belmont.
Alucard leans over, lips light against Trevor's own. He doesn't dare move forward, but one hand rests on Trevor's chest. Plays with the fabric.]
You're okay being around them?
[Because that's what's happening right now, Trevor Belmont.
Alucard leans over, lips light against Trevor's own. He doesn't dare move forward, but one hand rests on Trevor's chest. Plays with the fabric.]
You're okay being around them?
Page 140 of 199
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
- 136
- 137
- 138
- 139
- 140
- 141
- 142
- 143
- 144
- 145
- 146
- 147
- 148
- 149
- 150
- 151
- 152
- 153
- 154
- 155
- 156
- 157
- 158
- 159
- 160
- 161
- 162
- 163
- 164
- 165
- 166
- 167
- 168
- 169
- 170
- 171
- 172
- 173
- 174
- 175
- 176
- 177
- 178
- 179
- 180
- 181
- 182
- 183
- 184
- 185
- 186
- 187
- 188
- 189
- 190
- 191
- 192
- 193
- 194
- 195
- 196
- 197
- 198
- 199
- »
Page 140 of 199