Speak plainly. 'Why did I not do what you failed to?' That's what you mean, isn't it?
[Adrian cannot know the length and depth of how completely unqualified Hector is to act as a counselor to anyone. He's never loved anyone, only lost the parents he'd killed for their abuse, and his view of humanity is 'best avoided, though no need to go out of the way to be cruel'. Asking why he didn't understand Dracula's grief is like asking a fish about the finer points of flight.]
I could not have stopped him if I had tried. I didn't try. Causalities were unavoidable, but I could try to direct the forces in such a way to reduce them, rather than letting the vampires run free and make a sport of it. I chose poorly, and even more poorly when I believed that bitch who said Dracula would be better relieved of his command.
[He's still kneeling when Adrian rises, finally able to collect his dog from vampiric clutches. Cesar's little body is warm when he jumps into Hector's arms, in a reanimated life rather than undeath.]
Forging is my reason for living, and I am going to have to abandon it. That's the price of my crimes. If you wish to add some penance above that, do it and be quick about it. Otherwise, I'm taking my pets and leaving.
no subject
[Adrian cannot know the length and depth of how completely unqualified Hector is to act as a counselor to anyone. He's never loved anyone, only lost the parents he'd killed for their abuse, and his view of humanity is 'best avoided, though no need to go out of the way to be cruel'. Asking why he didn't understand Dracula's grief is like asking a fish about the finer points of flight.]
I could not have stopped him if I had tried. I didn't try. Causalities were unavoidable, but I could try to direct the forces in such a way to reduce them, rather than letting the vampires run free and make a sport of it. I chose poorly, and even more poorly when I believed that bitch who said Dracula would be better relieved of his command.
[He's still kneeling when Adrian rises, finally able to collect his dog from vampiric clutches. Cesar's little body is warm when he jumps into Hector's arms, in a reanimated life rather than undeath.]
Forging is my reason for living, and I am going to have to abandon it. That's the price of my crimes. If you wish to add some penance above that, do it and be quick about it. Otherwise, I'm taking my pets and leaving.