[Hector, if you were like this more often Alucard would genuinely enjoy your company. Such as it is, looks like he just has to get you near dad first.]
Money, most of the times. Power? That's the real thing. Your father having the position that he does is what has mortals and the night world willing to play dice. I mean, vampires think they'll outsmart any human, so take that as you will but--
[He shrugs. Clearly Hector needs to be with more peers than just vampires though, and it isn't as if there's a dearth of families that truck in magic in the area. There's a thought, and Alucard has people he ought to catch up with anyway.
Alucard turns all the way around, peering into the back.]
There's a blanket to your right. That should be enough, I think.
[Hector retrieves the blanket and wraps up a wiggling, whining pug. Cezar should be used to it by now, but he always treats 'hide from the humans' like a game of 'peekaboo'. Lucky they don't have far to walk.]
Power has too much responsibility with it. My father wastes so much time, playing at politics. Don't know how he gets any real work done.
[He scoops up the bundle of dog and opens the door.]
Anyways, I must go back to the dragons' den. Til tomorrow night. I'll expect the snacks to be of exceptional quality.
[Duh? Alucard knows that who you delegate to is the one who gets the work done. That's his job, after all. At least watching the dog bundle is a delight.]
When are they not?
[He's faux-insulted, but that is a rather nice challenge.
It means that come tomorrow, the snacks are extra. The dhampir has mostly stuck to his usual offerings, but he's added baklava made from scratch to the offerings, and he lurks near the tray, seemingly in wait for Hector.
Moreover, there's a few new faces present. Not vampires, that much is sure, and they seem to stick closer to Alucard and among themselves rather than interacting with some of the more usual visitors.
(Lenore's also present, and there are a few Looks with her and the dhampir. That's probably nothing.)]
[Since when has Hector noticed interpersonal interactions? He's got vague memories of unloading all of his secrets on Alucard the day before, and he's keeping his head down today to prevent any more humiliation.
He's got his second best robes and hat on (he's not looking forward to the lecture he's going to get whenever his parents realize he lost his best clothes, the ones he'd worn to meet Lord Dracula), and he avoids the mingling going on in the main parlor. The snack bar is usually the safest option for when he's not feeling sociable. The arrangement of food is immaculate, as always. It must be a point of pride for Alucard at this point.
He picks at the offerings until he gets to the end and finds both the baklava and the dhampir who made it. Shit, busted.]
[Hector takes a square of the baklava and pops it into his mouth. Chews, swallows, licks his lips, and immediately adds three more squares to his plate. He doesn't meet Alucard's eyes as he licks the honey off of his fingertips.]
It's not bad.
[If any damned vampires try to finish it off before he can get more, he's going to sic a night creature on them. So maybe a little better than 'not bad', in fact.]
I can take them tonight. But, ummm... you're not getting your blanket back. It's Cezar's new favorite bed, and he's already chewed two of the corners to rags.
Sorry. I'll get you a new blanket. Where'd you get the old one?
[He could try to get the thing away from Cezar, but the pug was fixated on it, and Hector didn't fancy listening to him whine for days if Hector took it from him.
He looks around, finally noticing the extra guests. They don't read as especially monstrous to him, though his senses usually aren't fine-tuned for much more than 'undead or not'.]
Oh? Do they have an interest in necrobiology? [He assumes they must care about his work if Alucard is making an indirect introduction like this.]
Don't worry about it. [Because it was a really fucking expensive blanket, and Alucard's not going to make Hector repay that cost. Cezar is welcome to it, because Cezar is the best dog and Alucard will always indulge the pug.
A thin smile plays across Alucard's lips in response.]
One or two. But they all have a broad interest in magic, and are inclined to talk about their own arts as well.
[His interest perks up. Hector is only able to perform his brand of forgery, but the theory behind other magics is a fascinating point of discussion. Most spellcasters tend to be tight-lipped about their secrets, so to find a group willing to share is a rare opportunity.]
Do you think they'd be open to speaking with me after the lecture? I'm curious to know more.
For as long as I can manage before I must put the second round of snacks out.
[It's more of the current spread, but things still have to be replenished. Alucard already knows he has done the right thing though. The look on Hector's face confirms it.]
Yes, actually. No one here, but... there's a reason I have to hide him when I go out.
[Also, his parents fucking hate Cezar, but the first time his dad had tried to harm the pug, Hector had lit the parlor on fire. There'd been a few days of terse standoffs where night creatures had circled the house, pushing against the wards each night, costing his father an exorbitant amount of money to keep refreshing the spells. Finally, he'd declared that he didn't want to see the dog anywhere, which had meant Hector could keep him, provided he kept him out of sight.
So Hector is cautious about exactly one thing in life, and that is his dog's safety.]
[Alucard says it simply, because it's true. They're judging only on (admittedly concerning) appearances, and missing out on a wonderful creature.
The dhampir's eyes go towards the looming grandfather clock in the corner of the room, the face of it painted like a night sky. His gaze then returns to Hector.]
Five minutes out. I need to go attend to a few other things before I introduce you properly. You're ready, I trust?
[Alucard departs, but there's no run to the kitchens. There are instead a few quick hellos to late arrivals, straightening of chairs, guiding people to seats, and then? Then it's introductions.
He goes through the usual bits: on behalf of my father, welcome. Dracula's name is never said in these moments, but it doesn't have to be. Everyone knows whose house this is. There's the reminder of the rules of conduct, and then he introduces Hector.
That too is a little rehashed, but Hector has spoken so many times that the dhampir has no need to say more. He only ever speaks of the man's credentials, never his family's influence, and the focus is always the work.
Then steps aside, permitting Hector to take the stage. The dhampir sits in the back as he always does - it lets him monitor the room - but that's where all the new faces are. Faces that aren't sure how much they want to interact with the regulars, but they're interested as Hector begins to speak.]
[Ok, so with the extra eyes on him, Hector pulls out all of the stops. He'd been saving a particularly interesting experiment for when he really needed to show up Isaac, but he speaks on it now. The vampires in the audience are stirring with excitement, but he isn't lecturing for them.
He goes a few minutes over time, and to has promise to bring a 'live' specimen next week to stop the crowd from asking a hundred questions. When he manages to placate the usuals, he slips past them in search of Alucard and his guests.]
[Alucard watches with his usual polite interest, even thought necromancy continues to not be his thing. Mostly his eyes are on his guests. Some are focused on the topic. A few are bored, but are enjoying the surroundings. Roughly a 60-40 split, and Alucard couldn't be more satisfied with that.
He leaves as the q&a begins, ensuring a refreshed snack table when Hector concludes. But unlike most times, when he hovers at the table, tonight he's more social. When Hector finds him, he's speaking to a witch in particular.
It was an introduction he wanted to make anyway. Alucard's smile is soft when Hector approaches.]
[Posturing? A little. But he's got a group of witches to impress, apparently, and also he's genuinely proud that people find his work interesting.]
But if you happened to mention the especial attention this lecture garnered next time you're in earshot of Isaac, it might help, uh, motivate him to greater innovation.
[Alucard fights the urge to roll his eyes at the posturing, but they'll get over that in a moment.]
Doubtlessly. [Just. Pissing contest later. Alucard gestures to the young woman beside him, who clearly isn't thrilled at missing a portion of whatever background this conversation requires. She's dressed plainer than some of the others visiting on Alucard's invitation, but Alucard's not letting onto why.]
Hector, I'd like to introduce you to Rosaly. Her family's from a little further West, with a specialization in combining magic and medicine.
[There's a polite hello, that was an incredibly interesting perspective you got into tonight, and Alucard lingers. He'll fade away in a few moments.]
[Hector turns from Alucard to Rosaly, giving her his full attention for the first time.
She's standing in a room filled with creatures of unearthly beauty, dressed in simple clothes. Her human face has tiny flaws that stand out only by comparison to the perfection of the vampires around her. Her hands, small and delicate, show the signs of use.
And yet...
...and yet suddenly, all of the air is gone from the room, and the simple act of trying to summon a breath feels monumental. What are words? What are intelligent thoughts?
The silence stretches on, and Hector panics. Words, they don't have to be good ones, he just needs any words to gasp out.]
Rosaly offers Alucard a little sidelong glance, and the dhampir looks politely baffled enough. Really Hector, he's gonna have to wingman you with this?]
You should ask him about his dog. Modern medical wonder the thing is.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Money, most of the times. Power? That's the real thing. Your father having the position that he does is what has mortals and the night world willing to play dice. I mean, vampires think they'll outsmart any human, so take that as you will but--
[He shrugs. Clearly Hector needs to be with more peers than just vampires though, and it isn't as if there's a dearth of families that truck in magic in the area. There's a thought, and Alucard has people he ought to catch up with anyway.
Alucard turns all the way around, peering into the back.]
There's a blanket to your right. That should be enough, I think.
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Power has too much responsibility with it. My father wastes so much time, playing at politics. Don't know how he gets any real work done.
[He scoops up the bundle of dog and opens the door.]
Anyways, I must go back to the dragons' den. Til tomorrow night. I'll expect the snacks to be of exceptional quality.
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[Duh? Alucard knows that who you delegate to is the one who gets the work done. That's his job, after all. At least watching the dog bundle is a delight.]
When are they not?
[He's faux-insulted, but that is a rather nice challenge.
It means that come tomorrow, the snacks are extra. The dhampir has mostly stuck to his usual offerings, but he's added baklava made from scratch to the offerings, and he lurks near the tray, seemingly in wait for Hector.
Moreover, there's a few new faces present. Not vampires, that much is sure, and they seem to stick closer to Alucard and among themselves rather than interacting with some of the more usual visitors.
(Lenore's also present, and there are a few Looks with her and the dhampir. That's probably nothing.)]
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He's got his second best robes and hat on (he's not looking forward to the lecture he's going to get whenever his parents realize he lost his best clothes, the ones he'd worn to meet Lord Dracula), and he avoids the mingling going on in the main parlor. The snack bar is usually the safest option for when he's not feeling sociable. The arrangement of food is immaculate, as always. It must be a point of pride for Alucard at this point.
He picks at the offerings until he gets to the end and finds both the baklava and the dhampir who made it. Shit, busted.]
Alucard, uh, good evening.
[SMOOTH, Hector.]
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[Alucard's trying not to look smug. But he is gauging Hector's reaction very carefully, looking from him to the baklava, then back to Hector.]
You can take your things back home with you tonight or tomorrow, as you see fit.
[WHAT like they're gonna hang onto your clothes buddy? Alucard won't fit.]
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It's not bad.
[If any damned vampires try to finish it off before he can get more, he's going to sic a night creature on them. So maybe a little better than 'not bad', in fact.]
I can take them tonight. But, ummm... you're not getting your blanket back. It's Cezar's new favorite bed, and he's already chewed two of the corners to rags.
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There's a spare tray packed with your clothes.
[So you know, don't be a hoarder?]
Then it is his. I'm....fond of that blanket, but it isn't something that can't be replaced.
[There's a pause. The dhampir wants a nice segue, but no. Not happening.]
I made an effort to invite a few friends from further away tonight, if you're wondering why there are some unfamiliar faces.
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Sorry. I'll get you a new blanket. Where'd you get the old one?
[He could try to get the thing away from Cezar, but the pug was fixated on it, and Hector didn't fancy listening to him whine for days if Hector took it from him.
He looks around, finally noticing the extra guests. They don't read as especially monstrous to him, though his senses usually aren't fine-tuned for much more than 'undead or not'.]
Oh? Do they have an interest in necrobiology? [He assumes they must care about his work if Alucard is making an indirect introduction like this.]
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A thin smile plays across Alucard's lips in response.]
One or two. But they all have a broad interest in magic, and are inclined to talk about their own arts as well.
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[His interest perks up. Hector is only able to perform his brand of forgery, but the theory behind other magics is a fascinating point of discussion. Most spellcasters tend to be tight-lipped about their secrets, so to find a group willing to share is a rare opportunity.]
Do you think they'd be open to speaking with me after the lecture? I'm curious to know more.
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[The dhampir's smile is gentle. Genuine.]
I'll keep an eye on the group during your lecture and let you know. At the very least, I think introductions can happen.
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Then I'll aim to impress. Does that mean you'll actually be in attendance for the main event?
[Double the reason to make this the best lecture he's delivered.]
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[It's more of the current spread, but things still have to be replenished. Alucard already knows he has done the right thing though. The look on Hector's face confirms it.]
Is Cezar with you tonight?
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[Alucard will have to make due with just a necromancer until then.]
Do you think your practitioners would like him?
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[Everyone Loves Cezar! Alucard's smile is small, but visible.]
Focus on the lecture. Then his popularity.
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[Also, his parents fucking hate Cezar, but the first time his dad had tried to harm the pug, Hector had lit the parlor on fire. There'd been a few days of terse standoffs where night creatures had circled the house, pushing against the wards each night, costing his father an exorbitant amount of money to keep refreshing the spells. Finally, he'd declared that he didn't want to see the dog anywhere, which had meant Hector could keep him, provided he kept him out of sight.
So Hector is cautious about exactly one thing in life, and that is his dog's safety.]
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[Alucard says it simply, because it's true. They're judging only on (admittedly concerning) appearances, and missing out on a wonderful creature.
The dhampir's eyes go towards the looming grandfather clock in the corner of the room, the face of it painted like a night sky. His gaze then returns to Hector.]
Five minutes out. I need to go attend to a few other things before I introduce you properly. You're ready, I trust?
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[He lets out a breath, then nods. Just enough time to scarf down his snacks and wash it down with a drink before he needs to take the podium.]
When it comes to talking about my work, I am always ready.
[Hector spends most of his prep time parring down his lectures to fit within the allotted time. Brevity is the only struggle.]
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He goes through the usual bits: on behalf of my father, welcome. Dracula's name is never said in these moments, but it doesn't have to be. Everyone knows whose house this is. There's the reminder of the rules of conduct, and then he introduces Hector.
That too is a little rehashed, but Hector has spoken so many times that the dhampir has no need to say more. He only ever speaks of the man's credentials, never his family's influence, and the focus is always the work.
Then steps aside, permitting Hector to take the stage. The dhampir sits in the back as he always does - it lets him monitor the room - but that's where all the new faces are. Faces that aren't sure how much they want to interact with the regulars, but they're interested as Hector begins to speak.]
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He goes a few minutes over time, and to has promise to bring a 'live' specimen next week to stop the crowd from asking a hundred questions. When he manages to placate the usuals, he slips past them in search of Alucard and his guests.]
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He leaves as the q&a begins, ensuring a refreshed snack table when Hector concludes. But unlike most times, when he hovers at the table, tonight he's more social. When Hector finds him, he's speaking to a witch in particular.
It was an introduction he wanted to make anyway. Alucard's smile is soft when Hector approaches.]
That seemed to get a good response. Well done.
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I always get a good response.
[Posturing? A little. But he's got a group of witches to impress, apparently, and also he's genuinely proud that people find his work interesting.]
But if you happened to mention the especial attention this lecture garnered next time you're in earshot of Isaac, it might help, uh, motivate him to greater innovation.
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Doubtlessly. [Just. Pissing contest later. Alucard gestures to the young woman beside him, who clearly isn't thrilled at missing a portion of whatever background this conversation requires. She's dressed plainer than some of the others visiting on Alucard's invitation, but Alucard's not letting onto why.]
Hector, I'd like to introduce you to Rosaly. Her family's from a little further West, with a specialization in combining magic and medicine.
[There's a polite hello, that was an incredibly interesting perspective you got into tonight, and Alucard lingers. He'll fade away in a few moments.]
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She's standing in a room filled with creatures of unearthly beauty, dressed in simple clothes. Her human face has tiny flaws that stand out only by comparison to the perfection of the vampires around her. Her hands, small and delicate, show the signs of use.
And yet...
...and yet suddenly, all of the air is gone from the room, and the simple act of trying to summon a breath feels monumental. What are words? What are intelligent thoughts?
The silence stretches on, and Hector panics. Words, they don't have to be good ones, he just needs any words to gasp out.]
Um... hello.
[Fucking nailed it.]
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Rosaly offers Alucard a little sidelong glance, and the dhampir looks politely baffled enough. Really Hector, he's gonna have to wingman you with this?]
You should ask him about his dog. Modern medical wonder the thing is.
[TAKE THE GODDAMN BAIT HECTOR]
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should we wrap here?