[It is twilight in Alucard's domain, the faint blue-purple glow filtering in from rainy skies that have cleared just in time. The woods remain as they have been since Thorne threw all of them into this space - dark with a few single bright autumn leaves clinging to the trees, puddles of rainwater everywhere beneath the bare forest canopy. It is autumn as it fades into the winter months, cold winds blowing from the north with promises of snow to come.
The damp earth combines with the scent of wood smoke from the heart of the domain, the little hut that the dhampir placed there in order to give himself a reprieve. There's no path that leads there - quite the opposite, the path twists and turns to try and refuse to guide on purpose, but eventually the Truth Path is found for those that try enough (or luck into it.)
Tonight, the dhampir is cooking. The kitchen is the largest part of the whole place, all cast iron stove and electric lighting, the oven providing extra warmth as it preheats. There's a whole pheasant about to be placed into the roasting pan, hell, Alucard's hands are on it when he senses someone approaching.
Shit. The smoke would reveal the path to his front door.
In vain, Alucard hopes that it is Geralt or Jaskier. Then he places the pheasant into the pan and places it in the oven.]
[This place is as strange and alien to her as anywhere else in their new world. The loamy scent of the autumnal woods is fresh and new, not entirely unpleasant. The jutting, organic shapes of the trees put her in mind, quietly, of skeletons, and she is perhaps one of a very few people who finds this likeness comforting. As for the rest-- it might have been unsettling, if she didn't know what this place was. That the scenes and landscapes stretched out within the Horizon are all of other people's making, that she can leave whenever she needs to. She won't get lost in here and consumed by the dark and twisting forest, a place for which she has no name. Plant life was barely a thing, back on the Ninth, unless one counts the bleached and anaemic stems of snow leaks.
She should amend the thoughts she uses to allay her concerns as 'not too lost'; the paths here twist, and they turn, she isn't at all sure where she's headed. Not until the scent of something cooking, something good, reaches out to some instinctual part of her and draws her in close, gives her a solid direction to travel in at last.
When she emerges inside Alucard's kitchen, she's dressed from head to toe in form-fitting warrior's blacks, scuffed combat boots tread surprisingly light against the floor, and a pair of dark glasses occluding her eyes from view. Across her back is strapped a gleaming two-hander, six feet of cold, hard, Ninth House steel. She steps boldly into his space like some shadowy harbinger of doom, and says--]
[ Alucard is not the first person on her mind after Geralt returns, but eventually, Ciri does remember his help. She wonders if he really cares one way or the other, but if nothing else, she can follow up to let him know what has happened, since she and Jaskier had roped him into it despite his grudging attitude a few weeks ago.
She'd gotten the impression Geralt and Alucard were, if not allies, then the sort of acquaintances that might be passingly interested in one another's continued existence in this world.
So a few days after Geralt's been stitched up and put on bedrest at Sam's, Ciri wanders through the graveyard, looking for the wolf. She could have sent a message, but-- These days, she's unsure. A walk seemed like a good idea, and if Alucard's not here, she'll try again another day. ]
[Alucard's at least talked to Gideon about...everything. It hasn't helped much, but his outright snappishness has abated slightly. That along with the constant work to put the graveyard back to rights has allowed for if not peace of mind, the opportunity for distraction and re-centering.
And the graveyard does look better now. The rubble is gone, and now there are pots of mix here and there, along with headstones carefully reassembled atop canvases. The work is slow. The work can only be done by daylight. The work is in a cemetery that has had a landscaper jaskier through, adding color and texture to it all.
That same landscaper is why there's a particularly tall cactus in the far western part of it, with four outstretched arms that did NOT start out as a penis nope and a hollow in the center. One that is currently filled by a wolf, whose head rests on it's front paws.
The wolf's nose twitches. But he doesn't tense. Ciri's scent is distinct, and Alucard sees little reason to head her off right now.]
[Hector has been content to avoid Alucard, for the most part. If it wasn't for those damned pierogies. Hector hasn't gotten around to moving out of Jaskier's place yet, and he's so tired of hearing about them.
If Alucard had come to Sam Wilson's Christmastide feast, perhaps this could have been avoided. There could have been a showdown of pierogi vs dolmades, and this issue could have been laid to rest. But no.
So here Hector is, sneaking to the border of Alucard's sad swamp. He's got an uninvited guest with him, one with a single mission in life: to lurk around Alucard's cottage unseen. Whatever mischief a ferret might naturally get up to is permitted, so long as he stays concealed.
Hector gives the creature a quick scratch on the head, then sets it on the ground. Not daring to get too close himself and risk detection with Alucard's supernatural senses, he stays at a distance and nods his head. The ferret shoots off, ready to unleash the brand of chaos that only a long, sneaky rodent can.]
[Look, Hector, he's sorry he asked about pierogi. He is. Because he is going to fucking hate this so much. But you cannot fault a man for avoiding a holiday sponsored by a church that murdered his mother.
The dhampir is currently in his depression hut's bedroom, curled up on a mattress and layered in blanket over blanket. It is peaceful. Quiet. A fire flickers in the room's woodburning stove, keeping the place warm and lit even though there's no logistical reason for it.
Before the ferret lays all of the twisting and turning paths that Alucard's domain forces a traveler to take, trying to disorient them and eventually get them to leave well enough alone. To leave the dhampir alone.
But eventually, the ferret makes it, because what is a ferret if not a very determined, chaotic tube of fur?]
[Jayce waits until the memories seem to have paused, unsure if it's over entirely, but nothing has happened to him for twenty-four hours. He thinks now would be a time to ask, and he's not physically near him, so it's safe.]
[The reply does not come for several days. Alucard knows he's in a terrible state, and it is easier to deal with it all in the desert where he can be as wild as he can.
It takes effort, thinking in human words as a wolf.]
Regardless of the procedure’s outcome, I want you to know that none of this would have been possible without your help. You’ve placed an enormous amount of trust in me, and I know meaningful that is, given everything you’ve been through. I doubt I’ll ever find a suitable way to repay your kindness. I hope to be able to, someday.
Should the worst transpire, I’ve asked Jayce to handle my affairs. You should know that I’ve taken special care to separate anything related to our experimentation and the resulting serum. He’ll deliver it to you to destroy or keep as you see fit.
Whatever happens, your guidance and support has been invaluable. Thank you for giving me this chance. I am glad to call you my friend.
[ Thank Goddess for the network and text only messages. She doesn't want to subject Alucard to her hurt, nor does she want him to think that this is a decision made lightly or as consequence of something else that had happened to her.
That also means that she practically leaves this to the second to last day of when she's meant to tell him. ]
I mean, not that I've ever done that, that would be a breach of our unspoken respect for each other and our shared mutual space.
[Jaskier is going on the assumption Alucard does not know that he did indeed fuck Geralt on his own desk in the office some time ago, and that those gouges in the wood are... uh. From moving it. Clearly.
Or if they never mention or talk about it, that's even better.]
[the package is non-descript, but it's definitely big enough to pique the curiosity of the recipient as to open it as soon as possible. it's definitely been checked through, tied up back into its box after the fact. inside, an amount of homemade goods have been stacked atop each other: candles, soaps, and moisturizing lotions. this would already spell out who it is from, if a similar package has been received, in the past.
a neat box lies at the bottom, though, and once unwrapped, it'll reveal a boxful of recipes. the box she commissioned from a carpenter in solvunn, and the recipes she wrote down herself. that shared lunch experience is something wanda keeps close to her heart, still, and hopefully alucard can sate his own curiosity, and cravings, for familiar foods through following the recipes now and then.
[ Several beautifully wrapped gifts will be delivered to Alucard's office at some nebulous time in December.
One gift will reveal a sturdy wooden box where he'll find a set of sharpened chef knives. They're lightweight with intricately carved designs in the handle. The next gift is a little heavier than the last. When he unwraps it, he'll see why: there's a sturdy and sleek marble mortar and pestle inside.
The next gift is the largest of them all. While it might take some untangling initially, he'll find several stained glass lanterns. They're easily lit up by New Magic and meant to be strung up from the ceiling - whether that's his office or his cozy crypt is up to him. The beautifully wrapped gifts hide the fact that the gift giver might have been a little nervous about how he'd react to either all or parts of her gift. ]
[Left in the Arts Restoration Committee offices are several brown paper packages, the wax seal indicating the sender.
Inside is a full-on food processor, entirely powered by new magic and embellished with brass fittings. It's more squat and robust than the blender, clearly suitable for additional purposes, with a wide glass container and several blade attachments. There is also a brief note: ]
Includes a lifetime repair and service guarantee.
[Also in the package is a clockwork wolf, fixed to a small diorama that approximates a desert scene. When wound, it brings itself to its feet and moves into a howling position before lowering back to the "ground", curling up against a metal cactus.]
[ Geralt may not make it a tradition to exchange gifts with the dhampir, but they do have a tradition of exchanging food and ingredients. Yule simply becomes another vehicle for this—or so Geralt chooses to approach it.
Regardless, Alucard will find a fine cut of venison delivered to his doorstep alongside a simple but sturdy chopping board made from a solid piece of wood. No note accompanies either item, but the small pierogi carved into the handle of the board suggests only one person could have crafted it. ]
[ It's some nebulous time after they're all kicked out of the dream that Ed approaches Alucard about something extremely vital. This probably also takes place after Ed has managed to crawl out from under his cozy quilt to be a person again, so essentially, at least a few weeks. ]
Heyyy...how're you doing, mate? I was giving it some thought, and since we're all here again, together, would you be able to...help me build a kitchen for our good friend Himeka.
[ It's been a while since they last had a chance to meet. Abraxas is, as always, a place where things are rarely dull. But as much as Himeka doesn't see herself as a strategist, the signs are hard to miss: something is brewing. And there are a number of others who try to keep their pulse on the world and it's happenings.
Their perspective is unique, she thinks, when you've been there since it all began. How far they've come from those first weeks in Thorne to now. And she's sure Alucard has some thoughts of his own.
Himeka does love the autumnal look that Alucard's domain has. The reds and oranges on full display year round remind her of her favorite red corals back home. She brings a basket of goodies with her, as always, believing it even more important to trade treats with a fellow Culinarian. When she makes her way through the winding wooded paths and draws close to his home, she calls out if he hasn't noticed her presence already-- ]
[Alucard is indeed home. He's actually inside, deciding to spend the day in the very small bedroom he has in the small cabin former depression hut under a pile of blankets besides the fire. Cozy. Comfortable. Not thinking about the world.
If he must be pulled from that space, Himeka is hardly the worst person to do it. She's doubtlessly come with food, and even if the discussion will be dire, it won't be as terrible as it might be with another.
Which is all to say that by the time Himeka enters the clearing in the woods, Alucard is leaning in the doorway.]
Fortunately for you, yes. Please come in.
[The main room of the cabin is really just a kitchen, all copper cookwear and marble countertops, the cooking ranges an exact copy of the castle back home. There's a smaller area with a fireplace and chairs, but really, this is a space for him to cook and do very little else.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
For Gideon
The damp earth combines with the scent of wood smoke from the heart of the domain, the little hut that the dhampir placed there in order to give himself a reprieve. There's no path that leads there - quite the opposite, the path twists and turns to try and refuse to guide on purpose, but eventually the Truth Path is found for those that try enough (or luck into it.)
Tonight, the dhampir is cooking. The kitchen is the largest part of the whole place, all cast iron stove and electric lighting, the oven providing extra warmth as it preheats. There's a whole pheasant about to be placed into the roasting pan, hell, Alucard's hands are on it when he senses someone approaching.
Shit. The smoke would reveal the path to his front door.
In vain, Alucard hopes that it is Geralt or Jaskier. Then he places the pheasant into the pan and places it in the oven.]
no subject
She should amend the thoughts she uses to allay her concerns as 'not too lost'; the paths here twist, and they turn, she isn't at all sure where she's headed. Not until the scent of something cooking, something good, reaches out to some instinctual part of her and draws her in close, gives her a solid direction to travel in at last.
When she emerges inside Alucard's kitchen, she's dressed from head to toe in form-fitting warrior's blacks, scuffed combat boots tread surprisingly light against the floor, and a pair of dark glasses occluding her eyes from view. Across her back is strapped a gleaming two-hander, six feet of cold, hard, Ninth House steel. She steps boldly into his space like some shadowy harbinger of doom, and says--]
Oh, hey Al! What's cooking?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
early december; in person.
She'd gotten the impression Geralt and Alucard were, if not allies, then the sort of acquaintances that might be passingly interested in one another's continued existence in this world.
So a few days after Geralt's been stitched up and put on bedrest at Sam's, Ciri wanders through the graveyard, looking for the wolf. She could have sent a message, but-- These days, she's unsure. A walk seemed like a good idea, and if Alucard's not here, she'll try again another day. ]
no subject
And the graveyard does look better now. The rubble is gone, and now there are pots of mix here and there, along with headstones carefully reassembled atop canvases. The work is slow. The work can only be done by daylight. The work is in a cemetery that has had a landscaper
jaskierthrough, adding color and texture to it all.That same landscaper is why there's a particularly tall cactus in the far western part of it, with four outstretched arms
that did NOT start out as a penis nopeand a hollow in the center. One that is currently filled by a wolf, whose head rests on it's front paws.The wolf's nose twitches. But he doesn't tense. Ciri's scent is distinct, and Alucard sees little reason to head her off right now.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
New Year, New Problems
If Alucard had come to Sam Wilson's Christmastide feast, perhaps this could have been avoided. There could have been a showdown of pierogi vs dolmades, and this issue could have been laid to rest. But no.
So here Hector is, sneaking to the border of Alucard's sad swamp. He's got an uninvited guest with him, one with a single mission in life: to lurk around Alucard's cottage unseen. Whatever mischief a ferret might naturally get up to is permitted, so long as he stays concealed.
Hector gives the creature a quick scratch on the head, then sets it on the ground. Not daring to get too close himself and risk detection with Alucard's supernatural senses, he stays at a distance and nods his head. The ferret shoots off, ready to unleash the brand of chaos that only a long, sneaky rodent can.]
aka: Gef the Talking Mongoose's Revenge
The dhampir is currently in his depression hut's bedroom, curled up on a mattress and layered in blanket over blanket. It is peaceful. Quiet. A fire flickers in the room's woodburning stove, keeping the place warm and lit even though there's no logistical reason for it.
Before the ferret lays all of the twisting and turning paths that Alucard's domain forces a traveler to take, trying to disorient them and eventually get them to leave well enough alone. To leave the dhampir alone.
But eventually, the ferret makes it, because what is a ferret if not a very determined, chaotic tube of fur?]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
net...work...
no subject
Also, I did meet your associate.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Network
Just checking in, how are you?
no subject
It takes effort, thinking in human words as a wolf.]
In need of continued space and quiet.
(no subject)
(no subject)
some nebulous first week of june time
no subject
Where are you and do you have supplies?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
first week of jan baybe
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
A physical letter, for procedure time (end of Jan)
Regardless of the procedure’s outcome, I want you to know that none of this would have been possible without your help. You’ve placed an enormous amount of trust in me, and I know meaningful that is, given everything you’ve been through. I doubt I’ll ever find a suitable way to repay your kindness. I hope to be able to, someday.
Should the worst transpire, I’ve asked Jayce to handle my affairs. You should know that I’ve taken special care to separate anything related to our experimentation and the resulting serum. He’ll deliver it to you to destroy or keep as you see fit.
Whatever happens, your guidance and support has been invaluable. Thank you for giving me this chance. I am glad to call you my friend.
With gratitude,
Viktor
no subject
I need a favour.
And few questions.
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
— mid-may, network
That also means that she practically leaves this to the second to last day of when she's meant to tell him. ]
𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.
no subject
When I am back in Cadens, I'll get a meeting together at the Hall, leave final notes about the building particulars, and let you all get to work.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Dᴏ I ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴡᴏʀʀɪᴇᴅ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡᴇɪʀᴅᴏs ᴀssᴀᴜʟᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ғᴏʀ MY ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ?
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
GOOD CHAT
HE DOESN'T TRUST THIS AT ALL
nebulous december date
Hooow opposed are you to me stealing a few bottles of Bloodwine? I'll replace them next visit to Nocwich. Promise.
And before you ask -- yes, I am romancing someone, and no, I won't do it in the office this time.
no subject
[Jaskier is going on the assumption Alucard does not know that he did indeed fuck Geralt on his own desk in the office some time ago, and that those gouges in the wood are... uh. From moving it. Clearly.
Or if they never mention or talk about it, that's even better.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
mail delivery • from solvunn
a neat box lies at the bottom, though, and once unwrapped, it'll reveal a boxful of recipes. the box she commissioned from a carpenter in solvunn, and the recipes she wrote down herself. that shared lunch experience is something wanda keeps close to her heart, still, and hopefully alucard can sate his own curiosity, and cravings, for familiar foods through following the recipes now and then.
a small note sits under the box.]
— december gift delivery
One gift will reveal a sturdy wooden box where he'll find a set of sharpened chef knives. They're lightweight with intricately carved designs in the handle. The next gift is a little heavier than the last. When he unwraps it, he'll see why: there's a sturdy and sleek marble mortar and pestle inside.
The next gift is the largest of them all. While it might take some untangling initially, he'll find several stained glass lanterns. They're easily lit up by New Magic and meant to be strung up from the ceiling - whether that's his office or his cozy crypt is up to him. The beautifully wrapped gifts hide the fact that the gift giver might have been a little nervous about how he'd react to either all or parts of her gift. ]
no subject
no subject
Inside is a full-on food processor, entirely powered by new magic and embellished with brass fittings. It's more squat and robust than the blender, clearly suitable for additional purposes, with a wide glass container and several blade attachments. There is also a brief note: ]
Includes a lifetime repair and service guarantee.
[Also in the package is a clockwork wolf, fixed to a small diorama that approximates a desert scene. When wound, it brings itself to its feet and moves into a howling position before lowering back to the "ground", curling up against a metal cactus.]
backdated to yule.
Regardless, Alucard will find a fine cut of venison delivered to his doorstep alongside a simple but sturdy chopping board made from a solid piece of wood. No note accompanies either item, but the small pierogi carved into the handle of the board suggests only one person could have crafted it. ]
during jesper's network post
[ Since the cat's out of the bag. ]
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
february.
that might be of interest to you.
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
a day or two after they get back from the crater
I think
I need some assistance.
no subject
I'm at the office. Planning on heading out tonight into the desert for some time to deal with things.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
cw: vampire shit
(no subject)
I did a saving throw for this and he FAILED
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
:3
Heyyy...how're you doing, mate?
I was giving it some thought, and since we're all here again, together, would you be able to...help me build a kitchen for our good friend Himeka.
no subject
I can provide blueprints and basic guidance, but since she is in Solvunn, I could not construct it directly myself.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
i'm so sorry i lost this link ILU GUYS
<3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Horzin - Early December
Their perspective is unique, she thinks, when you've been there since it all began. How far they've come from those first weeks in Thorne to now. And she's sure Alucard has some thoughts of his own.
Himeka does love the autumnal look that Alucard's domain has. The reds and oranges on full display year round remind her of her favorite red corals back home. She brings a basket of goodies with her, as always, believing it even more important to trade treats with a fellow Culinarian. When she makes her way through the winding wooded paths and draws close to his home, she calls out if he hasn't noticed her presence already-- ]
Anyone home for a house call?
no subject
former depression hutunder a pile of blankets besides the fire. Cozy. Comfortable. Not thinking about the world.If he must be pulled from that space, Himeka is hardly the worst person to do it. She's doubtlessly come with food, and even if the discussion will be dire, it won't be as terrible as it might be with another.
Which is all to say that by the time Himeka enters the clearing in the woods, Alucard is leaning in the doorway.]
Fortunately for you, yes. Please come in.
[The main room of the cabin is really just a kitchen, all copper cookwear and marble countertops, the cooking ranges an exact copy of the castle back home. There's a smaller area with a fireplace and chairs, but really, this is a space for him to cook and do very little else.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...