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Very well. Then, I accept.
[ Ciri nods, conclusive. As if this seals... some sort of deal, somehow. At the very least, she seems satisfied.
Jaskier's vampire bud is apparently in good standing with his Witcher niece again. ]
I wish you luck clearing up your opaque affairs, Alucard. There is nothing more we need to speak on.
[ As far as dismissals go, it's not actually as cold as the words may be on their face; she sounds genuine, and she really does hope he figures something out. Better company for Jaskier. Besides, she's tired of trying to have a conversation with a stubborn wolf every time she needs to speak to the dhampir. ]
[ Ciri nods, conclusive. As if this seals... some sort of deal, somehow. At the very least, she seems satisfied.
Jaskier's vampire bud is apparently in good standing with his Witcher niece again. ]
I wish you luck clearing up your opaque affairs, Alucard. There is nothing more we need to speak on.
[ As far as dismissals go, it's not actually as cold as the words may be on their face; she sounds genuine, and she really does hope he figures something out. Better company for Jaskier. Besides, she's tired of trying to have a conversation with a stubborn wolf every time she needs to speak to the dhampir. ]
Thank you.
[Alucard can detect the note that Ciri really does mean it, and if nothing else, the phrasing puts a very thin smile on his face. One that stays there as he adds:]
If you're in need of a surprised look on his face, ask him about how the cactus started out.
[Alucard can detect the note that Ciri really does mean it, and if nothing else, the phrasing puts a very thin smile on his face. One that stays there as he adds:]
If you're in need of a surprised look on his face, ask him about how the cactus started out.
[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.]
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.]
Edited 2022-01-02 01:12 (UTC)
[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?]
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?]
[Gef II absolutely worms his way into the hut. He's long to fit all the extra mischief in his rodent body.
Now he's in the walls, darting around, finding every little nook and cranny to lurk in. Hector's compulsion, partly for Gef II's protection, has Gef II taking care to avoid Alucard's gaze.
But while Alucard is not in the room, he makes himself at home in the kitchen, nibbling at a loaf of bread, curling up inside of a bowl, knocking an unlit candle to the ground with a bap of his paw.A single heart floats up from the candlestick.]
Now he's in the walls, darting around, finding every little nook and cranny to lurk in. Hector's compulsion, partly for Gef II's protection, has Gef II taking care to avoid Alucard's gaze.
But while Alucard is not in the room, he makes himself at home in the kitchen, nibbling at a loaf of bread, curling up inside of a bowl, knocking an unlit candle to the ground with a bap of his paw.
[Alucard rouses when he hears something knocked onto the ground. That is...strange. And wrong, for Alucard knows he is alone in his domain right now. If any other visitor to this world passed through, he ought to know.
his security features don't account for constructs like gef II
Frowning, get gets to his feet. There's a warm fur blanket he drapes over his shoulders though, and he shuffles into the kitchen to--
--to evidence of Gef II.
For a moment, Alucard can only stare.]
--What?
Frowning, get gets to his feet. There's a warm fur blanket he drapes over his shoulders though, and he shuffles into the kitchen to--
--to evidence of Gef II.
For a moment, Alucard can only stare.]
--What?
Edited 2022-01-02 03:20 (UTC)
[Gef II weaves his way up the wall as the dhampir wraps himself up and makes his way into the kitchen. With one quick scan of the room with glowing blue eyes, he darts into the gap between the hut wall and one of the highest cabinets.
Though there is no sight to behold of Gef II other than the evidence of his ferrety crimes, sharp supernatural ears might hear the scraping of little claws from tiny feet as he wiggles and burrows his way into the wall.]
Though there is no sight to behold of Gef II other than the evidence of his ferrety crimes, sharp supernatural ears might hear the scraping of little claws from tiny feet as he wiggles and burrows his way into the wall.]
[Alucard's first step is to examine the bread. It's been nibbled, but by who is unclear. He isn't happy though, if the grumble that escapes him is anything to go by, and his eyes then move elsewhere.
Nothing.
Nothing.
Claws?
Alucard's gaze goes up to the ceiling.]
What's in here?
Nothing.
Nothing.
Claws?
Alucard's gaze goes up to the ceiling.]
What's in here?
[No answer from Gef II, who stills, hidden within the safety of the upper walls of the hut. He can be patient. Though he'll pilfer food, he has no need to eat or drink. A perk of being an undead construct.
So while Alucard prowls, Gef II is quiet, cautious. After a long stretch of stillness, he begins to creep quietly again, slinking his way to somewhere Alucard isn't to cause just a little more mischief. Perhaps he can find a nice sock to drag away and burrow into as a cozy bed.]
So while Alucard prowls, Gef II is quiet, cautious. After a long stretch of stillness, he begins to creep quietly again, slinking his way to somewhere Alucard isn't to cause just a little more mischief. Perhaps he can find a nice sock to drag away and burrow into as a cozy bed.]
[Lucky for Gef II, there is indeed a warm pair of socks. They are beside the woodburning stove in Alucard's room, alongside his thick leather boots that are also excellent for hiding in.
Alucard, meanwhile, decides that this isn't worth the investment of his time. He lets out a sigh, then turns back to his room. More naps, please.]
Alucard, meanwhile, decides that this isn't worth the investment of his time. He lets out a sigh, then turns back to his room. More naps, please.]
[A boot! How Gef II has dreamed of a boot as fine as this one. He creeps into the room and wiggles his way inside of it. Such a wonderful tube to nap in! Warm from the fire and dark and secure.
And once Alucard is safely asleep, he can emerge and begin to drag the boot away. The dhampir has two and Gef II currently has none. Alucard can afford to share the bounty.]
And once Alucard is safely asleep, he can emerge and begin to drag the boot away. The dhampir has two and Gef II currently has none. Alucard can afford to share the bounty.]
[The boot-ny, if you will.
And so, the dhampir does sleep. For a while, curled up and warm, fire still popping and hissing. It is only when the flame dies down that he rises and---
--why is his boot against the door?]
And so, the dhampir does sleep. For a while, curled up and warm, fire still popping and hissing. It is only when the flame dies down that he rises and---
--why is his boot against the door?]
[The door does present a problem. Gef II is in possession of tiny, mischievous fingers, but not of the size or strength needed to manipulate a door knob. The boot is too heavy to scale the walls with, and there are no holes near the baseboard of a size to drag it through.
He has labored to get his prize as far as he can, but no more. The dhampir rises, as do the ferret's hackles. With an angry hiss, he scrambles across the floor and up the wall in a blur of dark grey and white fur. Farewell, beloved boot! How poor Gef has loved and lost.
He will go shred up some toilet paper in the bathroom as he mourns.]
He has labored to get his prize as far as he can, but no more. The dhampir rises, as do the ferret's hackles. With an angry hiss, he scrambles across the floor and up the wall in a blur of dark grey and white fur. Farewell, beloved boot! How poor Gef has loved and lost.
He will go shred up some toilet paper in the bathroom as he mourns.]
[Alucard grumbles, getting up to return the boot where it should be. He doesn't sleepwalk, so it's...odd that it moved here. Especially when the other is where he left it.
Concerning.
The dhampir considers what to do, now that he's standing. Perhaps-- yes. A walk.
So both boots go on. He sheds the blankets for a warmer coat, lined with fur and perfect for moody autumn walks.
Alas, Gef II is left alone, his hard work of toilet paper shredding ignored!]
Concerning.
The dhampir considers what to do, now that he's standing. Perhaps-- yes. A walk.
So both boots go on. He sheds the blankets for a warmer coat, lined with fur and perfect for moody autumn walks.
Alas, Gef II is left alone, his hard work of toilet paper shredding ignored!]
[Don't worry, Gef II bounces back eventually. After venting his grief on the toilet paper, he moves to self-expression with the medium of paw-prints in flour on the kitchen counter. Finally, a nap on Alucard's pillow, leaving a circle imprint and a dusting of gray furs in his wake.
Meanwhile, Hector has tried to head home, but Alucard's damn labyrinth is harder to navigate without an animal to guide him with sight and scent. Ironic that the defenses meant to keep everyone out have now succeeded in keeping Hector IN far longer than he planned.
So, yes, he may encounter a moody vampire on a moody walk as he quietly curses and shoves his way through the tangled branches and vines.]
Meanwhile, Hector has tried to head home, but Alucard's damn labyrinth is harder to navigate without an animal to guide him with sight and scent. Ironic that the defenses meant to keep everyone out have now succeeded in keeping Hector IN far longer than he planned.
So, yes, he may encounter a moody vampire on a moody walk as he quietly curses and shoves his way through the tangled branches and vines.]
[What a treat for Gef II.
Alucard finds Hector, eventually. Only because he walks so far and for so long, content in idleness and likely to stay there if allowed.
But Hector comes into his field of vision and the dhampir's face sours immediately. Far be it from him to be accusatory, but he is suspicious and doesn't bother hiding it.]
Enjoying yourself?
Alucard finds Hector, eventually. Only because he walks so far and for so long, content in idleness and likely to stay there if allowed.
But Hector comes into his field of vision and the dhampir's face sours immediately. Far be it from him to be accusatory, but he is suspicious and doesn't bother hiding it.]
Enjoying yourself?
No.
[He's got twigs in his hair and his feet are tired from a long, winding walk. He doesn't want to be in Alucard's presence any more than Alucard wants to be in his.]
I find myself disoriented. Which way gets me out of this hell-hole?
[This isn't the first time he's been in and out of Alucard's domain, but usually he has a dog or two with him that can lead him back on the path he came in on by scent. An oversight on his part this time, in his eagerness to deliver the ferret to his new haunt.]
[He's got twigs in his hair and his feet are tired from a long, winding walk. He doesn't want to be in Alucard's presence any more than Alucard wants to be in his.]
I find myself disoriented. Which way gets me out of this hell-hole?
[This isn't the first time he's been in and out of Alucard's domain, but usually he has a dog or two with him that can lead him back on the path he came in on by scent. An oversight on his part this time, in his eagerness to deliver the ferret to his new haunt.]
--Hm.
[Usually, his Domain should just lead someone out. Strange that it isn't, but no matter.]
Follow me, or else you could just pull back into the waking wold.
[Usually, his Domain should just lead someone out. Strange that it isn't, but no matter.]
Follow me, or else you could just pull back into the waking wold.
[If anyone can mess up an exit and inconvenience Alucard, it's Hector. He sighs, but follows.]
I... didn't think of that. It takes some getting used to, popping in and out.
I... didn't think of that. It takes some getting used to, popping in and out.
Yes, it does. [Meaning that the dhampir isn't going to be a dick about this, at least.]
Still, I didn't expect to see you here. I'd imagine you'd be elsewhere. Probably not getting damp.
Still, I didn't expect to see you here. I'd imagine you'd be elsewhere. Probably not getting damp.
I like exploring.
[He's totally not pouting. He can do what he wants! His curiosity has never gotten him into trouble ever, not once!]
Why are you out? In your human form no less?
[He would expect Alucard skulking in wolf form for exercise, honestly.]
[He's totally not pouting. He can do what he wants! His curiosity has never gotten him into trouble ever, not once!]
Why are you out? In your human form no less?
[He would expect Alucard skulking in wolf form for exercise, honestly.]
[Hector you are a walking cautionary tale.]
I like walking here. Usually there's just myself, so form doesn't matter as much. [It is the honest and straight forward answer. Maybe he'll warn Hector about the vampire horses here.
Maybe.]
And I can't make use of the kitchen I have here with paws for hands.
I like walking here. Usually there's just myself, so form doesn't matter as much. [It is the honest and straight forward answer. Maybe he'll warn Hector about the vampire horses here.
Maybe.]
And I can't make use of the kitchen I have here with paws for hands.
[Better warn the vampire horses about Hector, more likely. He'll try to take one home.
Alucard is getting out of the house a little, and eating. Not that Hector cares. But Alucard is maybe doing slightly better, and that's... good.]
That's true. Unless you can figure out how to transform into some sort of monkey. I hear they have little hands quite like a human's.
[It's not a traditional vampiric animal, but Alucard isn't really a traditional vampire, either.]
Alucard is getting out of the house a little, and eating. Not that Hector cares. But Alucard is maybe doing slightly better, and that's... good.]
That's true. Unless you can figure out how to transform into some sort of monkey. I hear they have little hands quite like a human's.
[It's not a traditional vampiric animal, but Alucard isn't really a traditional vampire, either.]
[Fuck it, he's gifting them to Jaskier.
Yes Hector, in his pretend house in his pretend depressing forest. How is that good?]
I'd have to be a very tall monkey to manage that. Not worth the effort, I imagine. [Although--] Have you tried changing forms here?
Yes Hector, in his pretend house in his pretend depressing forest. How is that good?]
I'd have to be a very tall monkey to manage that. Not worth the effort, I imagine. [Although--] Have you tried changing forms here?
Monkeys can climb. [Idiot.]
No, I'm human, I ca-
[A pause. Dawning realization. He can, in theory. Another thing that hadn't occurred to him, simply because it had never been an option before.]
Huh. [He'd say, 'I need to go', but Alucard is already leading him out of his domain.]
No, I'm human, I ca-
[A pause. Dawning realization. He can, in theory. Another thing that hadn't occurred to him, simply because it had never been an option before.]
Huh. [He'd say, 'I need to go', but Alucard is already leading him out of his domain.]
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