Oh, let the sun come out and shine on me

[vladpire]

Who: Vlad Tepes III (vladpire) & OPEN
What: May catch-all
When: Early May through to the end of May.
Where: Around Wyver and the Outpost/Netural territory.
Warning(s): None that I can think of, other than the possibility of talk of blood/feeding if that comes up. I'll edit if necessary.

Vlad had opted to join the Diplomatic Council, hoping that his many years through many different wars and conflicts might grant him better insight into multiple sides and the pros and cons of any argument or discussion that might be put forth in regards to both the cities and those newly brought down from above. He had also changed his residence from wandering around Olympia to staying with Daenerys at her behest in Wyver. It was a non-romantic involvement; merely two parties with 'dragons' in their name and bloodline that found a little comfort around each other.

As a man who had spent centuries struggling to figure out where he'd fit in the world he'd come from, to find himself on a new land with new possibilities was a novelty. For someone his age, novelties didn't come around that often.

For the month of May, Vlad can be found in and around the Outpost to see what changes and security measures were put in place for himself, in Wyver, always looking for willing blood donors and open to discussions and meetings regarding the Diplomatic Council. He might also be convinced to help train those who wished to learn fighting skills. Vlad had familiarity with a wide array of weaponry, all mastered before his transition, during his time with the Turks, and only built upon during his lifetime. He'd added more as the years had passed and weaponry had advanced, curious despite himself. He may be curious to try to learn things he was unfamiliar with, and to expand on his hand to hand combat knowledge.



[Feel free to set up a starter using any of the above areas as a prompt, or PM or PP @ junglewere to discuss something more specific if you'd prefer.]

Comments

Apartment - Evening

[song_of_ice]

[He was well aware that Vlad wasn't a day person, and now that he knew more aspects about the vampire, he could at least sort of decipher why...if only a little. As the day was filled with the things he must do, he made a point to seek out Vlad during the night, as everything was winding down.

Since their talk in the tavern, Jon had relaxed around the vampire, feeling at ease with him. He was somebody to talk to, someone who at least understood some aspects of himself that he kept quiet.

He found Vlad on the balcony and offered him a glass of wine.]

Do you ever miss it? The daylight?

[vladpire]

[Vlad took the glass with a small nod, one hand tucked behind his back, the other holding his drink as he stared out over the city. There was shading put up for him; an awning and an area that could always be away from the sun if he desired. He gave Jon a sideways glance, moving his free hand to hold it out into the light.]

It's not as bad as it once was. Before, I could not stand the touch for a moment before it seared as silver does. Now? I've managed hours before I start to blister. But it is not the same as I remember, I believe. Of course, that was a long time ago, and perhaps my memory is flawed. Or perhaps this sun is different. But it is... good.

[He took a sip, turning more towards Jon.]

I know we spoke of gods and monsters, but this... as my curse is a damnation of my faith, as silly as it sounds, this feels a little like redemption. Even if it is merely in my mind. Perhaps... perhaps that is enough.

[song_of_ice]

It is a different sun than any of us know. [Which was still difficult to digest. All he needed was to think of Westeros and all that had been left behind, the expanse of that world, the people in it and the wildlife, and it left him feeling overwhelmed. These weren't his stars, this wasn't his sun and it wasn't the moon that had kept him company during the long nights on the Wall.] It looks the same though.

[He wasn't as poetic as Vlad, but the comment was meant as comforting. Wherever they were, the suns were the same.]

Redemption? [It was a novel way of looking at things. While he hadn't meant to, it gave Jon something to consider. It made his heart feel lighter and the burdens he carried shift, if only a little.] Your god would want you to suffer this in exchange for past mistakes?

You find comfort in that?

[vladpire]

I honestly cannot say what my God would want. Only what those he's whispered to have printed in His name. And by their lips, I am damned for my actions. And I accepted that. But my God is also one who loves, and perhaps if I prove myself worthy, if I show that even a stubborn old fool as myself can learn, He will welcome me into His Kingdom, if it still exists.

[A heavy thought for the moment.]

I find comfort that I might yet have cause to see my love again. For surely, if anyone found themselves in His Grace, it was her. Again, it comes down to faith. I have faith that there is something beautiful waiting for me if I can prove that I've earned the right to His love back.

But religion, my friend, is not a topic I wish to dwell on tonight. You had something in mind?

[song_of_ice]

Was she among the others in stasis?

[There was still a chance that he could see his wife again. After all he had seen in death, he didn't want to rely on being reunited at the end, but Vlad was different. If she wasn't here, then it was comforting, something to hope for. Perhaps that was the difficulty. Jon had lost the ability to hope long ago.

He did have something on his mind, but he wasn't sure how to broach the topic besides easing into it.]

You mentioned you need blood to survive? How do you...drink it? From a cup?

[vladpire]

She was not, nor am I expecting her to ever be. I lived far beyond her death. Far beyond the deaths of my son and his sons, and a multitude of generations past that. If the Storm came for my world, there was no one I knew alive left to be taken.

[He did give the man an odd look at the question, leaning against the edge of the balcony as he thought.]

Usually from the source, if I can. Blood is always better warmed from the body. But I can have it from anything, really, as long as it is not spoiled.

[song_of_ice]

[That was a tragic thing to consider. He hadn't counted on too much distance keeping others from being saved, but perhaps he should have? It was only by luck that his father and brothers were in stasis. To be alone in the way that Vlad was, it would break him. For all of his feeling like an outsider, he had surrounded himself with close friends and now family.]

I'm sorry.

[He didn't have a way with words, but what he offered, he offered genuinely.]

What would it take for you to have the blood? Someone cut themselves and offer it to you?

[vladpire]

Why the sudden interest in my eating habits, Jon? This seems like more than the usual curiosity, morbid though the subject might be.

[He was hardly a fool, and it wouldn't take much to see where Jon was going with this, but Vlad was curious of the whys behind it.]

[song_of_ice]

I wanted to know what I should expect. I thought, if you need someone to feed from, better it be a friend and someone you share a home with.

[There were more reasons, including his fondness for Vlad, as well as what he meant to Daenerys. But all of that went without saying, the more important reasons were shared.]

[vladpire]

Are you not worried that I'll cast some magic or try to make you like me?

[Not that he could do the former or would attempt the latter, but he would certainly think anyone who had an inkling of what he was might be more... cautious about making such an offer. Particularly from a man who'd already died.]

To answer your question, blood is blood. I've... teeth that appear that make it easier to draw, or it can be consumed from anything. There's no significance to the vessel, other than what it holds. But it's not an offer you have to make, Jon.

[song_of_ice]

If you were going to do that, you would have already.

[Considering how little Jon had trusted him to begin with when he arrived in Wyver and the level of his jealousy. Even before that though, he had willingly showed his abilities to Jon and worried little about how he would respond. He wasn't about to try and change his mind.]

I offer it anyway. We share a home and it would be safer for you to have something close at hand. As long as you leave me some, you can drink from me.

[vladpire]

Consider me grateful for the offer. If it comes down to a need, I may take you up on it.

[Though, he'd try not to. Not because he didn't trust himself, but because Vlad liked to keep who he drank from and who he was close to separate. It was too easy to let emotions tangle that act and make it more than it was.]

[song_of_ice]

[He nodded. Whether Vlad took him up on it was for the vampire to decide. The offer had been made, and despite a few uncertainties about what it would mean, he didn't regret it.]

Have you found a horse for tomorrow?

[vladpire]

I have. A sturdy gelding that I'm assured can handle non-horse mounts around it.

[Which was an important asset, really, considering how many different varieties of mounts and other creatures there were that a rider might come across on a ride.]

[song_of_ice]

[It was and that was something they would eventually have to test, as Daenerys would free Drogon. Dragons and horses, he couldn't imagine the latter would be at ease around the former.]

Have you heard anything about what we might find there? What sort of people the villagers are?

[vladpire]

I have heard they are reclusive by nature, and that there is a magical protection around the village that makes it a requirement to participate in a ritual to gain access to it. Other than that, no, I have not heard much. What of yourself? Gained any interesting insight into the inhabitants?