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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 9, 2023 11:34:03 GMT -5
His watches as her expression changes from one of insecurity to contemplation to resolution. He could only recognize her mental fortitude as she worked through issues that would put many others reeling, unable to process their own thoughts and feelings. As she squared her face he nods, seeing the change in her. As if he approved and realized exactly what had gone through her mind.
"I would hate to see someone with potential ruin themselves because they cannot come to terms with what they have become."
He gets up from the chair. "And you are correct, I was distracted. I should have introduced myself properly first before started this talk with you." With a proper bow he introduces himself.
"My name is Aledüne Nevaar. A scholar, and as you have seen, vampire like yourself. And like you my cognition did not come willingly. Though I have learned to live with what I now am. A monster as you clearly defined me as." He looks her in the eyes, his smile still gentle and polite.
"And before you ask, I came here to learn something. But I was only met with disappointment from these morons that thought association with demons was a good idea. One would argue their human greed made them bigger monsters than either of us, or both put together."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 9, 2023 23:36:04 GMT -5
Sylvari actually growled at that, some type of guttural, ingrained instinct. Watching people suffer through the rigged game of life, that forced routinely the choosing between evils, was not a thing she could allow while she still had fight in her bones. It was all well and good for those who could weather the storms of life with only minor inconvenience, but what about those with nothing? What about those who were a single disaster away from the grave? It is the duty of the strong to protect. Much has been given, and much must be required in return.
"Evil is evil, Aledüne. I've no interest in playing the weaselly politics of debating which is the worst. I'm fighting for the people of this land, and, to them, all evil is a scourge that must be dealt with. You have proven yourself an ally of justice and stayed my weapon this day, but I would like to know if our next meeting will be one of combat. I don't relish the idea of killing you, or dying in the attempt, but my ideals will suffer nothing less if you are a threat to those I guard."
Now her eyes peered back into Aledüne's soul, now. "So, vampire, are you friend, or foe?"
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 17, 2023 9:09:58 GMT -5
He shrugs. Giving her a smile.
"I can not comment on it because I have no idea who you are. I only know that you wish to do good, and from such a standpoint no, I have no desire to stand in your way, nor do I intend on doing harm unto others unless they aim to harm me first. In my eyes, evil is not evil. The world isn't black and white, and what you are now is simply another way to exist in this world."
He sighs, leaning into his fist as he relaxes. He shares a look of sympathy, understanding.
"In my own definition I see you as someone good and pure of heart. Your instinct might not be in your complete control, but there is not a bad bone in your body. It is my hope that you can continue to do good."
The friendly demeanour suddenly changes, and his eyes grow cold, distant as the temperature lowers as the shadows seem to react to his shift in mood. His voice still relaxed, is filled with malice.
"But keep in mind that while I am understanding, and am more than willing to help those that remain courteous or is in need, should anyone choose to see me as an enemy I will have no hesitation in marking them as one in turn. So in your own words so carelessly said, Vampire, are you friend of foe?" There is a pause.
His expression relaxes and shadows retreat as quickly as they had come. His voice returns to being pleasant and his eyes are once again filled with kindness. He closes his eyes and leans forward.
"Please, excuse me. Do not take me the wrong way, but I needed to warn you that such words could be taken wrongly quite quickly in the wrong company. I might be a vampire, same as you. But asking me something as such, without any indication that my intentions would be antagonistically directed at your own is quite rude. Especially considering that I have never shown you any ill will, and that you are judging me solely by what I am, and not whom I am. Cause, in the same way you are not a slave to what you are, neither am I. Please keep that in mind."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 17, 2023 13:37:27 GMT -5
Sylvari studied his eyes a moment before sighing and relaxing her shoulders. "I won't ask forgiveness for my caution, for I've seen too many of our kind abuse the powers they were given, but my words were poorly chosen. Still, I'd rather be considered a dullard or a boor than be the person who trusted too easily and allowed harm to come to others as a result. Out of the vampires I have met, an admittedly small sample size, you have been uncharacteristically diplomatic and helpful, and life has enough strife on its own without its denizens searching for more. So, you should be given the same courtesy extended, as is only right. May I ask what you plan to do next, now that your information gathering has been thwarted?"
Sylvari studied the eyes of the other vampire, attempting to discern any misdirection he might attempt. Her words were conciliatory, but trust was hard-won and easily lost. Others of their kind had abused that status too many times for a simple reprimand to unravel the gnarled roots of suspicion that grew in Sylvari's heart.
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 21, 2023 9:06:21 GMT -5
He grunts, but nods. "I can accept your reasoning, but remember that most of our kind tend to be proud, and few would stand to be treated as a monster. Just a warning to be careful in the future if you should choose to continue to pursue others, cause eventually you will be bound to come across an elder. If you would aim to survive such an encounter, knowing how to avoid their wraith is important. Even if you ultimately aim to sever their heads from their bodies."
He pauses, sympathy in his eyes. "Tell you what. As we are both relatively new to this whole ordeal, how about we work together? I have no interest in serving evil, and my goals are more aimed towards personal needs at the moment. If I should encounter any evil I will be sure to deal with it on your behalf, and in return I would like to ask you to gather any magical knowledge you encounter in your travels. Books, papers, rumours of lost location and magics. Anything that can further my own magical capabilities. Naturally, should you be able, feel free to call upon me if you find yourself in need of help severing heads." He smiles warmly again. "You would be doing me a service as much I would be you."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 21, 2023 10:42:40 GMT -5
Sylvari's hard look towards Aledüne faltered a bit at his words. I don't like the idea of paying homage, even falsely, to evil, but there is wisdom there. Mother would have said much the same. We need to make use of all the weapons available to us when fighting the forces of darkness, and guile can be sharper than any sword.
Sylvari purposefully relaxed her stance and tried her best to adopt a more open look on her face, succeeding at least to some degree. "I can recognize wise words when they are spoken. I must respect my foes, if I'm to become an effective bane to them. Until such time as I can make them tremble before me, I will be cunning as a serpent until the very moment I strike for their heart. Thank you for reminding me of this virtue." Sylvari then gave a genuine bow, a macabre and manic grin on her face, before continuing.
"As for this pact you propose, I will consider it. My path does not often lead me to such tomes, but if going out of my way will motivate you toward combatting evil, it's a worthy endeavor. Justice motivated is tantamount to evil expunged."
Sylvari took a few moments to ponder the proposed alliance, loose though it would be, before giving a firm nod and speaking once more. "Very well, Aledüne. I will pass along such knowledge as I find it, on your word that you will use such to combat evil and spare innocents." She extended a gauntleted hand towards the fiend-who-would-be-friend. I must extend the expectation of goodness to others of my kind that would pursue it, if I'm to have any hope for my own redemption.
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 21, 2023 15:45:07 GMT -5
He takes her hand and smiles. "I am glad we can agree to meet each others needs and desires. And I will promise as asked to only use the knowledge to better the life of those around me. I will not take the life of the innocent as long as our deal is valid, and will not allow evil to fester in my presence if I can help it."
His smile widens, showing his perfect white teeth. His fangs not visible at the moment makes him seem perfectly normal, emphasis on perfect. His vibrant eyes almost glowing, his body language visibly pleased makes it clear that he is happy that she accepted. "Whatever you can come across dear. In the end I am simply pleased to have founded a relationship with one of our kind not founded on hate and distrust, and so I hope our shall remain one of mutual trust."
He takes a moment to curb his enthusiasm.
"Is there a place I can contact you perhaps? I am afraid I am still mostly travelling and so do not have a permanent resident myself, but I have been spending much of my time in Zeinav City and so you might be able to find me there."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 21, 2023 18:21:14 GMT -5
Sylvari barked out a quick laugh at that. "From my eyes, I would think that our kind are all lifelong itinerants. All those of our ilk that I have had the distinct displeasure of meeting, present company excepted, were without any haven more grand than a cave or sewer. Sadly, I am a wanderer as well, perhaps a bit less purposefully on my part." Sylvari paused to bite back a frown, forcing it to morph into a determined smile before continuing. "I go where I am needed, wherever I can best serve justice. I am also in the market for a sage that may show me the way to mastering my thirst. I don't suppose you know anyone like that?"
Sylvari's words were selected with meticulous precision to seem nonchalant, wishing to hide the desperation she felt within. "In any case, if you frequent the city Zeinav, I will commit to visiting once per solstice to uphold my end of the pact. Is that a suitable arrangement?"
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 24, 2023 15:31:52 GMT -5
"Then Zeinav it is. Though do not feel obligated to travel there just to deliver some books, though I would be happy to have your company should you wish to visit. I intend on moving into my masters old fortress some time in the future, when I do you are welcome to join me as there is strength in numbers. As I am sure you know, its not uncommon for our kind to make covens for safety during the day, or if hunters should start to pursue us. You might be a hunter yourself, but as a creature of the night it might be better to seek someone sympathetic to your cause."
He opens his palm upwards as they lay on the armrest on the chair he sits in.
"As for your thirst I might be able to assist. A few tricks and habits that will keep it in check when your really need to." He pauses, making sure you are paying attention, his face more serious than before as the subject changed.
"Firstly, never deny your hunger. Doing so will only cause it to grow, and a part of our curse is that you will never be rid. Partake when you can, even if it has to be from the innocent. After all, a headache and a few days of rest is better for them than if you lost control and drained them completely in a hunger frenzy. The monster is the beast inside, and you yourself won't become a monster unless you allow it to take control of you."
Another pause.
"Secondly, keep a few mortals who trust you, and that you trust close by where you station yourself. They do not have to know what you are, and you can make sure they do not remember by dominating them. If it makes you feel better, make villains you encounter into willing participants to your bite. Feeding on the same group of people will prevent you from getting infected with disease and spread them onwards to others that you feed from. It also secures a stable feeding source when you are not on the move."
"Thirdly, learn to not feel guilty about your condition. Satiating your thirst is what nourishes you, and allows you to continue to do good. Guilt makes you hesitate, and hesitating can lead to a loss of control."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 24, 2023 16:24:54 GMT -5
Sylvari hung her head in guilt at the elder vampire's words. She knew all too well what followed when the beast was denied, as did Banbraith, as did the rest of her people. She had, at least, graduated from the days of habitually starving herself and devouring the nearest person she could when she finally lost control: a grueling cycle of shame and torment that circled on itself like an Ouroboros.
"Keen advice. I wish I had you as a teacher before now; experience has proven a harsh mistress. My mission does not afford me the luxury of having a defined place of residence; I go where the need is. That said, I'm building a network of those who willing let me feed." Sylvari blushed heavily before continuing. [Striga Lineage] "I'm told my kiss is quite addicting."
Finishing her little spiel, she picked up on something Aledüne had said. "That's another point of strangeness. I understand I am a novice in the lore of vampires, but I was under the conception they-we-were all under the tyranny of the sun, but daylight bears no ill effects for me. Why is that?"
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 25, 2023 15:18:34 GMT -5
"I must admit that my own knowledge is limited as well. I only know that my own sire mentioned that the curse had a few variations, so I can only assume that you carry a different one than my own. After all, I can feel your heartbeat and the heat from your breath. I was somewhat puzzled by it when I first saw you, but there is no denying that we are much the same despite a few differences. I could feel the hunger building in your chest as your blood started pumping. It was quite thrilling I must admit."
He shifts his position, relishing for a moment in the memory.
"I guess you are lucky then to be a day walker. A fascinating prospect for sure. I assume you still need to breath, and that you tire from exhaustion and still get sick?"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 25, 2023 15:42:55 GMT -5
"I see." Sylvari paused to consider Aledüne's words, shifting in her seat as she did. What must it have been like to have a mentor? Being thrust into this strange world alone has had no shortage of difficulties and unpleasant surprises. Not that I would ever have allowed myself to come into the tutelage of the monster responsible for my condition. In any case, knowledge is the best weapon against one's foes, and given the surprising breadth this curse encompasses, it seems I have plenty to learn.
Sylvari perked up at Aledüne's question, taken a bit aback by being considered fortunate in her curse, but if any had justification for such words, it was others of her kin without. Regarding her bodily changes, Sylvari had wondered the same about herself. "Yes I do, but it's strange. It's as if my body's functions have both sped up and slowed. I hardly need sleep, become exhausted only after several days' hard travel, and have unusual resilience to the environment. As far as sickness, I couldn't say. The gods have blessed my body with robustness, I've never been given to often falling ill."
She wrinkled up her nose at a new consideration. "What about food? I can eat it, though I can hardly stomach the taste. It's as if shoveling ash into my mouth. Given that, I guess I must consider myself lucky to be able to sustain on blood alone, even if I do need to drink almost nightly."
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 28, 2023 14:06:52 GMT -5
"The benefits of being undead are many. Requiring no sleep, no food beyond the dependence on blood. My body is not alive, so I have no need for air and only acidic poisons would have a chance at damaging my body. On top of it all I don't age." He seems happy with what he speaks, clearly having settled well into what he now was.
"Of course there are downsides. No longer being able to properly eat normal food. As my body can't digest it personally I need to throw it up at a later time unlike you. I am undead and so divine magic has a next to no beneficial effect on me, at least when it comes to restoring vitality. In addition there is magic that makes us vulnerable and I am unable to walk in the sun unlike you. Our dependency on blood makes us dependant on people forcing us to keep close to the living."
He points at her smiling. "And this is the reason you have nothing to worry about from me. I don't wish to make an enemy of the one thing that can sustain me. I have no delusions like my own sire in that I am somehow supposed to be better than what I eat. I am happy with what I am and what I gain from my existence, but at the same time I realize that the mortals are blessed in their own way."
"All in all my dear, you seem to possess traits different than I, closer to the world of the living. So in your own way you are blessed and cursed. Same as any creature is blessed and cursed with their strengths and flaws. I intend on living my life to the fullest of what it can be, and so I hope you can as well, as soon as you can learn to accept yourself for what you are. Does my reasoning sound clear to you?"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 28, 2023 15:50:50 GMT -5
"Inasmuch as hating my own nature does nothing to practically alleviate the world of the suffering our kind causes. I believe that you are not intent on causing such suffering, but I still hold fast that we have a debt to the common good, both given our increased prowess and as repayment for the excesses of our ilk. Go your way of collecting knowledge, and I will do my work of expelling evil from the world. We may yet make our just repayment to society."
Sylvari faltered then, her face scrunching up in distaste and despair. "I will do my best to appreciate the 'blessings' of this new form of existence, few and far between as they seem to me. Perhaps the gods have deigned that I should have hardship to prepare me to better serve others."
Noting the encroaching darkness of night, and the dark flame of thirst within her breast even after her embracing the beast earlier, she looked back to Aledüne. "Well, it is time that I be on my way. I will endeavor to make the most of this experience, bleak as it currently is. I shall see you again in the city Zeinav at the solstice. Until then, my dear, I bid you good evening."
She turned to begin trudging down the hill face, not eager to bring the news of her failure to the common folk.
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 28, 2023 15:56:58 GMT -5
He moves outside with her, listening quietly as he was already done sharing his opinion. The hatred for herself this woman felt he would never understand. Even as one of the immortals, Aledüne guessed this was just another moment a woman had failed to view an issue in a rational light.
"Be safe then. I hope you learn to see yourself in a kinder light and to let go of your self-hatred eventually. Until we see each other again, I wish you safe travels."
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