Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 22, 2023 20:47:05 GMT -5
Sylvari's head swirled from the combination of pain and blood loss, so much so that she only realized Hadassah was tending to her when cool liquid washed over her back. She frowned deeply.
Hadassah is a lovely person to be so concerned about me, but that won't do any good. The only way I'll mend is to replace the blood I've lost.
Sylvari looked down at the blood splattered all over the cobblestones before her. A base impulse made her lurch forward, as if to lap it up in a desperate attempt to become whole again. Sylvari quickly caught herself however, banishing the thought in disgust. Still Hadassah cleaned her wounds.
"Addie.... Addie. Hadassah!" Sylvari had to turn and gently grab her friend to pull her focus out of the medical treatment. "I appreciate the gesture, but such things won't mend me. I just need... I need to replace the blood I've lost."
Her thoughts were too muddled with fatigue to properly explain her curse, so Sylvari merely bared her fangs and uncovered her gleaming crimson eyes, hoping they would act as testimony enough to what she was.
I wouldn't even be in this situation if I had a better handle on my abilities. I need to train more. Definitely not using the wall of dead within the city again...
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Human
88 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Hadassah on Oct 23, 2023 5:38:13 GMT -5
Hadassah flinched at Sylvari’s call. She had been so deep in thought and worry, trying to think about what to do that she hadn’t heard her friend call her the first time. A deep frown formed on her lips as Sylvari stopped her to explain that she needed blood to be healed. How are we going to replace your blood? Hadassah kept her breath steady, trying not to panic at the impossible thought. Her mind raced as she thought about running back to the marketplace to find help. That was, until Sylvari bared her fangs, the curious teeth that Hadassah had been wondering about throughout their time together.
She blinked in confusion for a moment until understanding flashed across her face as her features relaxed. She’d briefly heard of such people who craved blood and perhaps needed it to survive, but had never seen them for herself. It seemed she had not only met one, but made friends with one and had been saved by one.
As frightened as it made Hadassah feel to have blood taken from her on purpose, she would not even think of letting her friend die here, especially not if she could do something about it. Hadassah nodded again in solemn understanding. “Do what you need to.”
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 23, 2023 6:54:49 GMT -5
Sylvari almost lost control at that moment, unable to refrain from staring at the tender skin of Hadassah's neck in her pervasive hunger. Her chiefest chain that restrained the beast within, consent of the other person, had been loosed, and drool and longing fell from her in equal parts.
Impossibly, she tore her gaze away, wiping her mouth with the back of her gauntlet. She turned to look away from her friend, desperately trying to think of anything but the succulent pulse in her veins and the needed arcana it carried.
"I wouldn't ask you to do that, Addie... I'll need- too much. I- WANT TO DEVOUR A MORTAL WHOLE."
Sylvari curled up in shame and fear. She clutched at her head, fighting for control as the monster that lurked in her heart threatened to break free to do as it wished. She could feel her grip on consciousness slipping, and she knew in her bones that if she fell asleep, it wouldn't be her that awoke, not until she was covered with the gore of several victims.
She could not, she would not allow that to happen to Addie. But she needed blood soon. Through addled thoughts she desperately searched her memory for someone within the city that she could requisition. She had willing thralls here of course, but coordinating multiple to ensure she wouldn't harm any one was too much for her swirling mental processes to handle at current.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Human
88 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Hadassah on Oct 23, 2023 9:33:10 GMT -5
Hadassah’s skin crawled as Sylvari stared hungrily at her, drool dripping from her still red lips. Hadassah rubbed her arms uncomfortably, feeling the risen goosebumps on her skin as Sylvari looked away from her and wiped her mouth.
Hadassah stumbled back with a yelp, her heart pounding in response to Sylvari’s sudden and violent change of voice. She’s going to eat me.
She watched cautiously as her friend curled up before her, almost as if she was afraid. Compassion filled Hadassah's eyes as it became clear that her friend was not fully in control. She knew she didn’t want to hurt her, but there was something else hiding within her body that did. Stay calm Addie, stay calm, she thought to herself as her heart continued to beat forcefully against her chest. Hadassah knew something had to be done quickly. She guessed if Sylvari didn’t get the blood she needed soon, one of two things would happen. She would either die, or her hunger would take full control and, going by the power Sylvari has shown her thus far, Hadassah would not stand a chance in that case with just her fists. She wondered if there were any other options, but not a thing came to mind, other than going around asking for donations, that would take ages, if anyone even agreed, or taking it from someone by force, I would rather die than harm an innocent person, not to mention I have nothing to collect the blood in. She could think of nothing else.
“Sylvi,” Hadassah started, her voice shaking a bit, “I..I want you to take what you need. I would probably be injured or even dead if you didn’t shield me anyway. This will be my trade.” Hadassah swallowed hard, not knowing what to expect next. She lowered her voice to almost a whisper. “I can close my eyes,”
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 23, 2023 9:49:58 GMT -5
The kindness in Hadassah's voice grounded Sylvari, quivering and small though it was. It rekindled the blazing inferno of justice in Sylvari's heart, a shining beacon that beat back the beast within to the dark corners of her mind. She turned to her friend, the both of them acting brave for each other's sake.
Sylvari brushed an errant strand of Hadassah's hair behind her left ear, showing as kind a smile as she could manage given the blood rage and pain within. BLOOD. TENDER FLESH. CONSUME. REGENERATE. BECOME. No, I won't harm Addie. I will take enough to think straight and not a drop more.
"Thank you, Addie. It will only hurt for a moment. Let me know if you begin to feel light-headed."
Sylvari waited for her friend to close her eyes, a bit too tight in fear and apprehension. She removed her right gauntlet to bring a comforting hand to Hadassah's arm, hoping the non-metal contact would be more soothing, even icy as her flesh was. Then, with purposeful, painful slowness, she brought her fangs down gently on Hadassah's neck, piercing the skin and noting the slight gasp and wince as she did so.
At least it will feel better after the initial puncture [Striga Lineage]. Addie... BLOOD.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Human
88 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Hadassah on Oct 23, 2023 10:30:36 GMT -5
Hadassah smiled weakly as Sylvari brushed her hair away from her reddened face. She knew her friend was kind and that she had nothing to fear. Even if something goes wrong, Hadassah had already decided it would be worth it, and a fair trade for Sylvari’s sacrifice and protection thus far. Better a friend than an enemy, Hadassah figured.
Her eyes squeezing shut, Hadassah relaxed slightly at Sylvari’s cool, reassuring touch. It’s okay, she said in her mind, both to herself and to Sylvari. I’ll be okay. Hadassah tilted her head slightly to the side to give Sylvari better access to her neck and took a slow and controlled breath, preparing to be pierced. Hadassah winced at the sharp pain as Sylvari’s fangs sunk into her flesh, gasping lightly as she could feel the blood leaving her body. After the initial pain, she felt just fine, other than her still pounding heart. It was an odd feeling overall, especially because her neck was quite sensitive and she was fighting the urge to shrug her shoulders instinctively. The feeling was almost nice, surprisingly, being somewhere in between a ticklish feeling and an aching soreness. Nevertheless, she was thankful that Sylvari was being gentle thus far, and was prepared for the pain to return at any moment. She imagined it could be a much worse experience under…different circumstances. Hadassah immediately pushed the frightened thought from her mind.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 23, 2023 11:50:01 GMT -5
As Sylvari drank from Hadassah's veins, as deeply as she dared, she sighed in relief, feeling the wounds on her back closing [Vampiric Healing], the rent flesh knitting itself back together through the mystical transfusion of receiving the arcana within her friend. She tried her best to remain conscious of the amount of blood she was taking, resisting the siren's call of losing herself in the sensation and taking too much.
Sylvari had discovered that though she craved blood of all kinds and reveled in the taste regardless, each person carried a unique taste based on their personality, their usual activity, and all of the little decisions that make up one's life. She had grown over time to detect the subtle notes of flavor in her partners and appreciate the little insights she gained from them. Feeding was already an intimate act, one that Sylvari only engaged in with absolute trust, but the flashes of knowing made her all the more respectful of the process, revering the privacy with an importance that bordered on the sacred.
Hadassah's flavor was like that of a pure river spring, unmarred by the pollutants of the world. She detected the hints of sea arcana that hinted of her friend's great potential, the sweet notes of kindness that pervaded her being, and the subtle spice of shyness over the whole ordeal. Most of all, Sylvari tasted the sweet nectar of trust that Hadassah placed in her, steady and strong despite her evident worry. It touched Sylvari's heart and was the catalyst she needed to break contact from the stream of ambrosia.
As Sylvari removed her mouth from Hadassah's neck, she retrieved two items from her bag, a small scarlet handkerchief to wipe away the excess red on her mouth, and a wrapped pastry that she had bought just this morning. Its sugary scent was enough to make Sylvari fill with regret for not being able to enjoy it when she bought the treat, but here and now, she was glad to have it. She held the small dessert out to Hadassah.
"Thank you very much, Addie. You saved me." Sylvari smiled at her friend. Her back was not wholly healed, and she still felt the pain as she adjusted in her sitting position, but she could bear with this and feed again later. "Take this. Eat it. You'll need to replenish yourself after that. let me know when you want to stand and I will help you."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Human
88 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Hadassah on Oct 23, 2023 13:55:03 GMT -5
As Sylvari pulled away from her neck, Hadassah opened her eyes, blinking away the remaining blurriness from them. She admitted she felt slightly weaker and paler in the face than before, but nothing unbearable or particularly concerning. She brought her hand up to her neck, feeling the tender area where Sylvari fed. That wasn’t so bad, Hadassah thought, chuckling silently to herself. She smiled calmly at Sylvari as she wiped her mouth and handed her the small dessert.
“Please don’t thank me.” Hadassah bowed her head in thanks before beginning to unwrap the pastry. “It was the least I could do. You saved my life first, after all.” If Hadassah was honest, she felt that giving her blood was the only useful thing she had done in the entire time they had been questing together. She was glad she could help when it truly mattered at least. Hadassah took a generous bite of the pastry, savoring its sweet taste as it seemed to melt in her mouth. She sighed in contentment, as she tore off a piece of the dessert to give to Sylvari.
“How are you feeling? Is there anything else I can do? Somewhere I can take you?” She had more questions than this, wanting to make absolutely sure Sylvari was okay, but she refrained, not wanting to overwhelm her friend, or herself.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 23, 2023 15:13:34 GMT -5
Sylvari shook her head and smiled at Hadassah, using a bit of saliva on her thumb to quickly close the puncture marks on her partner's neck. She's been remarkably graceful throughout this whole ordeal.
"No, Addie, that won't be necessary. I've recouped enough to press on. I just want to make sure you won't pass out from fatigue before we move." Sylvari noted the look of curiosity in her friend's eyes at the revelation of her nature, which she admirably tried to suppress with concern.
Very noble of her, but the least I can do is explain my curse, as she was involved in the treatment. Besides, we wouldn't have been in this situation if I'd just mastered my magic enough to know its full effects.
Sylvari held up a hand to refuse the offered piece of the treat. "No thank you, love. My... condition renders normal food, unpalatable, to say the least. Speaking of, I imagine you have some questions on that front? I will try to answer your queries as best as I am able. It will help pass the time until you've regained your strength."
What little I'm able to provide. I'm hardly a font of knowledge on the subject, even living with it for a year.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Human
88 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Hadassah on Oct 24, 2023 2:07:04 GMT -5
Hadassah nodded understandingly, popping the piece of sweet goodness into her mouth. As Sylvari used her saliva on her punctured neck, Hadassah once again had to fight the urge to shrug her shoulders or itch the spot immediately as it quickly healed over. Hadassah wondered if that too was magic, or if her friend’s saliva just had natural healing properties, both of which deeply fascinated her.
Hadassah furrowed her brow, listening to Sylvari explain how food tasted to her. She could not imagine having to give up her favorite foods and she wondered if her friend ever felt the same, or wished she could enjoy normal food. A part of her felt guilty for eating the dessert in front of her, wondering if Sylvari might have wished she could have eaten it instead. Hadassah unwrapped the remainder of the dessert and consumed it in one bite, trying to mask her guilt with the pleasant sweetness.
“If you really don’t mind,” Hadassah started after swallowing and dusting the sugar from her mouth. She felt as if she might burst with questions, but she was taught from her youth to ask them in moderation when possible. She had been punished many times for being rude, though she never meant to be, and a number of her friends distanced themselves from her on account of her “asking of lot of questions”. Hadassah learned that was a much nicer way of saying “annoying”. From then on, she found people stuck around longer if she kept the majority of her questions to herself. She wondered if it would seem rude even now, with given permission.
“If you can’t eat food, do you truly live on blood alone? How often do you have to eat?” And what happens if you can’t find it when you’re hungry? “How long have you been like this?” I could have worded that differently…
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 24, 2023 9:54:30 GMT -5
Sylvari sighed and laid back gingerly against the stone wall of the nearby building her she sat, conscious of her still-aching back. Hadassah's hesitancy to ask questions brought a sad smile to her face, as Sylvari could see that her young friend burned with many more than she asked. Her parents had both encouraged curiosity in their own ways, and she thought it was lamentable to have one's adventurous spirit dampened for propriety's sake. She set about answering Hadassah's questions one by one, reading between the lines to try and answer the ones she restrained herself from asking as well.
"To be technical, dear, I can eat food, but it invariably tastes like ash in my mouth, despite its smell. I imagine my mouth has changed to crave only what I need for nourishment. Luckily, blood seems to be more nutritious than a normal diet, for myself at least. If I take it easy, I only need to slake my thirst every few days. If the journey is hard-going, it's best if I eat once a day; more still if I take injury, as you've seen."
Sylvari looked at the worry in Hadassah's eyes as she spoke and thought about the logistics of coordinating that much blood. "I've cultivated a small network of willing individuals in most places I've visited, so I'm rarely without options, but I've prepared for that eventuality." Sylvari reached into her bag to pull out a small metal box, and opened it to reveal several small blood vials within.
She felt a shiver down her spine at Hadassah's next question, as she was forced to grapple once again with the fact that her curse was now her life. "I've had the blood curse for about a year, now, but in the first days, I can hardly have been considered to know anything about it or properly take care of myself. I made... too many mistakes..."
Sylvari got a faraway look in her eyes as her lips curled downward into a pained grimace.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Human
88 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Hadassah on Oct 24, 2023 13:36:25 GMT -5
Hadassah leaned forward unintentionally as she listened to Sylvari’s answers, all of which satisfied her curiosity for the most part. It relieved her to know that she wasn’t the only one willing to give her blood, especially after seeing a glimpse of whatever slept under her kind and noble friend’s skin. “I’m glad to hear that,” Hadassah said, leaning forward further forward to look into Sylvari’s metal box full of blood. She quickly sat up and tucked her hair behind her ear, realizing how childishly nosy she probably looked, peering so closely into Sylvari's little box. Hadassah smiled warmly at her, thankful for her openness thus far.
Hadassah noted the way Sylvari’s voice changed as she explained the age of her curse and the mistakes she had made, which Hadassah guessed had much to do with the glimpse she had seen earlier. Maybe I shouldn’t have pried. She’s been through enough just today. Hadassah’s own lips curled downward, unknowingly mimicking Sylvari as her heart filled with empathy. Hadassah cleared her throat and grasped for a change of subject. “Have you ever thought about trying normal food mixed with blood? Maybe a tasty smell with…the nutrition you need could make for an interesting experience?” Hadassah hoped she didn’t sound too cheery and desperate to change the subject, but she really did feel bad. She didn’t want to return Sylvari to a place of sadness or discomfort after the ordeal they’d just survived. Her curiosity wasn’t worth it.
Hadassah realized after she’d asked her question that she was feeling much better, thanks to Sylvari’s delicious treat. Even so, she almost didn’t want to get up at the risk of interrupting a pleasant conversation. Perhaps a few more minutes.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 24, 2023 14:04:59 GMT -5
All the while the two were having their conversation, Sylvari was carefully studying her friend for signs of excess fatigue or drowsiness. It certainly helps not having pupils. Even without the veil, it's hard to discern where I'm looking, making it easier to hide if I stare. She certainly felt a bit bad that she wasn't giving Hadassah her full attention, but Sylvari's first priority was her friend's health.
As she was drawn back to the present by Hadassah's question, Sylvari forced herself to give a gentle smile at the suggestion. "I'll admit, I've never thought to try that." Though I don't think mixing blood and mortal food would make the experience any better than smearing one's dessert with ashes would. "If you think it would be a good idea, I'll give it a try." And Sylvari would: she owed her friend enough to humor her suggestions, ones that might even turn out to be good ones.
She took on a more somber note as she gazed at Hadassah, still slightly pale from the ordeal. It's my fault it got to this point. It's my fault I even had to 'save' her in the first place. "Addie," Sylvari began her voice low and tinged with guilt. "I'm sorry for today. I normally make it my prerogative to inform all of my partners of my nature, for reasons that have become all too evident in this circumstance: I'm a potential danger. There no excuse, but I just wanted one time a friend that saw only the noble parts of me. It was childish and selfish and ultimately futile... I gave you my oath of protection, and, in the end, the greatest source of danger was myself." Sylvari turned away her head in guilt.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Human
88 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Hadassah on Oct 25, 2023 6:38:30 GMT -5
Hadassah chuckled, shrugging a little. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, you know yourself and what you’d like better than I do.”
Hadassah cocked her head to the side, listening carefully as Sylvari’s voice took a somber tone once again. Her heart ached for a moment after hearing her friend say her name with such seriousness. She knew an apology of some kind was coming, and she already didn’t want it. She bit down on her tongue to stop herself from interrupting, even as her stomach curled. Though she hadn’t known Sylvari for very long, she didn’t feel threatened by her, even after seeing what she was, what she could be. It scared Hadassah a little to think of what she might be like if she lost control, but she had firm confidence in her new friend. She especially felt better to know she had blood on hand if needed and a number of willing volunteers, which Hadassah would now include herself in, if needed. And of course, if Hadassah hadn’t been in the way earlier, Sylvari wouldn’t have needed to shield her. Hadassah froze, and that was her fault. She would have handled that cat all on her own and made it out just fine without me.
Hadassah’s frown deepened, listening to the shame in Sylvari’s voice. Hadassah never would have blamed her for hiding her nature, she didn’t have the right to know if it wasn’t necessary. Everyone has secrets after all. She shook her head, her heart heavy in her chest, wondering if it would be appropriate to give Sylvari a hug. Hadassah decided against it, fearing she might hurt her friend’s back further.
“Please, Sylvi, look at me,” Hadassah managed a small smile as she spoke, wishing she could see Sylvari’s eyes past the veil. “I’m completely fine thanks to you. I was happy to join you on this adventure and I don’t regret doing so. You’re the only friend I’ve made in a while, and I don’t blame you one bit for anything that has happened today.” Hadassah reached out and gave Sylvari’s hand a gentle squeeze. “A little danger never hurts anyway. How boring would life be without risk?.” I am not afraid of you, don’t worry.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 25, 2023 13:50:28 GMT -5
Sylvari forced a smile onto her face at her friend's words, discerning the true meaning which obviated her obvious fear: that Hadassah would be frightened of her as a monster, like her family did. She is a brave girl. I'm honored to have met her.
Sylvari fully removed her veil, squinting slightly in the sunshine, as she allowed her crimson, pupilless eyes to gaze into Hadassah's, unobscured. Her forced smile eased into a gentler one, albeit tinged with a hint of shyness. Sylvari herself was unsettled by her new appearance, so she rarely showed her visage to others, to spare them any discomfort. With Hadassah, however, she felt safe and vindicated, her friend already having experienced the more difficult ordeal of seeing her close to frenzy.
"I can't tell you how much that means to me, Addie. It's selfish to continue to wallow in misery when hope has been given, so I gratefully accept your words. They have warmed my heart."
Sylvari only hesitated for a split-second before giving into her overwhelming desire to hug her friend, enveloping Hadassah's smaller frame in her larger, armored one as she pulled her close. Sylvari held the motion for a few seconds before releasing Hadassah, looking into her eyes once more.
"Has your strength recovered? Shall we get moving?"
|
|