☬-Thorn of The Rose-☬ 2x2 W/ Wolfrunner & Spiritstar3

[wolfrunner]

Not long after Al left his presence was replaced by Adrian. Turning around he cast a glance at the rather grim, disturbing massacre laying about the alley. "It's-", Lucas fell silent not having the words to describe the scene around them, "-not a scene I have seen from any one single vampire in a while. At least not from one with any kind of civility or breeding." There was a note of concern in his voice. As for how he seemed?" The pureblood turned to look from the lost humans to Adrian coming eye to eye with the other male, "At first I thought I was looking at my reflection on a dark pool but, the more I looked at him as we spoke the more I now realize that isn't quite accurate. I saw myself should I decide to drop to the lowest of the low among our ranks. For most of our conversation anyway. Up until he inquired about the Emberelic Royals in my watch."

[owl0430]

There was a few moments of silence from the pureblood as he pondered Lucas's words. " So he has relapsed then...its unfortunate, but it's good to see he remembers himself and his promises at least a portion of the time. That is at least progress when compared to his previous lapses in sanity. " he then knelt by one of the humans to check for a pulse, frowning when he found none, though not surprised. " Normally the deaths of humans do not phase me, but at least typically when I play with my food I merely evoke as much fear as I can from them... his game of cat and mouse is far more vicious. Though his actions aren't exactly unexpected, considering the course of actions the two of them chose that night. It's a shame I can't be around to see how things turned out. Not yet at least. " was he rambling a bit? Yes, but only to distract from the scene. " Well, let is continue our chat, but only after we depart from this alley. Perhaps on the way back to the library you can tell my why you felt you seem yourself in his insanity. "

-----
While Orion spoke, she stayed silent, listening but never sparing him so much as a glance.

"- and that, I suppose, covers the foundations."

" For being just the foundations, it already seems incredibly complex.

" I'm afraid that's just how these kind of things are.
Besides, if they were simple they wouldn't be interesting now would they?"

" I suppose not..." she paused. " but... you mentioned you were human once. Why....why did you choose to turn?"

For once, the male was caught off guard. He hadn't expected such a personal question to be asked by the young woman, not that he minded.

"...that...is a difficult question. It was so long ago, most of it is either forgotten or fuzzy these days. But I will do my best to recall the memory. Just don't go telling any of the Reneirs this story,
ok?" he spoke with a wink and a finger to his lips, implying the next part of their conversation to stay between naught but the two of them. " I can't recall most of my life before I was turned, nor parts of it for a while afterwards. But bits and pieces of the night have remained. It was raining, yet the city was alight with fires and screams, turning the night into day but surrounding the city with an abyss so dark you feared to.set foot past the light of the blaze.
I didn't know at the time, but the feral creatures running amuck were vampires- feral vampires who no longer possessed even a shed of humanity. With no clue what to do.or where the rest of my family was, I ran- but as I ran down the city streets one of those abominable creatures grabbed hold of me, wasting no time trying to sink its teeth into me. Before it could, however, he saved me- the progenitor.
After that I do not recall what happened. Perhaps it was desperation to survive, or a desire to save my family. The fact of the matter is I turned, and so did my family. "

Part of that was a lie. He knew exactly why he turned. He could remember that night's events like they were yesterday. There had been rumors beforehand of red-eyed creatures running around at night, ruthless and violent. When these rumors were proven true, it became known as 'the plague'. Because of that, there were inspections every morning, for every man woman and child. If anyone bore the marks of these creatures, or acted on an unusual manner, they were imprisoned within their own homes, and x put on their doors, guards blocked every entrance and exit, every window boarded up. They were locked there for a week. If they showed no 'symptoms' by the end of the week, they were allowed to return to normal life. Obviously, this didn't always work. Sometimes they hid the symptoms. Others broke out with newfound strength, ripping apart the guards that had been stationed outside their house. Things got so bad that thr minute the sun began to set, everyone was instructed to return home and stay outside til the sun once again lit up the sky. If it was an overcast day or it rained, everyone would stay inside if at all possible.
Merchants even began selling different herbs, oils and the like promising they would keep ones family safe. Some of it worked, most of it did not.

Things went on like that for several months before that night came, and it had indeed been a stormy night. It had been for several nights in a row. The winds howled as the rain poured and thunder raged. The river by the main trade route leading into town had flooded over. It just so happened that that night lightning chose to strike, setting a building alight despite the fact it was raining. It made no sense, and yet it happened- but by that point nobody bothered questioning such strange phenomena- the energy required to do so was better spent on trying to survive.

The fire quickly spread over the city, chasing everyone from their homes. The feral vampires wasted no time then in making an appearance, chasing down the humans running amuck like wolves chasing a frightened lamb. It was like something out of a darkened fairytale. One of them had split him from his family, which was why he had ended up sprinting alone down the streets, while other runs with their loved runs, but the vampires weren't the only thing that had to be avoided while running. Falling debris from the flames, alcohol causing homes to explode. The fallen scattered about the streets, their lifeless forms easy to trip over.

Yet even among all the horrors and the smoke and flames, he eventually found himself at a standstill, but not because of fear. Not at all. A gust of wind had cleared some smoke away, granting him a view of the road ahead, and in the center of that street was a man walking calmly in the center, a peaceful smile on his face. He wasn't running scared, or trying to flee. In fact, he looked as if he didn't have a care in the world. He radiated power, and held an air of elegance and grace mixed with wisdom and mischief. Not to mention that even he had to admit that, almost the rain and flames, the man had looked ethereal. It was enchanting- enticing.

Orion hadnt even noticed the feral vampire approaching him until it blocked his view of the strange man, and by that point he had no chance of escape. Soon enough he had then felt the heat and sickness of freshly spilt blood- but it wasn't his own. No. The vampire was broken and thrown down to the ground before him, his assailant none other than that mysterious man, who now stood before him with an arm coated in blood and eyes glowing a brilliant purple. It left him speechless.

" Are you alright?" the man spoke to him.
" I-I....you... just killed that thing." " That I did, yes. I take your words as a sign you're alright his tone was gentle, soothing even, but held the sway of a sirens song. "hmm... well, seeing as you are fine, I suppose I shall be taking my leave. Do try not to get killed won't you? Twould be a downright shame if I saved you for nothing."

At that the man had begun walking away, and somehow, it broke him out of his stupor. " Wait! " he had shouted, the man turning around to face him. " Please, wait ! T-Take me with you!"

At that, the man had displayed a fang-filled grin, bearing an expression of utter amusement unlike the serene one he bore only moments ago. " You do not fear me? " he pondered. " You do realize I am the cause of all thi, yes? Who.else would be able to tame these beasts if not their creator. ."

" I- I don't care!" Of course he was afraid. But something else overtook that fear- greed. Desire. It was more than wanting to live, he wanted to thrive. To possess some of the power and air thr strange man held. To be so powerful you had nothing to fear, but all feared you. To be free to.live however he wanted, to indulge his every desire and whom. No more working tirelessly, toiling day after day just to survive. " I don't know what you are, or what all your capable of...but what I do know is your unlike anything or anyone we've ever known. Terrifying but beautiful, young and ancient at the same time. Whatever it is you have, I want some of it."

" Oh? What a greedy little human you are... you do understand what you would be giving up? Your humanity, for one. Any hopes of a normal life. You will be possessed by a hunger so great it can never be truly sated no matter how much you feed. Days, then years will go by, yet while those around you wither away you shall remain vibrant and youthful. Your family will no longer recognize you, for to them you will seem as naught but a beast."

And for a moment he hesitated. Would the costs truly be worth it?

" Yes." He decided. " I understand. If becoming a beast is what it takes, than that's what I shall do. As for my family... we'll convince them of the same. Even if they decline now, they'll agree eventually agree. We'll make them understand."

" Very well then, human. I believe we shall get along quite well. Step forth, and let us begin the process. "

And so on that night, amidst a flood a fire and what was thought to be a plague, he gave up his humanity, while his home burned down around him.

[wolfrunner]

Casting one last glance around the alley at the slain human’s Lucas closed his eyes trying to calm himself. After all it wasn’t entirely the thought of his past and the recents events that caused enough of a drop in his facade to give way to his more vampiric look. He could not go out and about town in broad daylight with glowing red like....well....like Al possibly would not cared about weather he did or not. It wasn’t an easy feat with the scene surrounding them but, eventually, Lucas was able to control his instincts as his eyes faded from harsh animalistic crimson to more forgiving amused blue-grey. Running a hand through his dark locks with a grunt, “For me being such a way would not be considered insane as it is for him, but there is a reason I noted a bit of myself in his moment of insanity. My emotional range and emotions themselves have never been normal even with our kind Adrian. It’s’ almost like I can turn then on and off at will, or I have none and every emotion I feel or otherwise put forth in naught but a facade. A game. Lure. I saw that lack of emotion, let us call it for now, but only Al has no tact. The difference is he himself is gone. While with me that state is me.”

[wolfrunner]

Rigel looked at the prince, “Are you well?”, he asked catching the human’s smile then sudden loss of it. Not waiting for a reply, the blonde started reaching for food over the table and offering dishes to Haruna to see what he wanted. “I believe a few of these you may find familiar. I had staff pass on to me a few particulars you enjoyed and had the chef ensure they were on the table. I also had the stable hands go and prepare our steeds so we can waste no time once finished here.”

[owl0430]

" Hmm... while I'll agree its not entirely normal, its not entirely abnormal either. Some humans tend to act similarly in that regard. Personally I have no experience in that regard, so it is not really my place to speak on such matters. Though I shall do my best to give you some peace of mind. It is true that with Al, he is seen as insane. Which isn't exactly wrong. But if it were you, likely you would be viewed as just another pureblood, yes? So why is that. If Changelings are viewed as such when that act out like Al, typically it is presumed that they were unable to handle the change. They can not adjust to the vampiric way of life. Now I can not speak for the first generation of purebloods, but for every generation of them after the founders, think of the changeling situation, but reversed- Accustomed to the vampiric way of life, a pureblood was never human. Yet they have to learn to hide their nature and play pretend. The way they process emotions is different from a human, and yet they have to pass themselves off as one. Its uncommon for a vampire to die, so they don't typically know grief. Tragedy is commonplace for humans, for us a rarity. In fact, half the time we have no need for many of the basic human emotions. Greed and desire is our primary driving force, and i suppose in some cases the desire for romance is there as well. Perhaps we are simply that way to avoid feeling emotions that make us uncomfortable because they make us feel vulnerable. Human. Now I could go more in depth, but I believe you get the picture. The point is your way of life does not seem so absurd in theory. Though if you're truly bothered by it perhaps do some soul searching. Have you always been this way? Or was there an initial trigger. Furthermore, are their situations you feel more prompted to turn them off or put on a front? So on and so forth. "

All the whole he had started walking, slowly leading them towards the library. " However, I don't believe you he any reason to worry. Even you being you, and though I have known you for ages, I do not recall when you've ever been anywhere near as bad as Al gets. Not unless you thought it to be the best course of action. Besides, neither of you are even the worst it can get. "

Sending Lucas a friendly smile, he stopped before the libraries door. " Now, unless you have more you wish to discuss, we have arrived. My acquaintance should be waiting for us in the restricted section."

[owl0430]

It was several years before he saw his family after that. In fact, he estimated around 9 to 10 years. At the time he was turned, Esmerelda had been around ten years old. When he returned she was a grown woman. Though She was still the same sweet little sister he had remembered her to be. Only now she was looking for a suitor. But all the ones they had found cared not for her, but her looks, and so she turned them all away. Mother and father, albeit older, were exactly thr same as before.

But of course, his reentry into their lives had thrown them for a loop. They all had thought him to dead. So it was quite thr surprise when one day he showed up at the door, escorted by an refined young man of a similar age to what he- somehow- appeared to be. Thr progenitor hadnt turned him right away, electing to make him prove his loyalty before he did. It had taken him two years to do so. Since then he had been adjusting to his new way of life, and relishing in it. Aside from age, his appearance wasn't horrible- a bit scruffy, yes. But could've been worse. The main issue was he hadn't had a meal in a while, so though he was in control thanks to the progenitors training, he looked a bit thin and weary. But at least he wasn't covered in dried blood.

After some time he revealed to them what he was, and out of the three, Mother was the first to turn. Then father. Esmerelda took more convincing, to say the least. But eventually agreed, and some years later found she quite enjoyed her new life, for many reasons. There was a fair bit that went down before they were all on the same page, but that was fine. Fact of the matter was that they got there at all.

" Hey" no response.

" Orion, was it?" At the sound of his name, uttered by the human woman, he finally snapped out of his thoughts.

"My apologies, miss. I fear I had gotten lost in my own thoughts."

" You're alright. I just wished to thank you for telling me, is all. "

" You are most welcome. It is the least I can do to thank you for granting my your company. Though, if I may ask... why are you so curious about us vampires? I doubt you would attempt to kill one of us, in fear of the consequences if it goes wrong... so why else? Could it have anything to do with him ?

[wolfrunner]

“Had I ever had any form of concern it was a good while ago, so much so that it alludes me now. Or talk was nothing more then a combination of wondering about once self and answering your question.”, said Lucas simply with a bit of a shoulder shrug added. Then, “Yes let’s continue. I would much like to meet this old acquaintance of your’s I think.”

[owl0430]

" Very well then." opening the door, he allowed Lucas to enter first, following afterwards to lead him to the restricted section, where they were immediately greeted by a rather peculiar looking halfbreed. A blonde young man with spectacles, adorned in peculiar fashion as well.

" Welcome back sir! Is this the pureblood you were telling me about? It's very nice to meet you Mr. Reneir sir!" the young man was clearly enthusiastic, and energetic as well. In fact, he seemed to be a pretty sweet young man, and rather...normal, and human-ish for a vampire, despite his choice in fashion. " I was ever so excited to hear someone is actually attempting to locate the progenitor! You see, I'm a bit of an enthusiast when it comes to him" he nervously put an arm behind his head as he spoke. " It'll be hard, but I do hope you find him, and I'll do whatever I can to help! Just....tell me before anyone else when you find him, ok? I have so many questions, but if the entire vampire race finds out where he is...well, I'll never get my chance to talk to him then." the young man seemed a bit sad for a moment, but only for a blimp, then his smile had returned to his face. " Anyways! Once Mr. Voss here told me what was happening, I immediately began searching for all the books I could find! There's still a few more I need to locate, but most of them have been pulled already. Don't bother looking in the regular sections though- all the books out there are human-friendly books. To help keep our species hidden for those not-in-the-know, we keep all vampire-related content here in the restricted area. " the male took out a key, unlocking a door and stepping through. " Feel free to stay as long as you would like! Even after hours. And if you have any questions, do let me know. In the meantime I'll find those other ones for you."

[owl0430]

For the first time their entire conversation, Akira had actually turned to look at him, mouth open in a protest that never came before she quickly shut it and looked away, a slight blush to her face.

He then reached out a hand, turning her face to look at him. Though just as quickly as it had happened, he had released her and backed off. " I see now...you're worried. But it's more than just a question of if he shares your feelings. You fear for what happens if he does. What it means for you, both of you. Aside from your lack of knowledge of vampires, you acknowledge that you are human- he will long outlive you. It would be a short-lived relationship, for you would soon enough grow old, an appearance unfitting for a potential partner for him. As much as you hate it, Esmerelda would likely be a better fit for she is an immortal like him. Not to mention, though you'd never speak it, you do slightly fear him. He's proven he won't hurt you- he can't, least not of his own free will. Yet that night you had seen in his gaze that of a predator, and it is that part of him you fear. The predator... and yet, all the same, you question your humanity. What it would be like, presuming he did share your feelings, to give it up in order to live with him for centuries to come."

"..."

" Judging by that glare, I'm assuming I've guessed correctly." Still no response from the human woman.

" Well...you may have no reason to trust me, but...if you ever choose to take that route, and he refuses out of fear for harming you... he paused. " and again, just a little secret between us, ok? I happen to know where the progenitor is at. He could do one better than turning you. He could make you a pureblood...someone truly worthy of a pureblood such as Lucas. There's no rush- take as long as you need to make your decision. But if your ever interested, or would at least wish to meet him, do let me know."

More silence from her. Then- " I believe you should be taking your leave now." her tone was monotonous, her gaze focused on the clouds.

" Very well then. Until next time, miss."

[wolfrunner]

Edited

At least if nothing else Adrian’s acquaintance was enthusiastic about helping the two of them. Very enthusiastic as it seemed. Although Lucas had to remind himself that such enthusiasm could be used to one’s advantage, like how this library keeper was so willing to help them with their search and didn’t require much in return. He would hopefully almost certainly make their task before them simpler. Or at least less daunting. Making his way into the restricted section looking around, “Quite the collection here, perhaps this will yield something. Too think someone has been keeping all this to themselves...though not surprising.” The last bit was a of course in regards to Adrian.

With one last look around, Lucas then stepped into the restricted section to make his way among the rows of ancient bookshelves and texts. The area was quite extensive indeed. He wasn’t simply exchanging compliments with the library keeper when he complimented the collection the young man kept. “We shall cover more space should we split up. I will handle these few rows here.”, he said addressing Adrian, “This appears to be from all over Runemeth at a glance. A few titles I have seen before but many of them not so.”