[IC] New Eyes and an Old Soul

[PopeAlessandros]

Dorian moves quickly, not wanting to leave the boy on his own for too long. In the room he checks the stove to make sure that the remnants of burnt clothing are completely ash, and checks the bed for any signs of blood. Once he is sure everything is in order he scoops up his travel bag, a carrier pouch that hangs from one shoulder the strap across his chest. The fine dark brown leather matches his outfit along with his air of one who is no stranger to the finer things in life. With one last glance around the room he gives a nod and heads out into the hall. 'Not an unpleasant place to stay. Perhaps if the staff were a bit more subtle in their ways. . .' He puts on one of his best smiles as he comes to the front desk. He decides to not negotiate with the woman, simply paying the sum she asks for. This makes her rather happy and he has to fight not to pull his hand back when she presses a grateful kiss to it.

With all his business taken care of he heads out to the street. The hard cobbles beneath his feet are alive with the clicking sounds of many feet not too far away, but in front of the inn itself seems to be less busy than one street to either side. He hums softly as he wanders towards the stable swiftly only to break into a slight run at the sound of a horse's scream. At the door to the building he stops only long enough to assess the situation. The girl, the one he assumes was sent to the stable to deliver what he asked for, stands against a stall door, her arms wrapped tightly around the parcels in his arms. His steed is rearing and plunging, shaking it's head wildly, while off to the side just out of reach the young vampire shuffles across the ground away from the upset animal.

Like lightning Dorian darts across the distance between them and, taking a tight hold on the collar of the boy's shirt, tosses him into a pile of hay nearby away from danger. Turning back towards the upset beast he motions for the girl to remain still and with practiced ease he moves to stand in close to the horse. The girl simply nods, pulling her arms in tighter. 'Now to calm you down Horace' Pulling his lips tight, tongue tucked behind teeth, Dorian lets out a shrill whistle that makes the stallion turn towards him. Still spooked it rears again, but Dorian dodges as the thick hooves come down and reaches out for the beast's head. Having been in the stable for a few days he has no harness, however Dorian is strong enough to just grip the muzzle bare handed to keep hold of Horace.

The stallion tries a few more times to rear but Dorian is talking to him, shushing him, muttering nonsensical words and with a loud huff he eventually quiets down. Still to frightened to approach the girl watches as Dorian looks the beast over. Upon finding a small patch of blood around a very recognizable set of puncture wounds the elder's head snaps around to give James a sharp look before he reaches in his bag to retrieve something. Always ready to cater to his horses, Dorian produces a bottle of a thick green poultice and begins applying it to the wound. 'At least it's not deep. I guess I over estimated the little one' Glancing over at the boy once more he give him a little tilt of the head, beckoning him over.

[Medilia]

James yelps as he is grabbed and tossed across the stable and way from Horace, he watches as Dorian manages to calm the horse. Biting his lip the young vampire stays put waiting for Dorian to get Horace under control. As the older man finds the bite mark James ducks his head knowing he is going to be in trouble. He knows he should not have bitten Horace but he had been unable to control himself.

He senses Dorian's eyes on him and slowly raises his head to meet the other man's eyes. When beckoned he stands up shuffling his feet and moving hesitantly towards Dorian. He looks at Dorian with his biggest eyes. "I-I didn't mean to do it," he whimpers. "I was trying not to..." he nods towards the girl. "I swear." His hand reaches out and takes hold of Dorian's jacket gripping tighty.

[PopeAlessandros]

Dorian's hands continues to work even as he keeps his eye on the young vampire. His shuffling movements and cowering stance gives Dorian a satisfied feeling. 'At least he knows he did something wrong' His eyebrow rises however when the boy reaches him and gives him a rather pathetic look, gripping the hem of his jacket in a pleading manner. His attention returns to Horace and he quickly finishes administering his treatment. 'This wound will make our trip much slower. We will have to find a place to rest between here and the next town' He once more gives the youngster a harsh look but after a few seconds he looks back to the horse, stoking a hand down his long neck. “You need to learn to control yourself Little One. You will not starve, so even if you are hungry and feel the burn inside, you must resist.” His voice is hard, the injury to one of his best horses making his words harsher than they would be should he have slipped up in some other manner.

Unable to overhear the conversation going on on the other side of the now tame looking beast, the girl comes around slowly and stops just within sight of the taller male. He glances over at her and with a faint smile he calls out, “Would you close the door dear, I fear the sounds outside may spook him again.” She swallows hard and complies immediately. Dorian looks back to the boy and shakes his head. “Stay.” he orders simply and pulls his coat from James's fingers. He quickly saddles and bridals Horace before calling the girl over to him. She shuffles over quickly and hands him the things in her arms. As he takes them he grips her wrist softly. “A moment, I have something for you.”

She had been ready to bolt as soon as possible, still on edge after the incident with the horse, and a bit wary of Dorian after she saw him do somethings she's not sure are particularly normal. However, she is an obedient servant and nods, clasping her hands in front of her. After putting the things away in one of his saddle bags he turns to her and gives her a warm look. He slides in close to her, watching her breath catch in her throat as he takes her hands in his own. “I am sorry you had to deal wish such a fright miss. I would never wish such a thing on such a lovely young lady.” Those simple words are enough to not only turn her dark pink, but as the last words leave his lips her gaze becomes distant. Pulling her carefully into a stall, her hands still in his, he looks to James and motions for him to follow. Once out of direct view of the door he leans in close and sinks his fangs carefully into her collar, a bit above the bone, and injects her. After only a few mouthfuls he leans back, giving James room to feed.

[Medilia]

James lowers his eyes when he is reprimanded for his behaviour. "I-I jus'..." He trails off as his fingers are pried from Dorian's coat. He nods pressing his back against the wall of the stall so he is away from Horace. James swallows watching Dorian move away to secure their meal. He does not feel nearly as hungry despite the tempting meal sitting right before them.

He watches intently as Dorian works his thrall and subdues the girl. James edges forward when the meal is offered to him, he kneels down and sinks his fangs into her neck but only takes a few small mouthfuls. Pulling away from the girl he turns to Dorian licking the blood from his lips. "Can we go now?" He asks softly letting the girl fall back onto the hay. The young vampire was giving Dorian his most sooky look with big eyes and a jutting bottom lip.

[PopeAlessandros]

Watching the boy closely as he feed Dorian raises an eyebrow when the newborn doesn't drink much. 'He really should have more than that, but if he's not hungry. . .' He gives the boy a critical look when confronted with his pouty face and for several long seconds he doesn't more a muscle. Still upset over his horse Dorian isn't quite ready to forgive the smaller male, however he knows he'll not hear the end of it until the boy feels safe with him once more. So with a faint sigh Dorian leans in and plants a small kiss at the corner of the young one's mouth and murmurs, “Yes, time to go.” Kneeling down he shifts the girl until it looks as if she could have just fallen asleep in the hay, covering her with a horse blanket for good measure.

Checking Horace's tack one last time Dorian swings himself gracefully into the saddle and reaches a hand down to James. With ease he pulls the boy on to the horse behind him, shifting around so they can both be comfortable in the saddle. Over his shoulder he mutters, “Keep your arms tight around my middle, do not need you sliding off the back and.” He chuckles lightly at the visual before moving to the stable door. With a little nudge Horace lifts the rough hewn latch and he headbutts the door gently. The doors swing wide and with a light kick Horace races out of the stable. Very skilled at dodging humans, a skill essential for fleeing vampires, Horace makes his way out of town without incident, but after only a mile or so Dorian slows him down as to not aggravate his wound.

[Medilia]

The kiss is all it takes to make James light up again, he brushes his cheek against Dorian's before stepping back so the older vampire can move around him and deal with the girl. He watches Dorian mount Horace with ease. James is still cautious of Horace and keeps well back until Dorian is settled on the beast. Accepting the offered hand James is pulled up onto the back of the saddle. He wraps his arms around Dorian's middle he rests his head against his back and settles himself. James shifts as Horace begins to move opening the stall door on his own and galloping out. The village rushes past them in a blur as Horace races through the streets and past the town limits.

Once on the open road Horaces slows to a gentle trot and James eases his grip on Dorian. The young vampire looks at the tress passing by and reflects on the incident in the stables. He did not mean to lose control like that, he had tried very hard not to hurt the girl and in his desperation had injured Horace. Horace, whom Dorian cared about a lot more about than the girl in the first place.

The silence begins to gnaw at James and finally he has to speak. "This new place we're going to? What are we looking for there?"

[PopeAlessandros]

As they travels silently through the new world, on a road no older than the youngest tree lining the road, Dorian lets out a long sigh. The cool evening air is refreshing and much of his tension melts away with each passing second. His head turns slightly, sensing something nearby on a parallel path, but the little one's voice draws his attention. He lets out a chuckle. “My order spans the entire settled inch of the new world, but only has hubs in the larger towns. My order also keeps track of each and every vampire incoming and outgoing.” He glances over his shoulder. “No one can hide from us long. My coven back home, in Rome, met with all the other great covens and agreed that we need to be very cautious here. Do out best to build a firm foundation. So, we formed an order to come over here on the first available ship that could accommodate us. I was not one of the first, my reputation among humans a little too well known to just vanish in the night, however I have kept up with the mapping of our expansion, and the nearest hub is one town over.”

Drawing the reins aside a bit as they veer off the road to avoid a fallen branch Dorian grips the newborn's arm to hold him steady. “If your maker was coming here on a ship to join their sire, then the local chapter should have information about their arrival. We are going there to find out what we can, if there is anything to find.” Dorian smiles over his shoulder, looking a but put out. “However we vampires have always been good at keeping secrets, so I have no doubt that there is a chance I may be able to find nothing of the sort. Lately more and more not directly connected to a major coven or the order have been coming over to settle. Tracking them is a bit harder seeing as they do not recognize the authority of the order, or they just want to be left alone. As long as they are discreet we have no problem with either of those options, however it never hurts to have knowledge. As such, even those who wish nothing to do with us are investigated for threat assessment and analysis.” Pulling back on to the road Dorian glances once more at the forest, now receding away a bit.

'Looks like I shall have a little assistance tonight' he muses before continuing his information dump. “So, if those that brought you have any connection to a major coven, or the order, then likely as not we will have a better idea of where to start after visiting the hub.” His and brushes over James's and he adds, “And it may also be good for you to meet more of your own kind.” Reaching back to the reins he looks once more towards the presence and lets out a sigh, but smiles none the less. Over his shoulder he calls, “We are about to be joined. Do not panic, they, while not friendly per se, will not attack us.” As if on cue a loud rustling and cracking sound comes from the forest, movements just inside it's edge becoming clearer and clearer.

A low baying travels outwards as Dorian keeps his attention on the creatures, and with a loud crashing sound they erupt from the underbrush. A pack, at least twenty, and easily almost the size of black bears, the mass of fur and flesh charges in along side Horace. The beast only falters slightly but after a reassuring pat from Dorian, Horace settles back into his steady pace. The elder smiles down at the pack leader, not three paces off from his right leg, and the beast glances back. Now so close it is easy to see their forms, even if they are far too big to fit them. The wolf pack sets up the call once more and Dorian shakes his head at their jovial display. The only unusual thing about these wolves, when looking at them, is their size. Other than that they look exactly like the wolves found in the new world. Dorian has used their services before and as soon as he's sure he's got the leader's attention he calls out, “We will need a place to rest before the sun rises between here and the town down the road.” Without hesitation the leader lets out a series of calls and five of their number takes off ahead of them. In mere seconds they vanish from view.

[Medilia]

James listened intently to Dorian's explanation of how the vampires ran their society and how they governed the colonial vampires. Keeping track of them and keeping them in line. The fact that they even monitored the comings and goings of vampires surprised him. Back in London James had heard tales of vampires but the sophistication of vampiric society was more than he would have ever imagined. He only hoped that the next town would give them more answers.

James became aware of the Wolves before Dorian warned him.The hairs stood up on the back of his neck and he tensed gripping tightly to his Sire. The giant wolves circled them and James clung tighter to Dorian while the elder remained calm telling the Wolves what they needed. He sees five of them run ahead while the others remain standing around Horace.

The young vampire presses his front against Dorian's back. "I don't like this," He whispers to Dorian.

[PopeAlessandros]

Dorian makes a light clucking noise with his tongue and reaches up to grip the boy's hand once more. 'I can understand his fear. Even in his new life, such beast would still activate the fear of his original human nature' “It is alright James, you do not be afraid. They are our pets. They are our tools. Just by being what you are now you may command them and control them as an extension of you will.” Glancing over at the pack leader he waves a hand to signal for them to back off, not wanting James to be more frightened than he already is.

“They are the Wahru. In the human terms, you would think of them as werewolves. They are made by vampires to serve and protect us. We use a science that you can't understand having been alone all this time, however you may trust me when I say they can not harm you.” The pack moves off a bit, but the leader stays close enough to keep an eye on Dorian should he need something. At a bridge the wolves crash full force through the water on either side, only a couple taking the bridge because of their positions behind Horace. He soothes his hand over James's a few more times before letting go and taking up the reins with both hands once more.

[Medilia]

James watches the wolves warily as Dorian explaines that they are their pets. Despite the reassurance James is unable to trust the creatures. He spenddds the ride keeping his eyes on the wahru to make sure that they did not attack. The young vampire was not certain what he would do should the creatures attack but he will not be caught by surprise.

Before dawn the wolves left the road and led the way through the trees. They came to a small cave out of sight from the road. It was well concealed and big enough to bring Horace into the front area. James happily slid off the back of the horse and the wolves gave him a wide birth. The young vampire went to the cave opening. "It's bigger than my cave was."

[PopeAlessandros]

The ride is a little tense, the boy seemingly unable to relax, but Dorian continues to stroke his arm even after he's not longer consciously thinking of helping the boy calm down. 'I wonder what will happen when he gets use to these guys. With his fist new life spent hunting much like they do I can see many a day, him coming back covered in blood from a tumble in the woods with a deer while out hunting with the pack' He chuckles at the visual just as the ones he'd sent on ahead come charging back, turning around and waiting for the pack to catch up before falling into stride near the leader.

After a few minutes the pack sets up the call and begins veering off the road. Dorian turns Horace to follow and within a few minutes they come to a nice area of dense foliage around a decent sized cave. As he pulls to a stop he smiles wide as James slides right off the horse, ignoring the wolves completely as he wanders towards the cave. 'Well, either he got over them in the past thirty seconds, or he's just that happy over seeing something relatively familiar' With a little chuckle he hops down gracefully and follows after the boy, Horace in tow. “Is it now?” he murmurs, not sure if the boy would hear him at that distance. Stopping at the entrance he begins removing Horace's tack carefully.

From behind he hears huge paws approaching, slowly becoming softer as they come until at last he turns around to greet the wolf. However now instead of a bear sized beast Dorian is looking into a very human, if very rugged, human face. The man is a few inches taller than Dorian himself so he has to look up a bit to look into his eyes properly. The man is completely in the buff but Dorian ignores that fact as he always does and instead begins giving him instructions. “Keep the pack at a good distance, my new ward is a little wary of your kind at the moment and I do not need him spooked. I will need you to make sure we wake as soon as the sun goes down, though he may wake us before then.” Looking to Horace he adds, “Oh, and of course make sure no one touches my horse.”

Looking back to the pack leader he motions for him to lean in close and quietly enough that James can not overhear he whispers, “I am sure he knows better, but keep an eye on him if he wakes before I do. The trees here are not as thick as he is use to and a light breeze could have him burning in to time.” Leaning back the leader nod and with a little bow he stalks away, his body changing back into his beast form. Not all Wahru have a human form, the process for giving them a human form rather complex and difficult, but over the years many vampires have found it useful for the older ones to have one. Dorian could not agree more.

[Medilia]

James explores the cave, the roof is low and the top of James' head brushes against it in certain places. The young vampire turnes back towards the entrance waiting for Dorian to come with him. He can hear Dorian's low voice but is unable to make out the words. Like an eager puppy he waits for a moment inside the cave before getting impatient. Bounding back to the entrance he skids around the bend and throws himself against Dorian's back. James wraps his arms around his foster Sire and he snuggles his head between Dorian's shoulder blades.

The conversation the older vampire had been having with the Wahru was over. James peers around Dorian watching the man return to his beast form. He waits until the wolf was out of site before walking around to Dorian's front and pressing up against him. "It's big in there." He starts gently guiding Dorian backwards into the cave around the small bend and into the darkness. Without any warning he shoves Dorian hard sending the older vampire back onto the dirt floor before laughing as if it is the funniest joke in the world.

Dropping down on top of Dorian, James places his hands on either side of the other's head smirking. "We're away from all the humans now. No need to be so clean and tidy. Let me show you." He pulls the hair tie from the elder's hair messing it with his hand at the same time. James sits up on Dorian reaching back to free his own hair.

[PopeAlessandros]

Dorian's foot shoots out in front of him as he feels an impact on his back. The motion keeps him from falling over at the sudden hugging attack from his new ward and Dorian smiles lightly at the obvious playfulness of the young man. 'Looks like he is not one to wander off or be on his own for long now that he has someone. I do not suppose he will leave the cave alone in the morning, but I do hope that his excitement will not keep him up late into the morning' The firm body pressed against his back suddenly shifts, sliding around so the two vampires are face-to-face.

The young willing body is once more pressed against him, but as he looks down into those playful blue eyes he can not help but relax into the embrace a bit. 'He's really happy right now, and that is good. I should let he be happy for now. I guess he feels more at home out here. . .' His thoughts trail off as James pulls him towards the cave, his voice sounding low and slightly rough. He can feel the energy building in the youngster, his almost giddy spirit shining through his eyes.

He looks at the cave carefully as they walk in, the taller male having to duck his head a bit as the move further in. Once around the bend Dorian feels his body spin and knocked backwards. His natural graces make his landing soft and he lets his body relax as the maniacal laughter rings out from the younger male's lips. 'Oh dear, this goes beyond playful' he muses as James mounts his lap and settles in. He raises an eyebrow at the young one's words and groans slightly as James messes up his hair. 'A part of me wants to teach him that treating me this way is not proper, but on the other hand, he really seems to be enjoying himself'

His eyelids lower to half mast when James pulls his own hair free, the effect making him look to be his old wild self, but with less madness behind his gaze. Dorian is quiet for a time, one hand coming up to brush through the little one's hair gently while the other comes up to settle on James's thigh as he looks deep into his ward's eyes. 'Such a wild little thing, and so wanting of things. Such a need for everything it wants' The fingers in his hair tighten ever so slightly and Dorian tilts his head back, exposing his neck for the young man to feed on should he wish. The hand on his leg is still save for a light brush of his thumb as it moves back and forth out of instinct more than any will the elder vampire may have at the moment.

[Medilia]

James purrs softly as Dorian's hands stroke him gently. He lowers himself down onto Dorian's chest becoming quieter at the gentle touches. Making a small noise he latches on to Dorian and begins to suckle gently at his neck and drink the offered blood. Like a small child he relaxes against his Sire content as they are. He snuffles and adjusts himself several times before falling asleep still latching onto Dorian. The dirt and hard floor do not bother him in the slightest, he is content so long as he is by Dorian's side.

Come the late afternoon James rouses. His blonde hair is wild and stuck in every direction. The young vampire rolls smoothly off of Dorian and stretches out like a cat. He manages to get more dirt onto his clothes and through his hair while completing this action. His hair now filled with dirt he looked truly wild once again. Rising from the floor he moves towards the entrance of the cave. Staying in the shade of the rocks he looks out at the forest. He can smell the wolves patrolling the area and wrinkles his nose. Glancing back over his shoulder and into the cave he looks at Dorian wishing the older vampire would wake up. There is still a good hour before the sun is low enough for them to leave and James doubts he has that much patients. Moving back into the safety of the cave he stands against the wall trying to wake Dorian with sheer will power.

[PopeAlessandros]

A light purr rumbles through his chest as once more the little one sinks his fangs firmly into his flesh, feeding gently. He lays beck, settling against the hard ground while the boy snuggles in close to him. The adorable little noises he makes and cuddling motions makes Dorian smile wide. 'He is at least good at going right to sleep I recall many a newborn with the tendency to toss and turn, their old biological clocks telling them that it is time to be outside, doing things' His fingers stroke through the now loose hair along the back of James's head as the little one drifts off to sleep, Dorian too busy thinking over things to fall asleep as fast as the young man on his chest. Eventually thought he finds his eyelids falling closed and with a long sigh he drifts off to sleep just as the first touches of daylight begin coloring the walls of the cave.

As those fangs are carefully extracted from his neck Dorian rouses a little, the light in the cave making his sigh ever so slightly. 'He was doing so well, waking nearer to sunset. . . .Perhaps it is because we are on the road, or the call of the outdoors driving him to wake so early. ..' He refrains from grunting as the body rolls off of him and across the floor. 'He is going to be so filthy when we get where we are going' e polls his eyes behind his eyelids but remains still, trying to get some more rest before he's forced to wake for the night.

It isn't too long however before Dorian feel's the young male's eyes boring holes in him and with a long sigh he opens his own eyes and gazes back at James. He groans softly, his hand coming up to drape over his eyes. “Little One, you are so energetic. Yo are going to wear me out one of these days.” He smiles fondly and looks with one eye over at the young man with wild hair. “Oh, and do you not look the mess young man.” He chuckles lightly and motions the boy over, opening his arms wide it indicate he wants James to lay back down beside him. “Come here, let us talk for a bit Little One.”

[Medilia]

James immediately perks up when Dorian groans. Like an excited puppy he straightens up waiting eagerly for Dorian to speak. "I'm bored," he says in his own defense. "And I couldn't sleep anymore. Not to mention the sun is still out." He runs his fingers over his matted hair with a guilty look. "It's not my fault the cave is dirty." He happily crosses back over to Dorian and lays back in the dirt. One arm slings over Dorian's chest and he buries his cheek against the elder's shoulder bone.

"What are we going to talk about?" He asks innocently while pressing their bodies close together. James' blue eyes blink inquisitively but there is a glint of mischief behind his gaze. More of the real James is slowly starting to come out now that he is not relying on pure instinct to survive, now that he has a sire to guide him.

[PopeAlessandros]

Dorian chuckles as James tries to defend himself, motioning once more for the young man to come lay with him. As the boy cuddles in close the elder lets out a sigh and hums softly. His hand comes down to settle on James's side once he stills and for a short time he just lay there comfortably. Well, as comfortable as one can be on a filthy cave floor strewn with small stones and the occasional dead leaf. 'He is right, it is quite dirty in here. I shall have to beat my clothes off quite firmly to get this crud off' He sighs and looks to the young one pressed up against him.

“Hmm, what should we talk about. . . .” Dorian can think of a whole slue of questions the young man is unable to answer at the moment, and though he does love to hear himself talk, the elder does not feel like yous preaching at James at the moment. So instead he smiles fondly down as the boy, rubbing his back gently, his other hand sliding around to rest under his head. “What would you like to talk about Little One? Any questions? Thoughts you would like to discuss?” He looks up at the young one with an open smile and warm eyes.

~*~*~*~*~

Outside the cave the wahru relax, hearing the boy move back into the depths of the cave. The leader pads over to check on the horse and lets out a small noise to back a few of his pack off. The horse, which had been acting a little skittish having had wolves around it all day without his owner around, relaxes a bit and begins munch on grass as it waits for the sun to fall from the sky. Toplin, as the lead wolf is called, wanders off once more past the cave, pausing to shake out his mane of thick fur as he scents his current master. Though under orders of another to serve Dorian, once under Dorian's care, his loyalty transferred over to him and him alone. Off in the woods he can hear a few from his pack bringing down a meal, and as per his right, he saunters off to take his share.

[Medilia]

James rests gently against his sire at total ease. The calming presence of the older creature is definitely good for James' impulsive behaviors. Blue eyes practically glow in the dim light of the cave as he carefully examines every small feature of Dorian's face. He ponders the one thousand questions in his own head trying to figure out what he wants to know the most and what is most important. It has been mere days since Dorian had taken him from the forest but already so much was changing and for James it feels as if he is stuck in a swirling river with very little control. Dorian is both the log he clung to for life and the swirling river around him.

Finally James settles on a question, one that seems safe and far away. "When all of this is over and we return to your home, what will life be like for me there? Will I have to always dress in clothes like these?" He indicates to the thoroughly soiled clothes Dorian had gotten for him in the first town. "And will I have to act all aristocratic and lordly?" He really dreaded the idea of that. James had always been part of the lower class in his human life and he does not want that to change to been a stuck up aristocrat in his death. Not when he has the world at his feet. James knows that as a creature of the night he can rule that darkness, perhaps act with more caution than he did before meeting Dorian but he is still able to strike fear and go where he pleases. No human can control him, in fact as far as James can see he will only ever have to answer to Dorian.

[PopeAlessandros]

Pleased that the little one is taking a moment to think things over rather than blurting out the first thing that enters his mind the elder begins humming softly as he waits. His hand continues to move soothingly up and down along the young one's back, the fading light making Dorian feel more and more 'alive'. When at last James comes up with his questions Dorian looks to him with a vaguely curious gleam in his eyes. 'He is obviously disturbed by the idea of having to be so proper all the time. That is a shame, as he looks quite hansom when he is all cleaned up. I am not as strict as many of my age and status, however I do have standards' His hand comes up to run through the soiled locks and he lets out a sigh.

“I do not require that you always dress your best, however I do like to see my little ones in clean clothing, so if you insist on roughhousing outside I may ask you to change before coming to meals. As for how you act, other than showing my guests the respect the deserve, treating the help kindly, and not acting as a wild man on the hunt, I have no druthers as to how you act.” He ruffles the hair beneath his fingers gently. “You are a young one, and your own style will come in time. I am not going to make you some sort of slave or servant, and if you wish, I will even allow you to travel. One day. When I am sure that the wildness that drove you to kill so heedlessly is thoroughly stamped out.”

He purrs softly, his blood waking up as the night begins sliding in. “You will have your reign of the house, the rules simple and not at all binding. If you like I can teach you the blade, about my business with horses, or anything else you wish to learn from me. The nearby town is large, so hunting is easier, the people not so much noticing the people suddenly coming down with what they call anemia.” He chuckles. “Humans will come up with the most wild ideas to hide the truth from themselves. . .” His gaze falls down to James, looking deep into his eyes. "The ranch is vast, stretching on for miles, and I own a good portion of the nearby forest as well, so you will have somewhere more familiar to further soil you nice clean clothes.” He chuckles again and tugs playfully on the boy's hair.

[Medilia]

James lays beside Dorian listening to the older vampire setting out the guidelines for this new life. While the young blonde agrees that they seem reasonable and fair the wild part of him hates every word, every bit of control that he is supposed to show. Hunting and killing has been the vast majority of his short second life and he is struggling to understand why he must live amongst the prey while refraining from feasting upon them.

The young vampire lays beside his Sire until the sunsets and it is time to depart again. The Wahru are already waiting for them outside, they move around in a loose circle guarding the perimeter of the cave. While Dorian does his usual checks of Horace and packs the saddle bags, James is paying more attention to the wolves. He notices how some stand up and depart ahead of them scouting the route they wish to take. Others sit on top of the cave keeping watch.

Once Horace is prepared James clambers into the saddle and wraps his arms around Dorian's waist. The young vampire predicts he will be quite used to travelling in the saddle very soon. They set off with the Wolves around them, guarding them and scouting ahead.