PopeAlessandros

New Eyes and an Old Soul

Like a bolt the joy in the young one's voice flashes through Dorian's system. It took no real bond to feel this strike fully, James so open with how he feels makes it near impossible to not get caught up in his emotions. Dorian smiles down at the little one, glad to see him so excited and happy an as the scent of blood fades into the normal smells of a small town the elder himself looks forward to at least the return of truly fresh air. They walk along in companionable silence, the elder keeping an eye out for anything of interest. As they near the edge of town and the youth pulls away Dorian's gaze becomes sharper, making sure there's no one around to see the newborn being less than stealthy about his more than human talents. Letting out a faint chuckle he allows James to pull him along, his gaze dancing slightly to match the boy's excitement. 'By the sound of it he thinks me stiff and unyielding. Always the proper lord. . .I guess I shall have to dismiss that silly notion' With a light growl as they reach the edge of the forest he takes off, letting his fingers slide from James' grasp. His clothing ripples with his speed as he leaps gracefully over fallen trees and small trickling streams. His body bends low as he races forward, enjoying the feeling of wind in his face. To make sure he does not not to lose the little one he looks back often, making sure he can see the boy before moving on. 'Let us see how well he has adapted to thinking outside the realm of human possibilities' Spotting a few tall jack pine in the distance, the lowest branches several feet overhead, he decides to have a little fun. Pausing only long enough to crouch he launches himself up a good ten feet, landing claw and shoe first against the tree. An instant later he launches off one and flies to the air to the one beside it, a good fifteen foot distance. Repeating this pattern until he reaches the branches he smiles down at James before snaking up the tree almost like a gecko on a wall. Once at the top he holds tight and pulls hard, bending the top of the tree as far down as it will go before letting it spring back, flinging Dorian through the air above the treetops. 'Ah, I have not done this in a long time. A silly delight, but a delight none the less' He enjoys the feeling of flying for only a few seconds before he is forced to snag a tree or risk running into one face first. Catching a stout pine of some sort he carefully shimmies down a few feet before trying to locate his ward. 'I wonder if he is going to try that himself. . .' he muses, looking about.

The Rebel Vampire

Joseph noticed the expression from his younger master and smiled. He could see what was happening, but it was none of his business. So he simply picked up the plates, bowed, and left the room, allowing a quiet smirk to cross his face. Erik, of course, was completely oblivious and went back to work, sitting leisurely on the couch as he read more. Alexi lets out a sigh and gets comfortable on his side. He simple watches Erik, his mind drifting as he takes in the man's features, wondering over and over what it would be like to be this man. 'This is the first time where my wondering has turned slightly into longing. I do not simply wonder any more, I want to know. . .' For a long time Alexi lay there watching the vampire until at last sleep called to him. After bidding him goodnight the human took one last long look at Erik before slipping out of his robe and under his covers. He doesn't bother getting into pajama pants, much preferring not to get up at the moment. That night passes, and the following day. A level of normalcy seems to settle about the mansion over the next few days, and even the mood in Alexi's room seems to slip down into something that feels almost normal. Of course Alexi can only say this about himself as his insight into the vampire's heart is still very low. Each day that passes Riley has something new to show Alexi every day, and even convinces the busy man to take him out back again. Elaria came up with several new gadgets with her underlings and over all nothing too out of the ordinary happened. Mois on the other hand was busier than usual. With the clean-up job for the first couple days calling all hands he came home each day with new aches and pains, making it a nightly ritual for him to call Joseph to his shack to work out some of the more painful kinks. On the break of the third day he found that he and Alexi's game was coming to a head but refused to break even with the rather accurate and sharp questions directed at him at breakfast. Pulling a few more strings at work he managed to pull a detail near the building Alexi will be in for the important meeting the following day and spent the rest of the evening pouring over reports in the area to make sure nothing happens to his dear brother. Sitting down for the evening meal in his room Alexi can feel a faint unease running through his middle. I knows that he is a bit nervous over the big event tomorrow, but it is a different one than his brother is preparing for. Looking over at Erik he murmurs softly, “So, tomorrow, next dose. I will finally get this black hole out of my stomach. . .” He blinks slowly. “I know it is far different for you, but, is there any good thoughts you can think of about tomorrow's dose? I mean, are you simply dreading it, or. . . .”He lets out a long sigh. “I really wish I could stay home tomorrow, but that dratted meeting at my legal department in Mendoza I got roped into. . .” He sighs, pouting at the wall. Erik looked up from his food for a moment and thought long and hard about how he felt now. His imprisonment felt oddly routine at this point. He would work as long as he could stand, usually a few hours, then jump up to swim, jog in place, do some push ups, anything to deal with the restless energy inside him. Sometimes he would pace while he read, or otherwise entertain himself. The computer had been delivered, and he often listened to music while he worked. There had not been much to shake his emotional control in the past few days, so he had not pushed Alexi over the deep end. “I'm glad we are moving forward with it, I suppose. If it makes you feel better, then that's great. Although, I am concerned that giving you a greater connection to my emotions will be dangerous for you. As far as yours, they really are just a flicker in my mind. I've learned to compartmentalize them where they no longer overwhelm me like they did after that first dose. A part of me still resents being here, and still resents that you will not tell me what my purpose is as your prisoner, why you needed to bond with me in the first place. But I'm still forcing myself to accept that. Keeping my mind and body busy with all of this work is certainly helping. You are welcome to look over my work on Grunblak, see what you think, if I've missed any details you've laid out. I'm working on your 'friend' Elsa now, how exactly we can raid her compound without any slave casualties,” Erik finally replied, glaring into Alexi's eyes with his own critical pair. Alexi feels an odd flicker of sadness followed by understanding when Erik informs him that he's “compartmentalized” his feelings. 'Well, it would be rather easy, seeing how weak and pathetic my feelings really are. And knowing his mind a little better, as I do now, I can see how pushing my feelings away would actually make him more comfortable in his own skin. I am still some kind of invader in his mind, even if he has agreed to this. . .' He lets out a soft sigh, holding a hand out for the plans. “Once this dose has done its magic you will not have to worry so much about hurting me. With the well of emotions inside me flushed out, unless you are trying, you should not be able to double me over with your feelings any more.” Alexi's flicker of sadness was so weak to Erik that it did not even register as such. But he did recognize the gesture and handed Alexi a folder labeled “Grunblak Home.” “I hope that's correct. I don't like being responsible for your pain,” he replied. Alexi pours over the papers, spreading them out across the coffee table in an orderly fashion so he can easily put them all back in order and return them to the folder when he's done. “I hope so too Erik. . .” he mutters, his hark like gaze flickering over the information in front of him. Alexi has had very little to contribute to the plans for, well, anything, over the past few days, but as he looking across the papers spread before him he can see that everything he has said has at least be considered. This brings a smile to his lips which falls an instant later as he goes back to an actual examination. Finding no real fault with the plans, and since he doesn't actually know several key facts such as how many and what kind of magicals will be put on this task, all he can say as he puts the papers away is, “Looks sound.” He smiles at Erik as he hands them back. “I wish you the best of luck.” “Thanks,” the vampire muttered, turning back to the desk. “They aren't in a final stage, as the officers will want to review them, but they should be a solid starting point. One on which we will want to act quickly. I will have to send some of these files to other cells, soon as I'm free to do so. I hate trusting people I don't know with the work, but Xani doesn't have the manpower to pull off this much at once.” Alexi smiles. “I am sure you will be able to pull it off. I can recall several instances of cross cell projects coming out very well in the past. In fact, I think one of my greatest losses was when your cell and two others took out two major factories at once with only minimal casualties. All the product and machinery was trashed in less than 20 minutes, quite impressive.” Alexi smiles, not a hint of resentment or anything else in his voice. Erik smiled slightly, amused by the eccentric billionaire's cavalier attitude towards millions of dollars worth of damage to his businesses. “Ahh yes, Onaru cell actually took the lead on that effort, but I enjoyed that hunt. It went well.” For a moment, he thought about how many times his cell had attacked Vandros factories, either owned directly by Alexi's company, or owned by companies that he held major stock in, since he had come to power as Leader. He stopped at about 12, just that he could think of in under a minute. “Your father probably hated us,” he muttered. Alexi giggles and stands, stretching. “Oh yes. My father hated nothing more than all you dastardly rebels. Except me of course. . . .” Alexi lets out a long sigh and climbs into bed. He groans and shuffles around under the covers for a few seconds before his head pops up on his pillow. He smiles over at Erik with his sleepy gaze. “You were a good leader Erik, and even if you do not believe me, you still are.” He chuckles softly, sitting up against the headboard so he can continue talking should the vampire want to. A sudden thought strikes him and with a slightly shy look he asks, “Before we get to that third dose tomorrow. . . .Do you think, we could. . .Share a good memory again?” He's not asked again, seeing how it had affected Erik the last time, but with a few day's grace, Alexi can not help the rise of his curiosity. That touch of wondering if he could just feel happiness from the vampire again. A touch of sadness coursed through Erik at those words. “You and Mois bested me. In other cells, Leaders have lost their positions for less. I'll do what the cell allows me to, take whatever position I'm given, but I will not ask for my old one back unless the officers and Council insist on it.” As he spoke, he strolled across the room and sat cross-legged on the end of the bed, facing Alexi. “Give me your hands again,” he muttered. “Any idea what memory you want me to try? Or at least the type?” Pushing the covers aside Alexi's scoots forward, a small touch of happy trickling through him. 'I am so glad he is willing to do this again' Settling his hands into Erik's, Alexi thinks for a long moment before nodding. “Something with family. I have always wanted to look back on times with my brother or Joseph and feel the love for them I have, without actually having them around. So, yes, family, or someone you love. . .If that is not too personal. . .” He looks slightly shy again, hoping he's not asking too much. As far as he's concerned Erik has been very good to him and he'd hate to lose his friend now because he was being selfish. 'Though, selfish is a natural state of being for me. . . .Strange how getting close to someone like this changes that. . .Even if only a little bit. . . .' “I ran away from my biological family when I was twelve. Don't get me wrong, my parents were good to me, but I didn't want to spend eternal life as a factory slave. It was a about a century and a half before Xani had the resources to rescue them. I had to beg Leader Zanri for weeks. She even made me do some extra chores around the camp, take on the grunt work no one else wanted to do for a few weeks. Of course, looking back on it, I think she was just teasing me, testing me as a potential trainee. I was only a Team Leader at that point, the lowest level of officer. Anyway, we did finally get to rescue them. So, a good memory would be that day, when the adrenaline wore off and I could finally appreciate what we had done,” Erik babbled, smiling weakly. “Does that sound good, Alexi?” Smiling warmly Alexi nods and closes his eyes, waiting for Erik to look back on the feeling. However, even though her really looks forward to feeling this love, another curiosity races through him and he wonders if he will ever he able to feel that other love, the one he glimpsed during their last session. ~Pyrra~ The name echoes through his mind, the memory of how it had thundered such emotions through the both of them. He thinks back on how that simply name had triggered something so painful, for the both of them, and wonders vaguely if he should ask about it tomorrow, when at last he is free of the dark, painful well in his chest. Erik also closed his eyes and began to recall that day. He remembered entering the camp, two medical personnel greeting them to check up on the slaves. It was two hours later before he actually got to speak to the pair of them, after he had showered and they had had their intake check-ups. Their names were Audra and Valen Schumann. There had been a certain fear and apprehension. It had taken a few minutes for them to realize who Erik was, that he was their son. But that was not what Erik remembered. What flowed through him now was a sense of deep love for them, mixed with the pride they felt for him, and that he had felt in himself, a relief that they were back, that they were free. He opened his eyes, scrutinizing the expression across Alexi's visage. The man's breath deepens, the gentle feeling inside him growing stronger and stronger. The joy, the love, it fills him in a way he never imagined and with each passing moment he feels more and more as if he is simply going to burst from the simple feeling of recalling a loved one. 'I never imagined. . .I love, I know I do, but even in my most caring moment, I could not. . . .This. . . .' His mind is a jumble, the swell of goodness inside him canceling out all but the sharpest feeling of mourning that he has to feel this through another, that he himself is uncapable of what he's experienceing now without aid. It is faint, and he's sure Erik will not even notice, and as the smile on his lip widens, a tear finding it's way out from beneath his lid, he can not help the catch in the back of his throat. It feels like too much, too nice, something he doesn't deserve, something not meant for him. Erik could not feel the friend's sadness, but he saw it on the man's face. Tentatively leaning forward, he wiped the tear away. “What's wrong, Alexi? I deliberately chose something with no sadness attached. My parents are still alive and well. Why are you upset?” Alexi's eyes pop open at the feeling of Erik touching his face. He lets out a little choked noise, unable to vocalize at first. His smiles stays in place as he shakes his head, coughing to try and clear the block. “I, I am not upset, per se. It is just, so strong. . . So wonderful, so strong. . .” Without thinking he leans forward and wraps his arms around Erik's neck, hiding his face in his collarbone as he hold desperately on to the good feelings tumbling around inside him. 'Erik is so good to me, so worried even through his angers and frustration at my stubbornness. Sharing such things with me when I can not even tell him the thing plaguing his mind about me' Like the selfish brat he is he instinctually crawls into Erik's lap without asking and simply holds on tight as he lets the feelings flow through him. Erik was started by the way that Alexi crawled into his lap, but he resisted the urge to back away. “Would you like me to hold you?” he muttered, his voice kind, curious, and afraid of overstepping his bounds. It was clear that he was not mocking the man in the least. An Alexi sized ripple of shock runs through the human at the question and like a boot stomping an ant all feeling seems to stop inside Alexi, other than the shock of realizing what he'd done. With swift efficiency he slips out of Erik's lap and buries himself under the covers, a whispered apology on his lips. “I am sorry, I did not mean to invade your space like that, forgive me. . .” Under normal circumstances Alexi would never do something like that, would never climb all over someone he barely knows like a child seeking comfort from their parent. For a long moment waves of confusion, discomfort, and curiosity tumble through him as he tries to figure out what prompted him to be so rude. Erik felt the ripple of shock and cocked his head slightly, recognizing the comparative strength it had, in the context of coming from Alexi. “I will never understand how you can be so nearly emotionless, but react so … violently to what tiny emotions you do have. I did not mind that you 'invaded my space.' There is no reason to be embarassed.” Erik felt the discomfort and confusion as more ripples that barely seemed to register. He grimaced. “You're very difficult,” he muttered, as he crawled over to the lump of bedding and placed his hand on the human's shoulder. The lumps stays still for a long moment, the figure underneath it unsure of what to do. He enjoys the feeling of Erik's comforting hand, even if that's not what it's there for, but at the same time he is still trapped in his confusion. He does however crack a smile at being called difficult. Pulling the covers back just far enough to look over at the vampire he raises an eyebrow. “And you have just noticed this?” Erik chuckled, “Call it a reaffirmation of the knowledge,” he replied kindly, leaning forward to give Alexi a hug. “Are you okay now?” Alexi smiles wide for a moment before the smile fades. “I am fine Erik, I just. . . .I do not do stuff like that. I do not let emotions move me. It was frightening and disturbing to realize that I acted that way with someone other than Mois or Joseph.” A slightly evil grin comes to his lips. “But, as long as you do not mind. . . .” With a playful pounce he curls and wraps his arms around Erik's middle, hugging him tight. “That was amazing Erik, thank you.” He does his best to convey how happy it made him feel, but with the moment gone all his can do is focus on the gratitude he feels now. 'This is how I am, how I should be. This is how I was made, unable to recall. . .' He shakes his head slightly, pressing his cheek against the bottom of the vampire's ribcage. Erik hugged the human back, a wave of honest affection passing through him. It had been a long time since he had been so physically close to someone, other than Laeren on occasion. He was glad that he had given the man a bit of happiness, and he truly was starting to like him. “Alexi, I have to ask you a favor. I did not do all of this just so I could ask you, but now is as good a time as any. I need any information you can find on Javrah Gelespi Nass. Anything at all. His assets, his floorplans, where he likes to eat lunch. It's... it's important to me. Please,” the vampire requested, unconsciously pushing urgency through the bond. Alexi lets out a faint cooing sound as he lets the affection wash over him like hot water after a hard day. When the vampire decides to speak again however he pulls back his arms and much like a lazy cat rolls on his back, his head settling into Erik's lap. He listens with a gentle gaze, the name sending a faint shock through his system followed by a foul taste in his mouth. He nods slightly, staring up into the vampires face, his own pressed into a curious scowl. “I will have to ask Mois to do some of the research. Javy does not use my. . . .Services. . . .As much as most in the upper class. . . .I can tell you he is one of the very few who has turned down my free upgrades, meaning that when the grid goes down most of his older slaves will still be in control devices. . . .” Alexi sets firmly in his mind that he simply must review all the information before giving it to Erik. For him to ask for someone, especially that man, by name means it mush be very important. Erik nodded. “Is there anything I can do to help?” he muttered, glaring intently at a spot on the wall. Waves of relief, worry, gratitude, fear, and hate all seemed to wash over him at once, but they were muted by a certain determination. They were old wounds that were just flaring up, not new emotions. The tumble of emotions forces Alexi's eyes shut but the pain is minimal, passing quickly. He recognize most of the feelings, but in the rush a couple are lost on him. With a slow exhale he opens his eyes, smiling up at the vampire. “Just leave it to me Erik, I will get this done for you.” He reaches up, tugging gently on the lobe of the vampire's right ear, something us use to do to Mois when his older brother seemed too focused on something unpleasant. Erik wanted to roll his eyes at the way Alexi tugged at his ear, but instead he smiled. “Thank you, Alexi, I appreciate it. If you want to know why I asked, I will tell you, after the third dose. It is... painful to think about, and I don't want to keep you up all night crying and vomiting with my emotions.” Alexi's smile warms. “How thoughtful of you. You are too good to your evil jailor, you know that?” He chuckles. “Perhaps tomorrow, after the meeting. I would love to listen to anything you have to tell me Erik.” He stretches and settles, looking almost like he's going to fall asleep right in Erik's lap. The vampire chuckled, “Well, I would like for my evil jailor to tell me why he truly has me jailed. Perhaps I'm hoping that a little honesty on my end will help with that,” he replied, smiling a little. “Besides, you are many things, Alexi Vandros, but you are not evil.” Alexi lets out a faint hum in response, his consciousness escaping him quickly. He knows he should be surprised at the amount of comfort he has with this man. Knows he should not be able to drift off so easily literally on top of something that views his kind as food. But as his thoughts drift away, and the cool embraces of sleep take him, Alexi Vandros does not for an instant regret being able to fall asleep in the lap of someone who sees him as a friend. For some reason, an impulse passed Erik to fall asleep right there, nestled up with his new friend. But he quickly shook off the insane notion. Gently, but firmly, he pushed Alexi off of his lap and laid him into his bed, before sitting down to work for a couple more hours, until he was too tired to work. Then he fell asleep quickly, content in the knowledge that Alexi would be able to help him. Without waking Alexi flops around like a rag doll, eventually ending up in a comfortable enough position to sleep. When at last the morning come, his alarm going off like an irritated cricket, the human wakes and for a moment wonders where Erik is. 'In his bed sill. Of course in his bed. I did not really expect him to let me sleep like that, did I?' A little more disoriented than usual Alexi turns his alarm off and proceeds to roll about for a good five minutes until he feels awake enough to face the day. With that in mind he sits up sharply and looks over to see if the vampire is awake yet. Erik blinked himself awake right around the same time as Alexi was getting up. He glanced over towards the human's bed for just a moment before jumping up and starting some morning exercises. A half smile touches Alexi's lips as he watches the vampire jump right into exercise. Slipping out of bed, the corner of a pillow clutched in his right hand, he heads towards the bathroom door. “God morning Erik!” he calls, smiling. Once right outside the bathroom he turns and says, “Join me when you are finished?” Before whipping the pillow hard at the vampire. Without waiting to see if it hits or he catches it Alexi chuckles and races into the bathroom. He doesn't really expect anything special, just feeling a bit playful this morning. Shucking his clothes quickly he jumps into the first bath and sets to work, the morning's schedule quite busy. Erik, with his lovely vampiric reflexes, caught the pillow without difficulty. Without losing his rhythm, he threw it back onto the bed. But within five more minutes, he decided that he had worked up enough of a sweat to join Alexi. Quickly, he too removed his clothing and entered the pool, enjoying the cool water on his warm skin. Alexi's is half way through his scrubbing when Erik walks in. He turns to watch for a moment then looks away. 'It still feels a little strange, and I have no idea why. It is not as if there is any feelings between us that would warrant my reaction, nor is he so unfamiliar now that he feels a stranger to me' Keeping his eyes up he looks over as Erik enters the water, the obvious delight to the action making Alexi smile. The fain flickers come across the bond help the human relax and as he goes back to scrubbing the moment of awkwardness passes and he returns to his usual state of not really feeling anything in particular. Grabbing a scrubber from the underwater basket he offers it to Erik with a smile. Erik took the scrubber and began working on his own body, enjoying the feeling of being clean again after sleeping and vigorous exercise. “I'm going to miss these pools when I go back.” Alexi lets out a long sigh. “Yes, they are quire divine, I know. . .A lot of work went into this selfish little indulgence of mine. . .” 'It will be sad to know they will likely be destroyed. . .It may take a while, but once this place is vacated, it is only a matter of time. . . .' Despite his longing to take his time Alexi huffs and sets back to work quickly, taking a little time here and there, but over all being rather efficient. On occasion he'll send a splash Erik's way, his playfulness cropping up here and there, but soon enough he's slipping into his robe and heading back to his room. Deciding to have a little fun he heads to his walk-in and grabs out one of his more unusual outfits. http://img7.bdbphotos.com/images/huge/v/n/vnbw12ohrl6w2vwn.jpg?djet1p5k Flopping it out on his bed he begins getting dressed, checking the clock to see how long until Joseph arrives. Erik left the baths after about five more minutes of luxuriating, and changed clothes into one of the outfits Joseph had brought in for him over the last couple of days. When he emerged from the bathroom, he was fully dressed, just in time to see Alexi's outfit. “You look absolutely ridiculous!” he announced, cackling. “You look just like that broken vampire slave in 'The Last Conquering,' about the War. We don't even dress like that, never really did! With your pale skin, you could star as a human's totally inaccurate depiction. Congratulations! Seriously, why do you even own that outfit?” Erik asked, laughing as he sat down on the couch. Alexi listens to the outburst, not really bothered by what Erik thinks of his outfit. He simply looks at the vampire, no mile, not even a smirk. Once the laughter has quieted down enough for him to be heard without having to raise his voice Alexi replies quite simply, and quite seriously, “Because I like it.” If Erik bothers to actually try and figure out what Alexi's feeling he would feel a faint bit of hurt, but as he's always been ridiculed by his “Equals” over his love of old clothing it isn't too strong. The only thing making it more than a blip is because of how much Alexi has come to value Erik's opinion. 'I do not blame you for laughing Erik, but emotions are not rational things. . . .I just never thought you would have something like this in common with them. . . .' As insensitive as the vampire could be, he read Alexi's lack of facial expressions and correlated it with the blip of emotion through the bond. “I'm sorry,” he muttered. “I'm not laughing at you, so much as the mostly inaccurate image. And the fact that it's more noticeable just how much you look like one of us, like a vampire. Has anyone ever mistaken you for one?” Erik asked. “No. Never had the pleasure of that. My face has always been too well know. . .” Alexi speaks softly, fixing his collar and ruffs before pulling on the overcoat. “And do not trouble yourself Erik, I am use to how people see my “obsession” with ancient garb. . .” He checks himself in the mirror to make sure the outfit looks right before taking the coat back off. 'I actually think I look quite dashing in this, but oh well. . .' He takes a seat across from Erik on the floor and looks at him, still unable to pull an expression. “Joseph should be here soon.” With that in mind, he forces his mind to shift focus and in a few seconds, he is able to smile again, his confidence and admiration for Erik rekindled. Paying close attention to Alexi's emotional flickers, Erik felt the confidence and admiration return. Smiling, he stood next to the eccentric billionaire. “Stereotypes aside, you look pretty good,” he commented. It was just then that Joseph came in, bearing the usual huge breakfast plates for the two of them. Without a word, he began setting the plates as Erik strode back over to the table to help. His gaze follows Erik around the table and for a moment a touch of his normal disbelief settles into place and the compliment registers as the same kind as the ones he normally gets from people who have said something “offensive”. However after a moment he realizes that Erik is being honest and he giggles happily. When Joseph walks in Alexi smiles and waves, still quite delighted that Erik inn one way or another likes the way he looks. 'I can never really trust when anyone else says it, but I can feel it, he meant in, and that is a good feeling. . .' Happily, Erik sat down at the table, looking at the lovely spread before him. The food. Awesome food all the time. I could also get used to that. “The way you are feeding me, and cutting down on my exercise by keeping me in this room, I'm rather happy that vampires don't gain weight easily,” he commented, smiling a little. “Erik, I will have the second dose of blood for you at lunch. I could also switch you to human blood, if you prefer,” Joseph suggested. “Eh, as tasty as human blood is, I try to avoid it. I don't want to encourage that taste for sentient beings too much. I'll indulge if I need to kill a particularly evil person, but I try not to make a habit of it.” “I understand completely,” Joseph replied simply, though he did not elaborate further.

The Rebel Vampire

Then, before he could control himself, his thoughts turned to Pyrra, he could see her in his mind. He muttered her name, for a moment lost in the memory of her, a thousand memories running together and intermingling, from when he had met her, to the letters they had later shared. Alexi would feel a nearly overwhelming sense of love and admiration, even some remaining sexual desire. But before Erik could stop himself, it all came crashing down, and the pain began to come back. Quickly, he let go of Alexi's hands and took more deep breaths, trying to tone down the intense pain of loss, even more than the loss of Zanri, for Alexi's sake. “I'm sorry,” he muttered. “I'm so so sorry.” But it was unclear exactly to whom he was speaking. A light gasp escapes Alexi's lips and he almost giggles as the feeling races through his system. He recognizes the feeling, the joy of accomplishing something thought difficult or impossible. Even as a memory it is far stronger than what the human normally feels, but for now he does not think on that, instead just enjoying this unique experience. His eyes remain locked on Erik and he offers a smile at that first wave of pride. When the second comes, the accompanying sting is what causes Alexi to gasp this time, but his gaze never wavers, this sting unfamiliar to him, thus new and interesting. The name, as that name strikes Erik's lips, he can feel a change. He does not flee from this change, instead bracing to feel the sudden shift of a mor honest emotional recollection. This recollection not called up, simply rolling through him naturally. The sudden cascade has him biting his lip, the foreign . The feelings crack across his hear like a whip and a harsh whine finds it's way out of him. He can not sort through them all, even the positive ones are too intense for him to handle, but he does not let go, wanting to share this with Erik, even just for a little while. Before he pulls back the pain, something Alexi can recognize, slams into him like a brick wall to the face, and he cries out. However, as Erik pulls away, Alexi finally acts on those impulses to comfort the man and without thinking he does what Joseph used to do. Moving forward on his hands and knees, tears on his face he can't even feel, he moves to Erik’s side and gentle as a mother holding her babe, he wraps his arms around Erik and pulls him in tight, pressing the vampires head to his chest, his fingers moving ever so slightly to brush through that short cropped hair. He doesn't say anything, not knowing what to say. He simply tries, for a moment at least, to share in the older male's pain. Despite his newly ignited curiosity, Alexi has no intention of asking something that is obviously not his business. Erik trembled and allowed himself to be taken into Alexi's breast. It was over twenty years ago now. Twenty years, and she's still in that damn hellhole. And there's not a damn thing I can do about it. But a ray of hope came to him. She'll be free, somehow, just like the rest of them will. I have the old plans memorized. But now, I should have the resources to free her, assuming she doesn't free herself the minute Alexi's devices break. What am I doing here? Feeling sorry for myself instead of being productive. I'm a Leader for godsakes. I do not have the luxury of wallowing in self-pity. Slowly, the rebel pulled away from his friend and smiled. “I'm sorry, Alexi. I told you that I wasn't good at this.” Alexi holds the shivering male, having no idea if he's helping or not. He wonders desperately if he's even capable of comforting someone with this cold heart and unpracticed hand. The storm calms slowly, and it isn't until Erik pulls away that the human realizes that he himself is crying. With a faintly stubborn pout he hunches down a bit and wraps his arms around Erik's neck, burying his face in the vampire's shoulder from the side. In a soft voice he whispers, “Do not regret it for a minute Erik. That was the most incredible thing I have ever felt, and I would not trade it for all the world of fantastic artifacts. . .” He continues to cry gently, waiting for his normal state to kick in and the pain to fade, even as he clings to it as hard as he can. Erik held Alexi somewhat awkwardly, and grimaced at the irony of his words. “And I would trade almost everything I have, short of my freedom, to not feel as deeply as I do. You have no idea how difficult it is to project stoicism and confidence through this sea of negativity. I cannot even focus on a happy emotion without ultimately feeling the pain of loss, whereas most of what I feel from you is this confidence bordering on arrogance. I'm not saying I would want to be as emotionally stunted as you are, but you should not envy the depth of my emotions. They are a burden, not a gift,” the vampire argued sadly, still holding onto the human. A faint smile begins spreading across the rich man's face and suddenly, with a weird little flop, he rolls backwards off the bed. Landing hard he lets out a faint sound of pain however he ignores it as he vanishes under the bed. There are odd thumps and scrabbling noises and by the time Alexi comes out the feelings have faded. However the tear tracts on his face now have a very fine layer of dust on them along with ever other inch of him, the streaks simply darker than the rest. 'I need to clean under there soon. Joseph knows better, and it has been far too long. . .' With a cough and a shake he climbs back on to the bed with a very old and weathered looking book. The cover is brown and peeling in places, and in the middle is a slightly lighter looking part with a figure of a gold crown at it's center. The author's name is mostly illegible, but at the bottom the title has survived the years. The Prince and The Pauper. Alexi hands it over to Erik gingerly. “Sorry, it is just. . .The way we have been talking about all this, made me think of this book. You are free to read it if you like, when you have time of course. Just, do not try and put it back yourself, it is a mess down there.” As he says this he smiles childishly, all traces of the sadness gone, save for the dark trails leading down from his eyes of course. Erik watched Alexi curiously, wondering what exactly he was getting. He took the ancient book tenderly and smiled. “This is on Project Gutenberg, you know,” he pointed out, grinning slightly. “But, I haven't read it. I don't read fiction much. My life has enough action, and what you call fantasy, and dystopia and class warfare. I don't have much use for fiction. Still, I'll try and read it, if you want. Although, I don't really think of myself as a pauper,” the vampire leader commented, smirking slightly. Of course, I once was, but that was a long time ago. he thought. Alexi's nose wrinkles at the mention of the project that he believes was invented specifically to de-value books. He chuckles however at the comment about being a pauper. “No Erik, you are the prince in my eyes, and I am the lowly pauper.” He smiles sadly and runs his fingers over the book. “You do not have to, I just thought that it would be an interesting take on how we view one another.” He smiles at Erik, smearing a bit of dust across his cheek as he swipes a hand across it. “Without making another pointless argument out of it, I would point you to your oodles of servants, finery, and money to dispute such a statement,” he replied, chuckling a little at the human's words. “But it really doesn't matter. I'll read the book while I'm here, my friend.” Alexi chuckles. “Despite all that,” he says with a wave of his hand, “I am the poorest man I know.” With that he points to his heart and offers Erik a sad smile. “Where it matters.” His eyes then land on the clock and with a faint yipe he races off to the bathroom to clean off at least a bit of the dust before racing back to his room and pulling off his soiled clothes. “I am late, so late, for a very important date!” he says in a little sing-song voice while he begins pulling on his track suit. Erik smiled, “In some things, perhaps,” he agreed, rolling off the bed and striding back to his desk. “I'm glad we could talk. I guess I'll... see you when you come back.” The vampire sighed slightly, before resuming the task he had been doing before Alexi had walked in. A faint whine finds it's way out as the human manages to once more forget he's injured and pulls the muscle a little to quickly. He pouts to himself over the pain for an instant, then thinks about who made it and smiles. Not because the thought makes him happy, but because he knows it should. He should be happy, thinking about something that makes him happy, it simply does not happen, but he's learn to fake it at least. 'Though I am faking it to myself. . .' With a sight he waves at the vampire, already hard at work once more, and heads out into the hall. He pauses right outside the room, looking at the blank wall opposite his door, and tries for the billionth time in his life to think back on something and simply feel, and once more he is disappointed. 'Ah well, maybe somewhere before this ends I can ask him to do it again, since he seems open to trying' With a sigh he jogs down the hall and then down to the first floor. Mois meets him at the sliding door leading to the back garden and with a smile to his older sibling Alexi sets the pace around the mansion so Mois doesn't have to worry about going too fast for his out-of-shape younger sibling. 'Out of shape, but still fit. That workout room and carefully planned diet has kept my inactive brother quite trim indeed for a pencil pusher' He's always been interested in his family's high metabolism, but even their father had gained a bit of pudge and he'd been more active than the youngest Vandros. 'Maybe the chef is sneaking some of those supplements into his meals to help him there. . .I know she knows some old folk remedies and stuff, she may be. . .Ah, whatever, it's not like his body's gonna do him any good soon' His dark thoughts must be showing on his face because after only a minute of jogging Alexi slows and looks at him with furrowed brow. “What is wrong Mois?” he asks, a note of real concern in his voice. 'Shit. Damn him and his perceptiveness!' He rages to himself before smoothing out the lines on his face with effort. “You know what's wrong Brother. . .” he murmur, his lips pressed together. Alexi does not have the chance to reply however as Mois speeds up the the former pace, the need to breath making it hard to talk. Alexi knows that Mois still hasn't forgiven his decision, even if he's agreed to follow through with his younger brother's wishes. 'I pray you will forgive me one day my dear Mois. It is for the best. . .' Once the jog is over the two do some stretching before Alexi heads for the house. He is a bit surprised to spot Mois following him and he turns to walk backwards. Before he can question however Mois speaks up. “I'll be joining you for dinner.” There is no request in the elder Vandros' eyes and Alexi's objection dies on his lips. With a faint smile he shrugs. “As long as you are willing to bathe first. You tend to stink worse than I do.” Mois gets the distinct impression of just whose nose Alexi does not want to be offended but doesn't say anything, instead just nodding silently. With a smile Alexi drops back to walk with his brother, rambling on about Riley as they go with minimal input from his older sibling. Once at his room he unlocks the door and motions for Mois to wait a moment. Sticking his head around the door he makes sure Erik isn't nude or practicing fighting moves or something else it might not be good for Mois to walk in on. Joseph entered the room a few minutes after his master had left for his jog. But the younger vampire was busy in his work, and finished writing before greeting elder vampire and standing to help, as he had promised before. After fifteen minutes, Erik was the first to break the silence. “Joseph, would you mind giving me more blood? Perhaps a larger glass, and one with each meal?” the younger vampire requested. The head slave merely raised an eyebrow. “Why?” In normal circumstances, the dose that Joseph had been giving Erik would be more than enough to sustain a vampire for 24 hours, but they both knew that. “I'm working on these plans. The work could be time sensitive, as we will only have a small window of opportunity after Alexi shuts down the devices, before the details could radically change. I need all the energy and concentration I can so that I can get through all of this in time. I need to be able to sleep less and work more efficiently, especially if I am going to be taking breaks to talk about my feelings with Alexi.” “Well, in that case, no,” the head slave replied, meeting the rebel leader's eyes. For the briefest of moments, Erik's anger flared up, though not enough to affect his eyes. “And why the hell not?” “Because, as you well know, you need sleep just as much as any human does, even if we vampires need somewhat less of it to get by. I cannot stop you from sacrificing your sleep or your sanity, but I do not have to facilitate it.” “I gave up sleep all the time in my duties as Leader, and before that, as a soldier. Joseph, you're being ridiculous.” “No, I'm not. This is not life threatening, and you can enlist help from myself and Masters Mois and Alexi on these plans. Losing sleep will hurt your concentration more, and added blood will only be a stopgap measure for so long. You will become more irritable, and God knows what your unchecked emotions will do to Master Alexi. I will not allow it. Now what would you like for dinner? I need to inform the kitchens.” “More blood. AB-positive if you have it. That stuff's tasty,” Erik replied with a mischievous grin. He paused and tried again. “Okay, fine, if I promise to get enough sleep, could I have an extra dose to make sure that I can concentrate better?” Joseph thought for a moment and continued dusting before stating his reply. “Very well. For the time being. If it turns out to be harmful, I reserve the right to cut you off on the extra dose. Now, what do you want for dinner tonight?” Erik smirked slightly, but refrained from hugging Joseph. “I'm really not picky. I don't know... Something with meat and vegetables?” “Master Mois has asked that you select the dish. I just agreed to do you a favor, so please, come up with something?” “Fine, how about... steak and vegetables. No, wait, nothing that requires something so sharp to eat. I wouldn't want to put things more on edge with the asshole who actually captured me. Seafood medley pasta. I don't care what style, would that work?” “Of course, I'll tell the kitchens immediately,” Joseph replied, pulling out his phone and sending a message to the head chef. It was a few more minutes before the pair said their farewells, and Joseph bowed and left. Erik, unsurprisingly, returned to his work, and continued it until Alexi next entered the room. Alexi lets out an audible sigh at the sight of Erik yet again hard at work but smiles a moment later. “You really are dedicated Erik.” He murmurs, waiting until Mois is inside before closing the door once more. Mois stares at the vampire for a moment, his gaze blank in an attempt to avoid starting anything with the obviously over worked male. He's interrupted Alexi at paperwork before and he doubts this man would give him as much leeway when it comes to breaking his concentration. Alexi however seems to ignore the fact that Erik is busy, wandering over to check what Erik's doing while Mois makes his way towards the bathroom. “Join you in a minute Mois. . .” he murmurs, waiting until he's out of earshot before saying softly, “I hope you do not mind. He informed me he wanted to eat with us tonight kind of suddenly. . .” Erik ignored Alexi for the moment, staring at his papers as an excuse to think. He was somehow uncomfortable with Mois in the room, remembering the strange dislike that he had sensed before. In truth, it was strange to greet yet another former enemy, a different kind of enemy than Alexi, someone whom he could have easily met in battle, someone who had defeated him. “Yes, I mind somewhat. But not enough to ask that you get rid of him. It's my own issue and I'll get over it. I am capable of being nice,” Erik replied gently, realizing that there was, at this point, no reason to try and lie to Alexi. He did not yet know how to mask his true emotions from him, and he knew that the human would currently be feeling mild apprehension, tension, and another spark of inadequacy. But they were mild emotions and the vampire pushed them to the back of his mind, hoping that Alexi would be able to do the same. Running a hand through his hair, the vampire stood and strode over to the couch, sitting down in a place that was more open to conversation, and waiting for Mois to emerge. A few moments tick by before Alexi gets his answer and he lets the faint feelings slip over him gently. Reaching out he squeezes the vampire's shoulder, something Mois use to do to him often when he was young to thank him for something, and murmurs softly, “Thank you Erik.” With that he moves off to the bathroom to get washed up. He manages to engage Mois in a short splash fight when the reach the last pool, the elder winning of course, ebfore the both of them move over to the robes linning the wall. The smiles from the game fade and while Alexi settles for a calm smile, Mois' lips return to their normal emotionless state. Pulling on one of his plush, fuzzy robes Alexi gives the stoic mad a tight hug before heading back to his room. Mois takes a more traditional cotton one and heads after him, determined to not fight with the vampire. Not yet at least. He has the distinct impression that a fight is inevitable, even if it doesn't happen until after Alexi is gone from this world. Back in the room Alexi takes a neutral position on the floor at the head of the coffee table while Mois sits opposite Erik, his eyes tracing over the man quickly before looking to his hands as he folds them atop the table. The three sat in increasingly awkward silence for several minutes, and to be honest, Erik was not willing to be the one to break it. Eventually he stood, and brought over the floorplan to Grunblak's mansion to look over, at least until some form of conversation began. Meanwhile, Joseph sent his younger Master a text stating that supper would be up soon, and that the kitchens were completing their finishing touches on a scrumptious meal. Quite comfortable with the silence Alexi hums lightly, simply observing the other two men in the room. Mois on the other hand feels a vague discomfort with the whole situation. Unlike he brother he's not quite as dismissive with social morays and being in nothing but a bathrobe in front of such a dangerous man who, without knowing it, has shortened his dear brother's life span has him more than a little upset. None of it shows, not really, but as Erik rises to go fetch something to do his eyes follow the man with his usual hunter's stare. After a moment he pulls out his phone and texts Joseph. -Bring me some clothes with dinner please.- Putting his phone away he looks to his brother who's still smiling and just watching them. The younger Vandros spots what Erik brought and has an idea. He thinks on it for a long moment, knowing full well it may not turn out to be a good choice, but far too curious to care either way. With a light clap he smiles up at Erik. “Erik! You have expressed a wish to have someone of a more militaristic mind to help you with this planning no? How about you and Mois look over the plans together?” His phone goes off as he says that last sentence and he holds up a hand so he can check his text. Mois on the other hand rolls his eyes, looking up at the vampire out of the corner of his eyes waiting to see how he responds to his brother's attempt to make the two of them more friendly toward one another. I didn't mean this bastard. How do I know he wouldn't simply use what I tell him in capturing other cells? I'm not going to work with a man who gets paid to capture and kill us. At least not until I am sure he has completely quit his position. Besides, I can see the way he looks at me, with just as much dislike as I look at him. Maybe its not completely rational, I don't know. But I don't think us working together would go well. Hell, Alexi should know that. “No thanks, I don't really need the help,” Erik muttered, choosing the polite and dishonest route, rather than ranting over his distaste for the elder brother. Though, Alexi would feel a significant surge of irritation directed towards the idea. Even without their bond it's easy for Alexi to see how much distaste his suggestion brought up in the vampire. Flipping his phone closed he takes the kick in the gut with a sigh and flops down on the table like a bored child. “Just trying to be useful. . .” he mutters with a pout. Mois looks at his brother with a brow raised. “You could have asked me if I would even want to first.” Alexi looks at him with an equally cocked brow. “What you want does not really matter here does it? It is what is best for the sake of our future.” “However long they may be.” Mois mutters, flinch lightly as that earns an honest to goodness glare from his little brother. “You know, you look just like father when you do that.” A faint sting follows the ripple of irritation at Mois' mention of life spans. “I look nothing like our old man.” he says with a faint huff. “You are the one who was cursed with that endowment.” Mois lets out a long sigh and ruffles Alexi's hair, pulling a whine out of the smaller male as he pushes the hand off. The elder brother's brow smooths for a moment and a faint genuine smile flits across his face at his brother's childish responses. Erik watched the interaction curiously, feeling confused at the flicker of emotion he received from Alexi. It was right after Mois mentioned something about a short life. Interesting... No idea what it means, and it's not like that bastard is going to tell me, but interesting. Besides that, he found the banter between the two brothers rather entertaining, and for a moment almost wished he had a sibling of his own. Vampire reproduction was rare and difficult. Even without protection, it was very difficult for most vampire couples to conceive. Erik had saved his parents years ago, but they had not given birth to another child, even after being freed. Still, he simply watched in silence, refusing to speak unless addressed. He was in no mood to talk and was, frankly, looking forward to the distraction of dinner. Mois put his hand back, causing Alexi to whine and bat at it. The little exchange escalates into a very short wrestling match that ends with Mois smiling down at his little brother, his arms pinned to his sides by Mois' knees, pouting up at him quite cutely. The elder lets out a small laugh and dismounts the smaller male, helping him sit up before taking his place across from the vampire again, his face not quite as hard as before. Meanwhile Alexi retakes his place and gazes up at Erik. Deciding on a different route he murmurs, “Mois was captain of both the boxing and wrestling team in school. He even studied some martial arts, but he has always told me that I was more suited for them.” He sighs. “He has had a far more interesting life than I. . . .More. . . .Friends. . . .” With another sigh Alexi flops his top half on to the table face down, his still damp hair causing water to trickle down his exposed neck on to the table. Mois watches silently, a faint touch of sadness for his brother flitting across his face. Erik was no stranger to such fun wrestling matches, and simply watched, amused that two heirs to one of the most rich and powerful families in the world played and roughhoused the same way that he and his comrades did. It was rather amusing, in fact. “Interesting. Perhaps I will take you sometime, though, it would probably not be fair with my magical strength. No offense,” Erik said politely, looking to Mois, and rather afraid he had just unintentionally insulted the man by speaking the truth. “Given the people you guys were stuck with, I'm surprised either of you made any friends at all, really.” “Alexi has a very different definition of friend than most people. Those I called friend are not what he would actually call friends.” Mois replies softly, sounding a little sad. “And I didn't have many. Most were those there on scholarship, not the richie riches that Alexi was constantly surrounded by.” He nods slightly. “As to a match, that would be an honor, though if it is wrestling, strength isn't everything.” He gives Erik a rueful half smile to show he's not offended before returning to his normal state of internalized emotions. Alexi himself listens to the exchange silently, smiling to himself that they actually managed to exchange a handful of words without snarling at one another. 'Mois, in his moods, can be a vicious little tiger. . .' He muses, sliding back and looking at the door as it opens. 'Of course not, but I've also been doing this longer than you've been alive. You are clearly skilled, but that's not something any human can match.' Erik was not one for long dick-measuring contests, so he did not say his thoughts aloud in this case, and merely smiled. He was gradually realizing that perhaps he could come to like Mois reasonably well. “We shall have to try sometime, but you bested me where it counts, so you'll always have that over me,” the vampire replied politely, smiling to hide the bit of shame and humiliation he felt. Just a moment later, Joseph entered with the full spread of dinner and Master Mois' clothes. He set the former down on the table and handed the latter to his elder master with a bow. Alexi feels faint waves of doubt from the vampire and smiles ever so slightly, the smile widening at the sight of Joseph entering the room with food, and for some odd reason clothing. When the pile is handed off to Mois however Alexi rolls his eyes. 'Of course, can not be comfortable in front of the vampire that is sharing my soul and helping me die faster. . . .' The following feelings coming from Erik confuse him for a moment, then he recalls how much Erik hates that Mois caught him and with a huff he looks at the vampire with a pout while Joseph makes up the table. “Well then perhaps you two should try a game of cat and mouse under similar circumstances, or at least setting. That way it would be more fair?” he says, tilting his head to the side. Mois stands and looks to Erik. “Well, that sounds fun.” He says softly before heading to the bathroom to change. “Yes, it actually does. Perhaps someday we will get the chance,” the vampire agreed, grinning a bit at the idea. Meanwhile, Joseph began setting the table for the three of them, and set out a bowl of salad and an even larger bowl of pasta, with vegetables on the side. Alexi openly enjoys that Mois and Erik no longer seem to be so much on the defensive and once he returns from the bathroom and the settle into the meal Alexi strikes up a quiet conversation about Mois and his' childhood. Mois mostly listens, only speaking up when he feels Alexi missed something, or when he recalls something differently, but for the most part he's quiet. His eyes drift to Erik every so often, his gaze mostly unreadable, but sometimes tinged with the kind of concentration that only comes with being in his line of work. When at last the meal is over Alexi calls Joseph back to clear away the mess. Mois does not stick around, instead giving his brother a firm hug before excusing himself. On his way back to his shack he pauses in the entrance hall. He doesn't look around, he doesn't fidget. He just stands there, looking at a point that even the most sharp eyed magical could now see on the best of day. A point that only one in his exact position can see. His heart aches, and for a long moment he sends a silent apology to his brother. 'Forgive me brother, I just can't accept it yet. I will do as I'm told, I will not let you down in this your crowning achievement, but after you’re gone. . .I just don't know if I can follow him. . .You tell me to go on living, and yeah, he would be the smoothest transition, but. . . .' He hangs his head in silents prayer. Not to any god in the heavens nor any deity the world has ever seen. Simply a prayer, and one he hopes will find it's answer one day. ~*~*~*~*~ Yawning wide Alexi stands, stretching. “That was excellent Joseph, my compliments to the cook.” He smiles over at Erik. “You like fish, right? I guess she remembered the special call for fish from before, such a sweet woman.” He has no idea that his dear brother was the one who should be thanked for the fish based dish and it is clear from his expression that he truly believes it was the cook being nice. 'Likely thought the special order means I am in a fish mood this month. Well, that should keep her happy. She likes cooking fish' Of course, the elder vampire merely nodded and bowed at Alexi's words, then continued to pick up the plates. “Yeah, I like fish. That's why I requested it when Joseph asked me about dinner. I thought you knew about that,” Erik muttered. Alexi pauses mid stretch and turns to look at Joseph, a familiar gleam in his eye. “Joseph?” Joseph turned to the human bowed, "Yes, Master?" he replied softly, stepping towards Alexi. Dropping his arms back to his sides the predatory gleam in his eye sharpens. 'I have the feeling that. . . .' “Is it a coincidence that Mois came to dinner the same night you went out of your way to ask what Erik would like to eat?” There is nothing accusatory to his tone. Instead there is his usual soft curiosity that means he's discovered a piece of a puzzle. The vampire shook his head. "Of course not, Master Alexi. Master Mois requested that I meet Erik's preferences, so that is what I did." Alexi offers up a half smile before bounding over to his bed and flopping down on it. Whipping out his phone he texts his brother. -I saw what you did there.- A few moments later Mois texts back. -I didn't do anything.- -It is not going to work you know.- -What isn't? I told you, I didn't DO anything!- -Now you are just being silly.- -You are the silly one Brother. Chasing shadows like this.- -Shadows can bite Mois, you know that.- -Yes Brother. I know. . . .- With a fond sigh Alexi flips his phone close before looking over at Erik with a gentle grin. Faint touches of amusement and intrigue flit through him, puttering off quickly as Mois is already long gone. ~*~*~*~*~ Across the compound Mois puts his phone on his bedside table and crawls into bed, a faint groan escaping him as he settles in. He makes a mental note to ask Joseph for a massage tomorrow before turning off the light. The shadows in his room stretch and dance and for a moment he can not stop his mind from dropping back into the little exchange between he and his brother, and the memories it brings back. However his aching body does not let him dwell for very long and soon enough he is asleep.

The Rebel Vampire

Erik nodded and looked away, allowing the awkward silence to pass. “Grunblak has a veritable personal army. This one is going to take a lot of skill, and a lot of people. I'm not entirely sure it can be done, even with all this information,” he commented out of the blue. “Apart from that, a lot of this stuff might change as the marks begin to see what's going on and go into hiding. I imagine this Elsa Selan person might just be killed by her own slaves. There's a lot of variables that we can't know, and there's no way to run upwards of eighty missions in a few days.” The vampire stood and started pacing. “Sorry, I'll figure it out.” Alexi once more lifts his head, watching Erik pace. Before he really thinks about it he replies with his best guess, “He has a weakness for “self help” things, like products that make one better than human. They have never really been proven, but he is always willing to give a product a try, once he has confirmed it is not poison. This may sound cliche, but you could likely get a few agents into the house that way. I know a few humans that could pass the magical detectors. They should be in one of the files. . . .” He glances over at the desk once more. “Is he really going to be focused on idiotic supplements after the world is going to hell? I mean, that's ridiculous,” Erik pointed out, glancing back at Alexi. Alexi looks back at the vampire, dead serious. “Obsession does weird things to people, and I think the state of the world shifting would make him even more desperate for some way to enhance himself. He may think of it as the only way to survive.” "Interesting. Ridiculous, but interesting. We could use that then. You know, he considers you a friend, right? If we do this soon enough, we could get you and one of the humans you mentioned both on the inside, maybe take him and some of his lead guards out before he even notices that there's a problem. Of course, we could only use that trick once or twice before your allegiance would be obvious, but it could work," the rebel leader suggested. Letting out a slight yawn Alexi nods. “That sort of thing would work, for a while at least.” He rolls on to his side before slipping off the bed to stretch. 'He is not wrong, that would work, if I were around to do it. As it is, he will have to find someone else on the list' Looking over at Erik he smiles. “Care to play a game? If not I can play by myself, I just thought I would offer since I need something to do with my hands besides worry my bedspread.” Meandering over to his closet he begins rummaging around for what he wants. “Sure, why not?” the vampire replied, looking over at his roommate's rummaging. “And I notice that that's not an agreement to do it, Alexi,” he pointed out, more to let the human know that he could see through his evasion than expecting a direct answer. “I'm not going to fault you if you don't want to, but I'd like a definitive answer as soon as possible, so that I can plan accordingly. I recognize a couple of the names from the list, two of the black market traders. I'm actually impressed at how well Crow has evaded suspicion from the law, sly bastard.” Alexi smiles, carefully removing the Go board from it's place in the back of his walk-in. He keeps a lot of clothes in here as well, but for the most part it's taken up by hobbies. “I can honestly say I do not think I am the right person for that particular job Erik, I am sorry.” he calls over his shoulder, hauling his Go board out. It is shaped more like a small wooden table than a game board, but it is very much and ancient Go board that was dug out of an abandoned village in the east. Setting it next to his coffee table he heads back into the closet to grab the small wooden containers with the Go Stones before switching off the light and closing his closet door. Taking a seat on the floor on one side of the board he motions for Erik to take a seat opposite. He smiles, grabbing a throw pillow from the couch and tossing it to Erik before grabbing one for himself. “Crow, I seem to recall her doing some pretty tricky deals in one of my factories. I almost had to shut down for a day because one of her suppliers was being foolish. . .That and I have done my best to keep dealing on my grounds to a minimum. . .” Once he is settled in Alexi looks over at Erik with a calm smile. “So, ever played Go before?” The vampire groaned as he took his pillow and sit down on the floor with the captor who was slowly and surely becoming a good friend. “Yeah, more than I'd like. Old Leader Zanri forced me to sit down with her and play both Go and Chess. She said it would help me to work on tactics and psychological understanding. It was also meant to take time away from some of my... other recreational activities that she did not exactly approve of. I also think it was because she enjoyed beating my arse at it. Anyway, it was a popular game to keep around the camp because the rules were simple and it was easy to make our own boards out of garbage. We just needed some scrap wood or cardboard.” Alexi can only guess what these “Other activities” might be that would have a rebel leader dragging one of her underlings away from them, however the fact that he's played before is enough to have the man smiling with delight. 'It is rare for me to find someone who’s even heard of this game, let alone play it. Since chess is considered the “gentleman’s” game, most of those in my station play that, never minding about other games that may be more enjoyable and less headache inducing. Not saying I hate chess, but Go is far more enjoyable to me' He lets out a soft sigh, he smile still in place. “Well then, as you have likely played against someone more than I, I think I will take the white stones. Most of the games have played were against myself. . .” He lets out a half laugh, grabbing the right container and after a moment, he lays his first stone. “Playing against yourself? How depressing,” Erik commented as he laid down his first black stone in a traditional starting spot in the upper left hand corner. “Why not with your brother or one of your slaves?” Alexi can not suppress a chuckle when Erik mentions the depressing matter of playing games alone. “You are just now noticing that my life is depressing Erik?” He murmurs rhetorically. Setting his next stone he looks back up to answer the man's question. “Father was. . .Very strict with Mois when we were young, as he was set to take over, and one of the thing “gentleman” learned and did often, was play chess. He was forced into it almost daily, and after that he lost his taste for boardgames, and I would not like to stir up such memories.” He shrugs, “As for my slaves, the ones who like me are far too busy, and the ones that fall outside that circle are terrified of me for the most part.” He offers a sad smile. “Yet another disadvantage to the role I have had to play as a hardened slave owner.” “No, I noticed before. It's just hard for me to get past your wealth, to remember that money, even this absurd amount of money, is not the same thing as happiness. Logically, I know that to be the case, but emotionally, I can't imagine being depressed if I had everything at my beck and call like this. I was born a slave, you know. Most of the problems in my life have been from lack of food or resources, not companionship, so its hard for me to truly understand your life,” Erik explained, looking down at the board. Alexi's gaze follows suit and there is silence for a while. The human can understand what Erik means, but at the same time his wandering mind begins to travel to Erik's life, wondering at it, trying to imagine it. He tries so hard to imagine having a companion, even for a short time. . .But sadly, his mind draws a blank. Finally, in a hushed, harsh tone he murmurs, “Wealth is the murderer of this world, creating only want and poisoning the need. Discarding it, trampling it, until all that is left is want, the soul behind the money crushed and broken, its needs far beyond reconciliation, and the want a sickness that consumes its host. . .” He looks up into the vampire's eyes, his own an odd mix of angry and sad. “I do not expect you to understand this Erik, I just hope that one day your own heart with realize the truth of it. . .Do not envy my gold. . .” He know no one uses gold any more, but it is still a common enough knowledge that he's sure Erik might get the point. Erik paused for a moment and allowed the wave of anger and sadness to wash over him, though it was less of a wave and more of a ripple. “You misunderstand me, Alexi. I don't want to be rich, not really. I don't care about luxury. I want the security of knowing I can feed the hundreds under my command without scrounging. I want to be able to provide my soldiers with the best in weapons and armor, rather than watching people get needlessly injured because we didn't have a bulletproof vest in their size. And yes, perhaps I would love to supply us with more computers, or a few more linens and supplies to make clothes and toys for the young ones. I don't envy your gold, and I certainly don't envy the kind of company you have had to keep to obtain it. I envy the security it represents,” the vampire replied, looking up to meet Alexi's eyes. “That being said, you are correct. The envy is pointless.” Sighing, he placed another of his pieces. Letting out a soft sigh Alexi murmurs, “I envy. . .I envy those who can make things. I envy those who have talent and skill and can make things with their hands.” He glances up for a moment from the board. “I envy a lot of things. . .” He looks back to the board and places his next piece. About the time it becomes abundantly clear that he's going to lose Alexi cracks half a smile and simply murmurs, “Interesting. . .” Erik smirked slightly. "Leader Zanri made it clear that if I wanted to keep my position, I would have to play against her. So, I figured that while I was stuck there, I would at least work on getting better at it," he explained, placing another stone and waiting for Alexi to pass. The semi triumphant look on the vampire's face sends a light tingle through the human, that small touch of confidence that has been lacking since he arrived bringing him a faint joy. 'It is good to see that spirit flaring for some other reason than his anger, or resentment. . .' He waves his hand and mutters pass before saying, “She sounds like a good woman. What was she exactly? If you don't mind my asking of course.” He adds that last part gently, not sure if this touches the boundaries of the rebellion information he's not suppose to ask about. “She was a sky fairy, of all things, wings and all. They have a reputation for being very kind and passive, but she was one of the most aggressive people I've met,” Erik responded a little sadly. “I don't mind you asking. It's not classified anymore. She's dead. She and two others died on a mission. I was not on it, but I was devastated when I heard the news. I even spoke at her funeral. Then I took over the Leadership.” The vampire looked far away for a moment, before pulling himself back. Alexi would feel echoes of the pain of loss, but they would not be overwhelming, for the loss was long ago, and Erik had since come to terms with it. “Pass. Game over.” Alexi lets the throb of emotion from the other male press into him, pushing again his own meager understanding of the emotion of loss, and does his best to take it in and understand it better. True, both of his parents are dead, and in most eyes that would be a loss, but given his relationship with them, and the fact that he doesn't feel things for long, the linger pain over something that has passed seems to escape him most of the time. However, having it here, present, inside him, but someone who has long worn in on his soul, despite it's now muted presence, Alexi somehow feels like he “gets it” just a little bit better. Alexi offers up a sad smile, no words coming to mind save for the ones Joseph use to use with him when he was a child and that did not seem right for someone he hardly knows. Instead he smiles and holds out his hand. “Good game Erik, thank you.” He says this honestly, without looking at all disappointed at the fact that he didn't win. Perhaps we can play again some time, if you are up for it.” He smiles a little wider as he thinks of a fairy fighting. “I have a few fairy in the garden, and I have seen them get quite prickly when someone accidentally knocks over a pot or steps on a flower during a rousing game of chase with a particularly adamant pursuer.” He chuckles at the memory. “Well, I think she was a little more calm as a child. But she was she was one of a few survivors from her village. Humans raided it when she was young, killed several, sold most of her family and friends as slaves. She found a Resistance cell after that, started fighting for them,” Erik replied sadly. “As far as the game, thank you. I enjoyed it. And you're not half bad for only ever playing against yourself.” The cool grip of the vampire feels less than familiar, having touched very few people in his life that he'd care to remember touching, and most were greasy humans. He feels slightly sad, hearing of the death of the magicals, but he is more pleased that Erik enjoyed himself. “Why thank you Erik, that is most kind, however I still feel I fell woefully short of a challenge for you.” he says with a chuckle before moving to put the board away. Looking over at his bedside clock he notes it's almost time for Mois to come home. ~*~*~*~*~ Said brother had actually come home a little early. Having sliced his hand open on a hunk of metal and not telling anyone about it for a good hour they sent him home once the now dirt encrusted wound was inspected. He did not want to go to a hospital, much preferring Joseph to tend to such simple wounds, the vampire's gently hand far more inviting than the cold efficient ones of an unknown doctor. He knows it's kind of funny to consider a human's hands colder than a vampires, the irony is not lost on him, but in truth Joseph's hands have never felt cold to the older Vandros. On his way into the mansion he text Joseph that he'll be in Alexi's first floor study, not wanting to make Joseph walk all the way out to his house when dinner is just around the corner. Heading to the room Alexi met the new slaves in he notes the fresh paint and new carpeting and is once more impressed with how quickly repairs to the house are undertaken. 'I did not even know this room needed it. One of the new slaves must have gotten rambunctious' Looking upward in the general direction of his brother's room he waits patiently for Joseph to arrive. Erik watched the human put away his ancient board and grimaced. “The fact that you could not beat me in a game is irrelevant. You beat me in the real world, and that counts for a lot more,” he muttered, as he stood and put the pillows back where Alexi had found them. ~*~*~ Joseph received the text and brought his first aid kit, knowing that Master Mois's admission to needing “a little doctoring” was probably in reference to a larger injury than it sounded. He was not overly worried, however. Master Mois was not quite as cavalier about injuries as his younger brother was, and he had been able to drive himself home, so the problem could not be terribly life threatening. Stepping into the study, he bowed and greeted his elder Master before sitting him down tending to the wound on his hand. “I wish you had cleaned and wrapped it sooner, Master. You'll be fine, but it was foolish to risk infection. You are up to date on your tetanus shots, so that's not so much of a concern,” the head slave mused as he cleaned the wound. Despite his mild chastisement, he cleaned the wound as gently as he could muster, trying to avoid causing his master unnecessary pain. His eyes trail over to the head slave as he enters, a rare half smile gracing his lips at the tone in the man's voice. It takes a lifetime of knowing him, but both he and Alexi can tell when he's lovingly chastising them. 'I kept it wrapped as I worked. It's not like I was grinding it in there on purpose, there was just so much work to do. . .' “Sorry Joseph.” he murmurs softly. The body count was a lot less today, and Mois was only around for a few, but he still felt the drive to keep digging, that list of names labeled “Missing” driving him to do his very best so their families could at least let them rest in peace. He does not mention any of this however. It's not his way. Just as Alexi speaks his mind, monologues, and always seems to have an opinion, Mois holds his tongue on most of his troubles, only speaking when it's for others if he can help it. 'Besides, Joseph already knows why I came here instead of going to a doctor. . .I hate doctors. . . .' ~*~*~*~*~ Alexi can not help but rolls his eyes. “You are as bad as Joseph sometimes, you know?” He calls over his shoulder while settling the board back in place.” He walks back out with a slightly furrowed brow. “You can not seem to accept the compliment when it is presented to you. . .Is that a vampire thing, or am I completely missing even more social skills than I thought?” Joseph smiled just slightly at the apology. “No need, Master,” he muttered. “However, you do need stitches. It's a deep cut, and you are fortunate that you did not sever a major blood vessel.” He took out the supplies and began stitching up the cut. ~*~*~ “I have no trouble accepting compliments, Alexi, at least normally. Part of my role is to project confidence that must border on arrogance to those around me, regardless of how I feel. But, as I said, they will never let me lead them again, not now that I've failed them so badly. So, perhaps, I am enjoying the luxury of telling you what I truly think, rather than projecting a false veneer,” the former Leader replied as he sat down on his bed. Closing his closet door he simply stares at the man for a second before collapsing on to his own bed. After a moment he curls on to his side, looking at Erik past the foot of his own bed. “You do realize that has nothing to do with accepting a compliment?” He stretches and huffs. “And besides, I have gotten everything I wanted thus far, are you really going to insist that I am wrong in what would be the saddest way? I mean, I have gone through a lot of trouble to make sure you get your post back, and I mean a lot of trouble. . .” He looks at Erik with shiny, rather childish eyes. ~*~*~*~*~ Mois nods vaguely, catching the faint smile out of the corner of his eye. 'Lucky, yes, that is what I am' “So still over working yourself? Or has Alexi finally grown some sense and forced you to be reasonable with yourself?” He gives Joseph a sideways glance at this. 'Normally, I wouldn't say such things, but as he is to be free soon, he needs to start thinking about these things. About conserving energy, and only doing what he can handle. Some days, I swear, he double books himself just to drive himself mad' His eyes are genuinely concerned, even though no other part of him shows this concern. Erik rolled his eyes. “Every plan has losses, Alexi. This is one that I will gladly accept, to accomplish what you mean to do.” There was a little unconscious sadness that could not be hidden from the human, but otherwise, the former Leader seemed resolute. ~*~*~ Had Joseph not been so practiced at this, his hands might have shook and messed up the stitches. But he took a deep breath and focused on the work. Master Mois did not mean to insult him, and Master Alexi had approved his actions, but he still felt embarrassed to admit that he had reduced his workload. “I asked some of the new employees to take over my chores that someone else could accomplish. I do not consider myself above such work, obviously, but I wanted to make my time more available to yours and Master Alexi's request in these busy days,” the head slave replied, not once removing his eyes from the elder brother's hand. 'Yes, every plan has losses, and in this plan, I already have the losses planned out, and your station is not one of them' He muses silently, the feelings coming across between them acting like the straw that broke the camel's back. He curls in tighter, hiding his face from the other as a wave hits. In the quiet of the room, the mad man deals with the feelings the only way he knows how; letting them pass. ~*~*~*~*~ “You do not deserve the strain you put upon yourself Joseph.” Mois says softly. Unlike the adoring, admonishing tone Alexi has when saying this, Mois sounds more like he is simply stating a fact, his voice devoid of his feelings. Now that the truth is out to Joseph, Mois no longer sees the need to keep his opinions from the soon-to-be ex-slave. With a soft sigh he glances at the injury being tended. In a soft voice he murmurs, “Since I am no longer exiled from there, I would like to take dinner with Alexi in his room tonight after our run.” Erik looked upon the human who now shared a piece of his heart, and he felt a certain pity. He took deep breaths and closed his eyes, trying to calm himself of any emotion, for he knew that was the easiest way to stop Alexi from suffering. ~*~*~ It was just as Mois spoke that Joseph finished with the stitches and cut off the thread. I already explained why I do, Master. But it is not my place to disagree with you, even on this, he thought sadly. But he simply said, “Of course, I will deliver all three meals there then. Do you have any special requests for supper?” The wave passes surprisingly quickly and he is able to relax after only about a minute. Once uncoiled he smiles at the vampire. He takes a moment, a mere heartbeat in time to simply observe that pale face, one only slightly paler than his own. The small scars here and there, that unkempt hair framing strong, weathered features. He lets his eyes rest, for but an instant, on that small moment of calm he can see in that face, before calling out quietly, “What brings you peace Erik?” His eyes a gentle and curious, his expression as relaxed as he can make it given how suddenly eager he is to hear an answer to this question, to test a theory he prays he's right one. “What in this tormented, war torn life of yours gives you that touch of kindness that would otherwise been rend from a lesser man's soul?” ~*~*~*~*~ Mois pulls his hand back, looking at it while flexing it gently, before giving it back to Joseph to bandage. He shrugs, but then seems to re-think things. Looking once more towards his brother's room he murmurs, “Whatever -he- likes. . .” Erik's eyes widened, surprised by the poetic question. He thought for a long moment before speaking. “Peace is a very fleeting thing for me. I think that you know that well enough, by now. But the things that give me those fleeting moments... music, friends, good memories. As far as my kindness... what minuscule bit of it I have... I guess it's just that I know I can't forget what I'm fighting for, freedom from tyrrany. And I have to keep a shred of kindness, put limits on the things I will do, or else I risk becoming just as cruel as the worst of your police forces.” ~*~*~ Joseph nodded and bandaged the hand, noting a hint of inherent dislike in the elder brother's tone. “He has not expressed many preferences to Master Alexi or myself, thus far. I do not think he is accustomed to having options in what to eat,” he commented. Alexi shifts around so he is laying on his stomach, facing Erik, his eyes wide, intense. “And, can you simply think back on them, recall the feeling, feel it again, even if just for an instant?” There seems almost to be a slightly plea in his eyes, going beyond curiosity into and almost need to know this answer. ~*~*~*~*~ Once the hand is bandaged he once more pulls in back. His voice is soft as he replies. “Alexi will know.” He has no doubt on this, knowing his brother as well as he does, he can tell they have begun to speak on such things. 'Alexi no doubt has been pressing questions here and there, weaseling out information and secreting it away in the back of his mind for later use. He's good at that, and with someone as different and fascinating as that fellow, I am sure he's almost aching to learn as much as he can safely. . .' With a nod to Joseph and a murmured thanks he heads out of the room. He intends to head to his hut and change clothes so he's ready for the run in half an hour. “Well, yes. The effectiveness can depend on my current mood, but overall, I'm able to do that. Aren't most people?” Erik replied, wondering why Alexi was so fascinated by this common phenomenon. ~*~*~ “I will ask him and his guest within the hour,” the vampire replied. He bowed as Master Mois left and resumed his duties, reminding himself to ask Master Alexi for their requests before the brothers went on their run. Alexi seems to ignore the vampire's question and instead asks, in a soft whisper, “Could you. . .Could you do it now?” Alexi feels he has no right to ask this, no right to ask Erik to share his in his peace, but a part of him is almost desperate now it find out if he even can. Erik could feel a faint sense of need and desperation, and he quickly recognized it as foreign. It was still not anywhere near what one would consider a “normal” level of emotion, but it was certainly a higher spark than he could usually feel from the eccentric man. “You really want this, don't you,” the vampire commented aloud, looking into Alexi's eyes from across the room. “At least, as much as you are able to want anything.” Alexi's feelings begin to fade, and his gaze drops. Somehow he feels as if he's being rude, as if he's asking for something he does not deserve. 'I was put in this world the way I am, and if this is my punishment for all the things I have had to do to get what I want, to live this life full of evils, then I should not be asking to invade him like this. I should not try and make him feel just to satisfy my own longings for a touch of what it is like to be able to feel. . .Like others do. . . .' These thoughts and feelings are new to him, and he realizes it's likely Erik's own feelings about men in his position spurring them on, but it really doesn't matter. He agrees. He's never asked a slave to do magic for him for his amusement, and asking Erik to do this for him seems no different now. “Never mind. Forgive me.” He murmurs softly, still looking at his bedspread. Barely a heartbeat passes after those words leave his mouth before he's up and heading into his bathroom, the sudden need lessen the weight of his own skin overwhelming for his simple heart. “No, Alexi, I wasn't insulted. I'm just trying to understand you, that's all.” The vampire sprinted up to his friend and touched his shoulder, trying to replace his concern for Alexi with something good, more peaceful to feel, but he was having trouble controlling his thoughts that well. “Come back and sit down with me, on your bed. I will try to do as you ask.” The touch on his shoulder brings the human to a stop, though his eyes remain down. Reaching up he touches that hand on his shoulder gently, shaking his head. “No Erik, this is no different than asking someone to perform magic for me just because I can't do it myself. These are your feelings, and asking you to feel something for such selfish reasons is no different than asking a dog to do a trick. . .” Erik's face hardened slightly at Alexi's words, and his left hand almost subconsciously traced the collar he still wore. But he shook off the feeling, and his face and heart softened. “Alexi, I am not your slave. I am not doing this because you have ordered or coerced me. That's the difference. You are giving me something that I never thought I'd live to see, the one thing I truly want. Let me at least try to give you, the man who has almost everything, something in return. I want to give this gift to you, my friend.” Alexi can not help but pull a humorless smile. A feeling stirs inside him, and he recognizes it as the pure disgust one has for another they find detestable. For himself it has always been his fellows, slavers or no, but from Erik, it was pure, unrefined, and powerful, and directed directly at Alexi. A remnant from the first dose. Looking up at Erik his eyes are narrow. “And how many favors does that excuse afford me, hm?” His voice isn't exactly his own as he steps back and waves at the room. “I already have you locked in a cage, a man I admire like no other, collared, putting up with every selfish little thing from wearing the clothes I buy him to using a headlamp so I can sleep at night!” He can feel a bitter taste in his mouth, and for a moment his own madness feeds into the anger. “And thanks again for reminding me that the only reason you are here is because I am forcing it upon you and bribing you. Thank you for once again pointing out that without this gift to you and my own evil action you would be perfectly content to slit my throat like any other common slave master and not lose a wink of sleep over it.” His hands suddenly curl into fists over his stomach and he doubles over, the madness and anger passing all at once leaving him feeling only nauseous. Clapping a hand over his mouth he races to the bathroom, making it to a toilet just in time. Gripping the rim tightly a part of him feels vaguely glad that he hasn't had dinner yet. “Damn you, Alexi,” Erik raged quietly, as Alexi's emotions mixed with his own, and he strongly considered decking the man. Instead, he resorted to punching a pillow on the bed in frustration. He took several deep breaths and calmed himself, then strode into the bathroom, to find Alexi vomiting in the toilet. Still suppressing the remnants of the anger, he lifted the billionaire's hair and waited for him to finish. Once Alexi was finished, he gently dragged him over to the sink and began to wipe his face with a soft cloth. “Is that really what you still think of me? That I still hate you, that I'd still kill you?” he asked quietly, as he worked. But before Alexi could answer, he spoke again. “You might actually be right. If I didn't know how well your slaves were treated here, if I didn't know what you are doing for us, then yes, maybe I would still want to kill you. I'm a terrorist, a criminal, and a murderer, and I never pretended to be anyone different. You have projected an image to the world of the kind of human I am sworn to despise. But I am learning. I am beginning to trust you, maybe even to understand you, in as much as anyone can. Am I not allowed some credit for that? I did not say those things to anger you. I said them in a, clearly misguided, attempt to be kind. Nothing I said before has changed. I will not pretend this this friendship is a normal one, and I will not pretend to understand why you will not tell me everything at this point. But I am trying to trust you, Alexi Vandros. I don't see this working any other way.” Cool hands slide over his neck and it takes him a moment to realize that Erik is there, holding his hair for him. The gesture brings an honest smile to his lips for an instant before the last heave followed by some coughing wipes it from his face. After spitting a few times he moves to stand, only to be hauled up and dragged around like a rag doll. His shoulder twinges painfully at the motion but the hurt does not show. He lets the vampire tend to him, even though a part of his mind rings with the words he spoke not minutes ago, ”I'm not your slave. . . .” He sighs gently. 'It is a good thing I will die after the slaves are freed. I do not think I would live long enough to learn to tend to myself, spoiled brat that I am' He listens quietly, forming his answer slowly as he waits, giving the man the time it takes to voice his full thoughts. His honest smile returns when Erik admits the truth of what he said about killing him without the knowledge he currently has for the slaver, butt his time the feelings do not surge and he is able to be amused at the admission, and not hurt. His voice, a bit rough from the vomiting, cracks slightly as he begins speaking. “No, no, not misguided Erik. In truth, I initially planned those first few words as a joke.” Pushing himself a little more upright he looks at the rebel leader, looks into his eyes so he can see the man is telling the truth. “I know you do not feel that way for me any more, and I am very grateful for that. No, these feelings, this outburst, it was brought about by us agreeing on something.” He lets out a half laugh. “I despise slavers, though perhaps for more complex reasons, and that mixed with the first feelings you ever gave me, and perhaps even a bit of my crazy distrust of people, lead me to say those things.” His smile softens and he looks at the vampire fondly. “I fear by the end, you may be the only person I will trust, and only because I am cheating.” He chuckles again, looking to the floor. “You are kind Erik, and if you wish to do this for me, I will gladly accept yet another kindness from you. . .” Erik nodded and smiled at Alexi, “You are a tweaked one, you know that? But, perhaps that isn't so bad,” he replied, gently leading the human towards the bed. “For all of that effort, I am not even sure that I can do this on demand, but we shall try.” Smiling slightly he crawled onto the bed and crossed his legs, gesturing for Alexi to join him. “Maybe I'm talking out of my ass – sorry – arse, here, but I think touch might make this stronger. Mind taking my hands?” Alexi glows in the face of that smile and silently follows Erik back into his room. His eyes glance over the clock and he notes that there is very little time to see if this works. The human joins the man sitting on his bed, his own random thoughts about this being the first person in his bed he's not related to making him giggle on the inside and flush ever so slightly on the outside. Settling in he nods and without a word hold his hands out, his eagerness to find out something about these feelings returning, though much dimmer than they were before. He settles his warm fingers into that cool, slightly damp grip, and waits quietly, his eyes never leaving the man's face. Erik closed his eyes and searched for a memory, a time when he had been truly happy, truly content. Ahh, that's a good one, he thought, and focused on the feeling. Alexi would feel a surge of pride and a mild thrill of victory. “The first time I beat Leader Zanri at Go,” he explained, opening his eyes a bit to see the look on Alexi's face. But soon enough, he closed them again and began to dig back into his memories. Another surge of pride, although this one was followed by that familiar sting of loss. “The day that I was sworn in as Leader. I was proud, and... and Pyrra was by my side, but I was still mourning Zanri's death.”

The Rebel Vampire

Erik stalked away from the window once the group was out of sight, cursing his own silliness, and ignoring the strange way that Alexi stared at him. Connection or not, he certainly could not fathom what that man was thinking, or how he knew that he was up in the window. Surely he could not be so easily seen, not with how hard Alexi was clearly trying to keep his location secret. But he looked at the young-looking woman. A magcal, clearly, though in her human form, he could not be sure of the type. Perhaps she had told Alexi of his presence. 'I have work to do. There's no time to watch wistfully at stupid picnics,' he chastised, sitting down to work for another hour before finally eating his own meal. Alexi can not help but chuckle at Elaria as she acts much like a confident schoolgirl. “Well, are you two not adorable?” He murmurs softly, causing Elaria to stick her tongue out at him. The male looks a little stunned, her boldness right after being reprimanded, however he does not seek to question and contents himself that the mood has lightened once more. As soon as he's seated Riley comes racing up, crawling all over him in excitement causing the master of the house to topple over. When Elaria moves forward to remove him he whips around and bites her hand, his sharp little teeth sinking in deep. The male is ready to defend however he stays still as Elaria does not seem to respond. By the time Alexi is seated once more Riley is licking the wound, curling up next to a plate of raw meat. He begins munching happily, Pulling the plate to the edge of the blanket so he can lay on the grass while he eats. Alexi smiles, enjoying the moment, however a part of his mind remains back in his room, imagining Erik still slaving over all that paperwork. 'He really seems determined to work himself to death. He could take his time. . .Though leisure does not seem to suit him' Elaria and Alexi spend most of the meal talking quietly about things, her outlining a few projects she has in mind and asking about how he's doing. She keeps her question vague and he likewise answers with a string of nonspecifics. They are bother interrupted when at last Riley calms down enough to talk. They both look to him as he hums softly and looks at them. “You two are careful talkers. Full of secrets. Many secrets, makes me funny feeling, inside. Like you both, but both have sharp tongues. Not honest, but not lairs. Very interesting. . .” Elaria chuckles at the assessment, unable to confirm nor contradict it. Alexi however seems to loose a bit of his contentment at the little one's words. “You are right Riley, we are both cautious in our speech.” He reaches out and runs his fingers through the M'Tinak's hair pulling a faint happy noise from the creature. “I wish it were not so. Such talk is tiring. Makes me weary really. . .” Riley looks up into the humans eyes, and finding his words honest slips forward and curls up in Alexi's lap. The rest of the meal passes silently and by the time they are finished Riley is asleep with a slightly bulging stomach. Elaria drops her friend off in the shack, carrying Riley for Alexi as they head back to the M'Tinak's room. As they pass Alexi's door the master of the house can feel a wave coming and after opening the door for the drake he sinks down against the wall and motions for her to continue on. Once she has deposited her package in his little nest in the middle of the room she comes back out and kneels beside Alexi, her eyes a mix of worried, and proud. “You really have a talent for putting everything on yourself, you know that right Master Alexi?” Alexi manages a single coughing laugh through the pain, his lips curling for an instant. She stays with him as he curls in around himself, the wave not lasting very long. Once it is past Alexi has her help him up and she gives him a warm smile, holding his shoulders tight. “Thank you for the worry Elaria. You can return to work now.” He murmurs softly. She hesitates for only a moment before bowing and moving off doe the hall. Once she's out of sight Alexi makes his way slowly over to his bedroom door and slips in with a soft sigh. As per usual he slips out of his clothing and into something more comfortable before flopping down on the bed to stare at Erik, waiting for him to either tell him to bugger off or take a break from work to talk. Erik noticed Alexi enter the room, but did not speak with him until he came to a stopping point, about ten minutes later. “I don't see a listing here of Grunblak's valuables,” he announced, finally turning to the generous billionaire on the bed. “Any cash, bonds, weapons, vehicles, foodstuffs, or valuables that we can use or trade on the black market. Did you include one and I've missed it? If not, I need information on anything you can remember... please.” He did not mean to sound unappreciative, but he was in a businesslike mode and was almost entirely forgetting his manners. Alexi kicks his legs gently as he waits, his face never moving off from his calm, patient smile. When at last the vampire addresses him he shakes his head slowly. “No, I did not include one. If you like I can add that to my workload tomorrow. I shall write up all I can find and all I have memory of that is not in the official insurance listings.” Looking at his hands he presses his fingertips together and flexes them a few times. “I will of course be giving my own contribution at the end of this that should keep you all well stocked for a while, however I understand the need for more, given how vast the rebellion is. I simply did not think of looting. . .At least not consciously.” Flopping on to his side he looks up at the vampire with a child like grin. “How did you enjoy your meal?” “Thank you. I appreciate it. Having extra money doesn't mean we should squander any opportunities for gaining other assets. It's not greed. It's practicality. You save what you can for when times get harder. Even if we don't need this stuff, we can use the money and resources to help support other cells. Besides, looking at this bastard's dossier, I don't exactly feel bad stealing from him,” Erik pointed out. Looting was certainly an illegal activity, but technically, they would already be guilty of robbery for stealing Grunblak's slaves. Besides, for most of them, just being out in public was enough to have them collared and sold by the authorities, which tended to put laws in a different perspective. 'He is really focused on this' Alexi muses as Erik ignores his question. Instead of complaining however he simply nods and begins fidgeting with his comforter. “I know most in my class deserve that and more. . .I wonder how many will even be alive after this. . .” He wonders vaguely. “Probably not many,” Erik mused, walking over to sit by Alexi's bed and take a short break. “Does that bother you at all? That you are effectively killing many of your friends?” Erik paused for a moment, “Well, if not friends, at least your colleagues. Rolling on to his back he shakes his head slowly. “I mourn all loss of life, however who they are, for the most part, is not entirely their fault, but does not excuse their actions and makes it so that they deserve what is coming to them. . .” Lacing his fingers together over his chest he stares at the ceiling. “It is all about loss and gain. The gain here outweighs the loss. . .” Erik nodded. "I certainly won't argue with you there. As far as I'm concerned, a few less slavers in the world can only be a good thing." After a moment, he looked back at Alexi. "What will you do? After you have freed everyone. I'm supposed to go back to Xani. All your slaves will be freed. Unless everyone finds out what you have done, you'll be a pariah. What's your escape plan?" Alexi does not even flinch, expecting this question to come up at some time or another. “After achieving my goal, what will happen will happen. I think after all my years of being strict with myself and planning I deserve a bit of uncertainty in my life.” He looks over at Erik, smiling warmly. “I am sure they will all be very happy to see you back. . .It must be nice. . .” Alexi does not pity himself, however he does wonder what it is like to have so many free thinking people happy to see you return. He is content with his brother being the only free being truly happy to see him, but it does not stop the man from wondering. “You really don't have an escape plan? That's suicide. You're hated by the rebellion, and I might not be able to explain what you've done fast enough. It wouldn't get to all the cells before someone found a way to kill you.” Ethan sighed for a moment. “Well, there's still time. My recommendation is that you go into hiding. Or you could come with me to the rebellion. If you stay with me, I could protect you until word gets around that you're responsible for all of this freedom and no one wants to kill you anymore. As far as people being happy to have me back, I hope they will be. They will be confused, though. They are probably holding my funeral in a day or two. Don't you have anyone who would be happy if you had been captured and returned after a long time?" 'Well, that would be nice. Actually being active in all this where people can see me. . .However that will never come to pass. . .' “I will think about it.” He murmurs softly. And he means it, he will think about what he would do if he was actually going to be alive to see the aftermath. He smiles gently. “That is a kind thought Erik. That would be very sweet of you.” Alexi rolls on to his stomach and looks at Erik. “Mois would. He is the only free person I know who would actually be happy to see me come back. I am sure most of my slaves would only be happy that they would not have to be sold off to less hospitable homes. Mois is good, and could run things for a while, however without me the companies would go belly up in no time. . .Joseph would be happy, but he is still a slave. I can not think of another free soul that would be happy to see me returned the way you cell will be happy. . .” “I would be happy,” Erik muttered without thinking. But as he thought about it, he realized that he was quite honest. He did not want Alexi to die, so he would logically be happy if it turned out that he returned from the dead. “Do you really not have any friends besides your family and your slaves?” “That really is sweet of you Erik.” Alexi murmurs in reply, his smile now seemingly a permanent fixture on his face. However he shakes his head at the question, his eyes dropping a bit. “I do not have friends. I do not count my slaves as friends, and Mois is my brother, not my friend. Also, you may have noticed, I order him around like anyone else, so the only difference is he can talk back.” He lets out a sigh. “So no, no friends for me, simply societal equals. And they would delight in my death really. Most have some claim in the companies, thanks to my father, however I have it down in my will that all would go to Mois if I died, so it would at least delay them a bit. . .” He has a rather pleasant smile... if a little cheeky at times, Erik mused. Wait, where did that come from?! “Well, you do order him around. But by that logic, you could argue that I don't count either. After all, I'm your prisoner, and am bound to your emotions, if not completely to your will.” Alexi feels a little sting at Erik's words and he goes back to fiddling with his comforter. His face falls ever so slightly and his words are softer than usual. “I have not claimed you as friend Erik, I would not know how to treat you if I ever tried. And by your logic, you are right, you never will be, however I am okay with that. I have lived my life without friends, and will continue to live my life that way.” He does not know why the vampire's words sting him so, because he is right. Erik may technically be a free man, but as a collared prisoner he is bound in a way. 'Perhaps it was more about the bond, and how he views it. . .Perhaps that is what bothers me. . .The most wonderful thing about all this, and he sees it in such a bad light. . .' Alexi sighs, staring at the floor now. Erik felt the echo of Alexi's sting at his words, and it was immediately coupled by his own guilt. He had not meant to ruin the eccentric man's good mood. “That's not what I meant. I... I don't know what we are. But I am not... opposed to calling us friends. Besides, as frustrating as I find this situation, what you're doing for my kind makes it more than worth it. And … even though you forced me into this, in actuality, you seem more bound to my emotions than I am to yours.” He paused for a moment, breathed deeply, and scooted his chair a little closer to Alexi's bed. “I don't know why I'm complaining. It's frustrating, not knowing why you really have me here. But I would gladly give my life for this much intel, without a second thought. So being imprisoned shouldn't be so difficult for me. Perhaps I'm just not used to being so powerless, so completely under another's control. I'm not used to being forced to trust someone so completely.” Alexi's smile comes back a little bit at the vampire's response, however the reality has already sunk in. 'He is not my friend, and by the time we could find out if we could be, I will be dead' A part of him wishes he could fond out the truth of the man's words, but he is unshaken from the path he knows he must take. This path that will lead to the ends he hopes to reach. He will die, having never had a friend, his social equals cursing his name or dead along with every othe rhuman, and the ones who would actually welcome his actions never knowing him. He would never be praised, beyond the pride Elaria has for him, and he would be gone before ever having felt what it is to be someone's true equal. 'Even Mois is beneath me in his own way, and above me in other ways. I am alone in this world. . .But that is my choice, and I will live with it' He looks back at Erik, a faint touch of sadness in his eyes. “You will never be my friend Erik. You are right, this bond makes things far to unfair to you, and even if you were to take the antidote, I would be unable to trust you enough to call you friend. I am an odd creature. . .Also, it is not that you are less affected by my emotions, it is simply that they are so small and muted that your own magnificently powerful ones overwhelm them easily.” His gaze shines again as he looks at the vampire happly. “It really is a fantastic feeling I am fortunate to experience, and I thank you dearly for that.” “You would be unable to trust me? That's ironic,” Erik replied jokingly. But this time it was his turn to be stung by Alexi's words. “You are indeed an odd creature. Feeling my emotions was not your original intention. You only did it to get me to trust you, but you seem to actually be enjoying it. Besides, Alexi, I choose who my friends are. And if I choose you, then I'm your friend whether you like it or not, sappy as that sounds.” Feeling that feeling, like his only more sharp and cutting deeper, Alexi lets out a faint gasp, his eyes snapping shut. After a moment, when he is able to open his eyes again he lets out a long breath before replying softly, “I may be your friend, but you can never be mine, because like you, I choose my friends, and as we will never be equal. . .” He lets out a faint pained laugh. “I do not even trust Joseph or Mois, so yes Erik, without this bond, I could never trust you. . .This madness does not allow it. . .” His eyes close again and he lets out a sigh, hanging limply over the edge of the bed. “What a sad life you lead,” Erik replied curiously. “For all your privilege and finery, luxury that I will never know, you are so... almost completely alone. Far more alone even than I am, even when locked in your ivory tower. I didn't really get it until now.” He wondered for a moment why he kept fighting Alexi on this point, why he was suddenly so sympathetic towards the man. But it did not matter. Showing a little heart was harmless. “And besides, I will be your equal once your plan comes to fruition and you break the slave chains. I'm assuming my collar will break then too. You will have a lot more equals then, and perhaps, just maybe be able to develop more friends.” He smiles, even though Erik can not see it. “I have servants that adore me, a brother who would rather die a thousand deaths for me rather than see me harmed, and millions of people who envy me and kiss my backside daily. One would think that one could do without friends with all that in their life, and I have made do.” He looks up at Erik, still smiling. “I do not regret my situation Erik, but your sympathy. . .It is. . .And interesting, gentle feeling. . .Like a warm blanket, slightly tinged with sadness. . .” He bites his lip, picking his words carefully for the next part. “This madness destroys my trust, and once the event happens, there would not be a doctor who would take me, and I see many years of study that would be unavailable since society itself would collapse. It would be a waste of the rebellion's time, and since this bond is the only thing that gives me trust in you, and also destroys our equality, the cogs simply will never match up. . .” “The bond isn't what's destroying our equality, Alexi. It's that you forced me into the bond. Sure, it was my 'choice,' but you would have let me rot until I gave into it, and I still haven't entirely forgiven you for that. Apart from that, it's that you still have me caged and collared here. You still have control over me. But I am choosing to continue this rather than resist, you fixed the first point by earning my trust rather than forcing it on me. As for the second point, I will be freed when everyone else is. At that point, we will be equals,” Erik pointed out. Alexi smile sadly but chooses not to respond, not trusting himself to speak right now around the delicate subject of when the slaves are freed. After a moment however he murmurs, “I will remove your collar myself, before the rest, with my own hands. . .” "Not to reject your generosity, but why?" Erik asked, secretly hoping to get a clue as to why he was still here in the first place, apart from a need to keep his presence secret. Alexi's smile turns mischievous. “You will see, when the time comes.” You can't blame a guy for trying, Erik thought wryly. Humming Alexi rolls on his back again, looking at Erik with an upside down smile. Going back to what they were talking about before to deflect of the current subject he asks, “Would you like me to get a registry of my own assets? I have a vault I plan on locking certain things in, however other than that, it is all up for grabs.” Erik looked back at Alexi, rather startled. “I … I wasn't actually planning on looting your place. If you want, I could look through what you have and see what would be useful, along with what you're willing to part with. I don't mind stealing from people like this Grunblak fellow, but I'm not going to steal from the person who wants to liberate us all.” Alexi chuckles. “It is not stealing, as I am offering it to you. And that aside, I will no longer have a real need of it. My standing in society would make it almost worthless.” He traces patterns on the comforter absentmindedly. “The only things of true worth will be locked up. Historical artifacts and tomes that perhaps will be discovered long in the future, after the war, along with a set of my own diaries documenting things as I see them. Slanted view, I know, and rather odd, but it is the least I can do.” Erik nodded in understanding. "I'll look it over. I wish I could cross-reference this stuff with what the surrounding cells need, as I think thanks to you we will have far more than we can use, but I would need to be in touch with the other Leaders to do that. So it will have to wait." The blood rushing to his head makes his face a little red, his head feeling a bit light. Rolling back over he scratches at his wounds, praying that tomorrow comes quickly so he can once more take a proper bath. Folding his arms under his head he picks a random topic, wanting to know more about this world he will never see. “Is magic as fantastic and terrifying as I have heard? The only reports I get on it are either official or from Mois, and he is not one fore describing things all that well. At least when it comes to sights or sounds. . .” He looks up at Erik like a child at story time. “Magic is always a fun sight. I almost wish I were capable of performing it. But vampires are not naturally inclined to wizardry, and it takes years of study to even be able to do simple spells. Sometimes some of the rebels who have magical ability, fairies, nymphs, wizards, and the like, get together and perform light shows for the rest of us over the fire. It's pretty incredible,” Erik replied. “But, I mean, surely you've seen magic before, from your slaves.” The last word still left a bad taste in the vampire's mouth, but he ignored the involuntary reaction. 'Aw, that sounds so beautiful. . .It would be nice to see some fantastic magics before I die, but. . .' Erik almost hits the nail on the head with the next statement and Alexi offers him a sad smile. “You know it is forbidden, even on private property, for magicals to use their magics for anything but chores, and all of those are subtle.” He looks down at his hands. “And even if I was willing to risk it, I would have to order it, or coerce a slave into it, and I would never do that. That would feel like rape to me, to take something like that and make them perform for me. I know some owners who do it, but they either have special permission or are flaunting their law breaking around me to try and impress me. . .” Elaria once offered to breath fire for him, since technically it's not magic, however he know the authorities would not care and take her away anyways should she be spotted. Erik nodded. “I see what you mean. It would be pretty vile. What do you get your slaves to do, then?” the vampire asked. Alexi's smile stays in place but he looks off tot he side. He wonders at this hesitation, the wondering if what he's about to say would anger the vampire, however without any better response to give he is honest with Erik, as he vowed to be. “Other than keeping the mansion clean, most have tasks that are suited to their skills. . .A lot of things they create and discover I use to help my companies. It is one of the reasons I have the fortune I do. . .” Erik nodded, " I see. If you don't mind satisfying my curiosity, could you be more specific? Like, what does Joseph do for you, as he's the only one I've been allowed to meet? Or, what about some of the people I saw you with out on the lawn?" Rolling on to his back once more so he's viewing the vampire up side down Alexi tries to think of what exactly to describe Joseph's job as. Elaria is easier, but this. . . “Joseph is my right hand. He takes care of anything I need him to take care of, and took it upon himself to also do a lot of cleaning around the mansion. However, he also can run errands, he manages most of the finances, keep track of my schedule, helps me look good when I have to host, and just about everything else he can get his hands on as Head Slave, as he is under the impression that he deserves to be a slave.” He rolls back over, crossing his arms under his head after scooting back a bit. “Riley, the M'Tinak, does not have a job yet, and likely will not have one ever. He is too young, too wild, and too easy to lose. He seems happy in his room, and going outside with me, so I think that will remain his business until this whole mess is done.” He picks at his comforter as he talks, glancing longingly at the bathroom door, fairly impatient for tomorrow to arrive so he can bathe once more. “Elaria is a mechanic, engineer, and computer technician. She has designed most of the 'Humane',” He makes air quotes with his fingers, “control devices, like the one you are wearing, she has also made the computer program I use to get inside info on other slavers and companies to make sure I stay on top and in the know, along with the programs, devices, and magics necessary to pull off this great feat.” “He thinks he deserves to be a slave? Come to think of it, I remember him hinting at that. It's disturbing,” Erik replied, thinking aloud as he glanced back to Alexi. “As far as Elaria... she sounds very impressive. Though, remind me to yell at her when this is over. A glitch or two in this collar would have been nice...” It was clear that the vampire was teasing, though there was a note of resentment in his voice that would not simply go away. “What species is she? I recognized the M'Tinak, but she looked fully human. A lot of magical races are capable of that, so it did not narrow things down.” Alexi nods in agreement about Joseph and smiles faintly at what he has to say about Elaria and the collars. 'Well, that will be an amusing interaction I am likely to miss. Unless I call her up too, but. . . No, she should stay at work during it. . . .' Elaria takes too much pride in her work to make it anything less than perfect. As for what she is, sh is a drake, golden to be exact, and the male who was with us is a very young bronze, if my eyes are not deceiving me. We just got him the other day along with Riley and three others.” There is a definite note of collector's pride in his voice when he speaks about Riley. Erik nodded, “I see, and I can understand that. I am the same way, as are most of my colleagues.” He paused for a moment and allowed the small wave of pride to wash over them. He could ignore it if he wanted, as Alexi's emotions were all so minor. But he was fascinated by the man, and that curiosity was beginning to outweigh his resentment. “I can also feel your pride in them. It reminds me of the pride I saw when you first spoke with me. It angers me, still. I cannot help it. But I accept it in you. It is still impressive that you can overcome that side of yourself,” the vampire commented. “I am what I am, and what I will be for as long as there is breath in me.” he murmurs softly, looking to his hands. He can feel the touches of resentment, like little needles pressing into his chest, but they are soft enough that he can simply let them be rather than pressing them back. “I grew up in this society, so I am a product of it, and I have a collector's spirit. I just so happen to latch on to magicals as my collectible, and through it I have saved many souls from being crushed. The fact that it feeds my collector's needs is a side effect really. . .” The vampire rebel nodded. “I don't doubt that you have saved many. You remind me of the story of Oskar Schindler a bit, before the Dark Age. You will have to find something else to collect once you set your whole collection free, however,” he pointed out. Alexi smiles sheepishly. “I have many collections now, and most of them will remain intact and locked away in a safe place, even through the war.” Scratching behind one ear he can't help but ask, “Do you have. . .Well, I mean, I know you have things, but do you have anything non essential? Is there even a touch of frivolity in your life?” “Well, I don't have a lot of frivolous things. I have this necklace, which is a small symbol of my position as Leader, arguably a bit frivolous. I don't have a lot of space where I live, and most of the space I do have is generally filled with work documents or combat and training supplies. I do have frivolous activities, though, if that helps. I like to swim and work out, and of course train my combat skills... wait, that's not very frivolous is it. I read anything I can get my hands on, even if it's not work related, mostly non-fiction stuff, about history or human science, or magic. Speaking of magic, I have a wizard friend of mine who started teaching me simple spells, but I'm abysmal at it, no time to practice. I've tried my hand at the arts, music, drawing, but I was always pretty terrible, so the attempts didn't last long,” Erik replied, looking to Alexi. He stopped speaking, for he realized he was rambling. The human can not help but smile warmly as his question seems to spur the man on into talking more than usual, and in an almost light manner, as oppose to his usual darkish, calculating manner. His eyes light up at the idea that Erik can use magic, however, like with his slaves, he hold his tongue about asking to see it. His smile openly widens as Erik's speech comes to an abrupt halt, but he holds back the chuckle threatening to escape and instead murmurs, “Well, I will be sure to set aside some books for you to take with at the end of this. I have a library on the first floor, and with some arranging, Joseph should be able to take you down there to pick some stuff out. I have a section on nonfiction specifically, along with mythic, ancient, and folk tale studies and stories if you would like. . .” His eyes shine slightly as his eyes go to Erik's neck. It is clear he wants to ask to see it, but at the same time is sure that it would be disrespectful for a human, a slaver to boot, to ask for a rebel leader's mark of office. “I would appreciate that,” Erik replied, smiling brightly. “Before you say anything, I know you want to see magic. But like I said, I'm abysmal at it. Best I can do is create a tiny flame, a ball of light, or a ball of black. And those take so much concentration that they are hardly even useful. It's a minor hobby really, and I've only gotten even that far because my teacher has been very, very patient with me.” He noticed full well the way Alexi's eyes glanced at his neck, and smiled, figuring out what Alexi wouldn't ask. It was kind of him to refrain, respectful even. But I don't care if he sees it. It's just a symbol. It doesn't hold any secrets, nothing that could get someone killed. “Here, you can look at it if you like,” he offered, removing the necklace from his neck and giving it to the human. The smile on the vampire's lips sends a light wave of glee through the human, a sight like that not something he was expecting from the vampire, ever. When he goes on to speak of magic he once more refrains from asking to see, instead murmuring, “That you can do even that, sounds wonderful, and pretty. I can not even imagine. . .” His eyes widen however when Erik offers up his necklace. A small shock runs through his system, a touch of disbelief tinging his excitement. He turns, moving from his stomach to sitting on the edge of the bed, his feet dangling. He takes the necklace from Erik gingerly, half expecting the vampire to pull it back at the last second. Many kids in school would do stuff like that with new shiny toys they got, or other small trinkets. He carefully cups the adornment in both hand, looking at it like it's some precious treasure, his awe and admiration thrumming gently through his chest. 'This is a station he earned. He was a simply reel once, and he earned his way to the top. He deserves his place, where as I was simply born to it' To Alexi, no matter how Erik feels about it, this think in his hands represents something more amazing and more respectable than anything he's ever accomplished. Once finger slides out to trace gently over the letters adorning it's face and he smiles warmly, as if that bit of metal is looking back at him. He gazes at the piece for a long minute before handing it carefully back to Erik. One would think by his expression that he had been holding the most rare and precious jewel on the planet. Erik could feel Alexi's awe and admiration, and found himself rather surprised by it. Surely that's not at my necklace? I may be a rebel leader, but he's a CEO. Surely my accomplishment is not all that impressive to him. But still, he is, in fact, very impressed. The look in his eyes... Of course, Alexi would only feel the slightest sense of confusion and doubt. Once it was returned, the vampire took the necklace back and placed it around his neck. “I would show you the magic, but it takes a lot of energy and concentration even to do those tiny spells for me. I don't want to drain myself when I still have all this work to do. Eventually, I'll show you if you want. But don't get your hopes up, it's really not that impressive. It's basically the magical the equivalent of a little five year old playing “Chopsticks” on the piano,” the vampire pointed out, looking back at Alexi. Alexi revels in his little joy, his legs swinging playfully over the edge of the bed. 'I understand his confusion. In comparison my life is filled with many greater accomplishments, however I began life with all the parts and a set of blueprints, he on the other hand had to work from scratch, which is far more impressive than anything I have done' That look of admiration stays on his face as he looks at Erik, the smile never wavering. He chuckles lightly, “It is more than I can do, and more than I have ever seen, so even hearing about the fact that you can use it is amazing to me.” He sighs gently, falling back on the bed. He winces lightly as the motion jostles his wound, however he ignores it. “I have often wondered what it was like for the magicals, long before man ever began encroaching on their territory. I mean, I know enough from a few sources that at one point magical simply avoided humans, lived out of sight, and if it was not for that war between the humans that tore up their lands, magicals may still have been hidden even today. Our numbers were down, much of the land with magicals was once more open for them to live, in. They simply could not. Something about the war ruined the land. . .'[/i] He sighs again, staring at the ceiling. “What do you think your life would be like now if you had been born in the hiding of old Erik?” Erik looked back at the human. “I have no idea. We learned human military strategy as we had to fight more and more. So much of my life has been based around this fight, that I don't think I can imagine a life without it. The vampires of old used to prey on humans. Of course, that was largely because we did not know how to extract blood with needles, or how to refrigerate it for later use. Amusingly enough, humans have given us some amazing technology, even if it has been on the backs of slaves. So, if we had stayed hidden, would we still prey on humans as food?” The vampire looked at Alexi, rather thoughtful and upset, for he did not like to think about how truly cruel vampires had once been, how his own racial ancestors had given humans the excuse they needed to enslave all magicals. “Honestly, there are too many variables to give an accurate prediction, Alexi. I'm sorry. I'd have to make a ton of assumptions to even try.” A faint tightness begins to build in the put of the human's stomach and it takes him a moment to realize it's not because he's hungry. Lifting his head a little he looks pact his own outstretched body towards Erik. 'He is upset over the question, or some thoughts the question brought up. . .' A little proud of himself for figuring this out without going into a fit of pain he listens closely, seeing if he can make out anything else, not just from his feelings, but from his words as well. However he is shaken out of his concentration by the mans seeming inability to daydream. 'I know I did not exactly ask “what life would you like to live were their no slavery” however he seems to take me far more literally than most . . .' He stays quiet for a moment, thinking over things, letting tumblers fall into place before responding. “You are right, no one can predict what might have been. . .” With a sigh he lets his head flop back down, a true conflict in his mind taking place as he begins to wonder how, even if he isn't, to interact with another as a friend. 'I would ask him what he wants to do, however I know above all he wants to take this information and leave, go help his people. Despite staying to see my plan through, he does not see the merit in putting off this now inevitability. . .He does not know rushing it would mean seeing me dead all the sooner. . .' Faint flickers of confusion and sadness collide inside him and once more he is faced with the dilemma of having to be social with someone he does not know how to be social with. He doesn't want to treat him like his social equals, and treating him like a slave is wrong. 'I know I interact with different people than those two categories, however most of those other interactions are brief, and not with someone who is my equal on any scale you put us on' He glances at the desk. 'I have offered to help him with the actual planning part, however he is right, I do not have the skills for such things. I have fond the information, and without being in a situation, I can not really plan specific details. I can plan a party, or even a meeting, but those are different, and I can change things once I am there and can calculate on the spot. . .' He lets out another sigh, pouting to himself and staring at the ceiling.

The Rebel Vampire

It was around 10 AM when Erik awoke and found his breakfast laying on the table, still warm thanks to the hotplate on which it was rested. He glanced at the time and dragged himself out of bed to take a short bath, change clothes, and sit to eat his breakfast. By 10:40, he had sat down at the desk for another day of work that promised to be at least slightly more enjoyable than the others. At least now he could start working on something interesting, actual missions. He pulled out a file Alexi had seemed to enjoy writing up on the most despicable of his associates. “Gideon Grumblak, I think he mentioned that one,” the vampire muttered to himself. “Runs a slave trade and “training” company. Known for brutal methods on the slaves taken there, and known to boast about his successes on his own slaves. Sounds like a sadistic bastard. Should be fun to figure out how to take him down...” ~*~*~ Elaria grinned and acknowledged that she and her friend would be there on time for the picnic. Stepping out of the car Alexi does the meet and greet quickly, his neat little cue of slaves standing behind him like a mod of “yes men” or something. Once that part is over he and his posse head inside. Another bout of handshakes made their rounds and as soon as he's given the okay he calls out, “Tweedles! Get to it!” A pair of Slaves snap to attention, one with flaming red shaggy hair down to her knees, the other a guy with slightly wavy blue hair of the same length. “As you wish Master Alexi.” The two chime with almost identical voices and in a moment the two are off with the crew, doing a job they've done many times before. Occasional licks of flame dace around in the red head's mane as she invokes her magic on the strips while the occasional bubble rises from the boy's hands as he infuses the walls where the strip will go with a magical kind of adhesive. The twins are relatively new to Alexi's fold, the elementals born to slave parents and sold off as soon as they were weaned. Alexi was not the first to own them, a rotten woman who thought it was fun to pit her slaves against one another having found the idea of making them fight a most amusing one. However she was never able to get them to fight right and when Alexi had made his offer for them four years ago she had happily let him take them off her hands. Her arena was famous and two slaves that refused to listen were not worth the trouble. Because breaking was long, involved, and made slave to pliant, she only uses strong control collars to both control and train her stock. However after coming to Alexi's the twins changed quickly from defiant to helpful. As soon as he realized how much the hated collars he made a whole new system just for them. A small gesture, considering they are still slaves, but it was enough to get them to open up a bit. The job at the new shop goes fairly quickly and as a treat Alexi takes his crew out for lunch. The owner looked on disapprovingly however as Alexi paid half again the cost of the meal and is a very well known man he allows the slaves to eat in peace. Alexi sits at his own table, to keep up appearances, and once the meal is over they are out and heading back to the house as quite and as neat as you please. Once home The Tweedles head out to the shed to begin on their reports and Alexi contacts the kitchen to tell them to prepare a lunch. 'I ate, but only a little bit. I could eat with him, definitely' He sends another to Elaria on the way to his room to change to tell her to meet him outside in 20 minutes. Pressing the send button just as he walks into his room he sighs, ready to toss his phone, but then he recalls the orders about bathing and sends one last text to Joseph about a sponge bath. Tossing his phone on the bed he looks to Erik. “Care to join me for a bath? You look like you could use some relaxation.” Without waiting for an answer Alexi slips into the bathroom and start stripping. Erik almost did not hear Alexi enter the room, he was so engrossed in the plan he was working on. But at the word “relaxation” his ears perked up and he nodded, putting his pencil down on the notebook and standing up to stretch. He had found time to write in his diary as well, to work through the new emotions from the second dose. Suppressing a grin, he shed his clothes, left them in a neat pile on the chair, and strode to the tub. Before Alexi was even finished stripping, he was already in the “first” tub, though his expression had not broken a single smile. The vampire leader did not want to admit how much he needed the break, or how much he truly enjoyed swimming. “How was your morning?” he asked the lord of the house curiously. As soon as he's sheds his last layer Alexi lets out a long sigh and collapses on to the bench by the wall mirror. Facing Erik he shakes his head and makes an 'I just smelled something foul' face. “Not my worst day, however all the time spent in the shop was definitely nerve wracking. I kept having flashes of doubt and feeling the urge to run around and double check things.” He sighs again, trying to pop his neck. “Then there was the bout of self loathing when I admired some of the more interesting designs on collar sets, and when one of the workers yelled at one of the Tweedles I felt the overwhelming urge to backhand him.” He smiles. “So over all, not a day I have ever had before, so it was interesting. Oh, and also, Riley talked me into a picnic in the back yard for lunch, so that was a good thing.” His smile stays in place as he gestures toward Erik. “And you?” Erik raised an eyebrow as the slave owner mentioned admiring the collar designs, but he said nothing. At least he is overcoming those impulses, he thought. And at least he felt appropriately shitty about it. “Me? Nothing so interesting. I was locked in here all day, remember?” Erik pointed out with more than a little resentment. “But I made some good progress, gathered and organized the information into something resembling a system, and separated the files I needed for the first three heists. I even got started planning the first one. I figured I'd start with that bastard Grunblak you mentioned. Who are the Tweedles?” Alexi doesn't even blink at the obvious resentment, even though it dies trigger a sick feeling inside him. He's begun learning that what he does, no matter the reason, is just going to piss the vampire off, and he's just going to have to deal with that. 'I know what needs to be done, and I can not let his emotions influence me. He may be absolutely right and I be a horrible person, but that will never change my mind' He blinks slowly at Grunblak's name. “If you take him down, your very next stop should be the home of Elsa Selan. She is his primary customer and she keeps a lot of slaves in cages on her estate. If he gets taken down, she may very well flee and leave them to die. That is if she survives at all. She does not have many slaves in her actual house, since she specializes in making magicals violent, she does not trust them. She would rather pay an arm and a leg for human servants.” He smiles gently. “I took the Tweedles from her recently. They are twin elementals who are specialists like Elaria. In fact, they work for her. They have a real talent, and though you may hate the sound of this, a rel fondness for me. . .” He doesn't know why he put it like that, unsure of a lot of things lately, however that is how it came to his mind, so true to form, it's what came out of his mouth. “I remember Elsa,” the vampire mused. “Reading her dossier left a really awful taste in my mouth. She was definitely on our radar, but I had no idea just how horrid she was. And I don't mind that your slaves like you. It's obvious it's out of your kindness for them and not because you've lobotomized their minds. I imagine the worst of the work done to Joseph was before you even were born. Even so, you guys clearly love and respect each other, far beyond breaking.” Erik realized that he felt Alexi's ill feeling and swam to the side of the pool, just in case it got worse. “What happened?” he muttered, “Was it something I said or are you just not feeling well?” “I am fine. Just another wave.” Alexi offers up a half smile. “I may not understand emotion personally all that well, but I can recognize certain things. They don't like me for my kindness, they like me because I am not mean. To be kind, I would have to be able to care for them, and honestly, I find it hard to care for anyone. Joseph is like a father, in fact he is more a father to me than my own father. He cares for me a lot, you are right, and because of that, I care for him. Mois is the same, except he is my brother.” He looks down, almost afraid how Erik will take what he hast to say next. “I can not say this for sure, but what you call kindness from me is the same feeling I would suspect one would have for a pet. I know it is not right, and that they are not, but I can not help my lack of compassion. They are mine, and I care for them, because they are mine, as evil as that sounds. I imagine them free and I can only speculate on this mind you, and all I can think to feel is happy they served me so well, and hope they move on to better lives eventually. But that feeling will fade, unless I see them again. I do not carry feelings for long. . .” He shrugs. “As for them caring for me. . .It is, in it's own way, a form of taking advantage of a fragile mental state. By being not mean and giving them freedoms they never thought they had, they look up to and admire me even though I am simply giving them small freedoms they should have anyway. . . .” At first, Erik had a slight surge of anger at Alexi's comparison, but as he listened, his anger changed to concern. He realized that Alexi was speaking the way he was because of his own inability to feel, not really any sort of prejudice towards slaves. “We should be judged by our actions, not our feelings. Even though you cannot feel for them, if you are kind for them, then you are showing caring for them. And by freeing them, you will be showing immense love. Love is not just an emotion, it's the actions that surround it. It's a verb. For you to have come this far despite the way you were raised, and whatever is wrong with that crazy head of yours, it impressive.” Letting out a small whine Alexi looks at his feet. He does his best to keep the wave from showing, and other than the noise, he manages to do just that. When the harsh feeling slips into one he can recognize and relate to the human lets out a sigh, even managing a smile. 'He is worried about me. That makes me feel good' He focuses on that thought so he can be more attentive to Erik as he speaks up. “Thank you. That is kind of you to say. However I think kindness should be judged on both. Give food to a starving army to prolong a war, while a kind act, is an unkind purpose. In that scenario, the cruel outweighs the kind. And for me, perhaps my kind action outweighs the fact that I am doing this for a selfish reason, but that has yet to be proven to me.” He smiles vaguely, finally sorting out the wave from before and settling it down. He wonders idly what's keeping Joseph, and if he should go check his phone. As if he could read Master Alexi's thoughts, Joseph entered the room and retrieved a small basket of bathing supplies from the closet. Bowing, he greeted Master Alexi, and Erik also said hello. Soon enough, Erik turned back to the conversation, rolling his eyes “Well, I'm not here to convince you of your own morality. Why am I here exactly?” the vampire tried with the slightest hint of a mischievous smile, though he did not really think slipping the question here would work. Alexi smiles a little brighter as Joseph appears as if his thoughts had been made flesh. “Hello Joseph, how was your day?” Looking over at Erik he adds, “You are here because I offered relaxation and you accepted?” He smiles his little brat smile and hums softly as Joseph gets to work. Joseph could not help but smirk just slightly at Erik's failed attempt to get information out of Alexi. But in truth, Erik was smirking a bit himself, even if he was rather annoyed at the smug look on the human's face. Rolling his eyes, he lightly jumped back into the water to swim some more. The elder vampire's voice was appropriately calm and respectful when he answered, “My day has gone well, Master. I have accomplished much. I do have a confession to make, however.” Alexi quite visibly perks up, whipping his head around like an eager puppy. His feelings become light and fluffy as he smiles at Joseph. “Confession?” If he were a dog, Alexi's tail would be wagging. Joseph looked away as he gently scrubbed the human's back, as he knew that his confession was neither good enough nor exciting enough to warrant such a response. “I have passed on some of my chores, those that could be done by others at least, to the other slaves. It's spread out so no one will really notice the burden of increased work. I am somewhat ashamed, but it is that I was becoming too anxious over maintaining my normal workload with my new responsibilities these last few days, and I wanted to be certain that I could serve you to the best of my ability, Master.” The elder vampire bowed lightly at the end of his explanation, and began working on scrubbing Master Alexi's neck and arms. Alexi's smile widens. “I am glad you will be less stressed now, and I am sure the others will not mind. They all look up to you a lot and as you wish to help me, I am sure they would love to help you.” He takes the vampire's hand just as he finishes scrubbing one of his arms. He gives it a squeeze and murmurs, “No need to be ashamed, you are not a god after all. You have your limits, which you tend to try and exceed regularly.” He chuckles at this. “But it is good to give in every once in a while. . .And breath.” Dropping his hand to his side he sighs softly. “You are a kind vampire Joseph. . .” His gaze locks on a point far away as he begins integrating the earlier conversation with the gentle feeling inside him now, trying desperately to decipher it all. “Thank you, Master Alexi,” Joseph replied, appreciating the comforting touch of his master's hand. Next, he knelt down to sponge off the human's legs. Looking for all the world like a mer-man, rather than a vampire, Erik swam up to the pair. “The water is lovely, you know. You ought to try avoiding getting yourself sliced up in the future, so that you can actually join me in here.” He allowed himself a grin. “You're not such a horrible captor, you know. If I had to choose a cage, it would certainly be this one. A lovely swimming house, all the gourmet food I can eat, and more intel than we could have gathered in two years without your connections. Yeah, I could get used to this if I weren't such a restless person." Alexi is very much off in another world until Erik addresses him again. This time it actually takes him a minute to come back to reality, all the feelings roused inside him not going back to sleep quietly. When at last his mind is his own again he mulls over the vampires words carefully before responding. “I do not suspect I will get many if any new slaves over the next month or so, and I also doubt that if I do I will get such a one again that I would risk myself. . .” He smiles lightly. “I am glad this is not hell for you. I hope the good, in time, will take away that bitter taste, as you only have to stay here a short while. . .” He does not seemed bothered at all with Joseph washing him, not even a flicker of the embarrassment he felt with Erik. Erik grimaced weakly. “Perhaps it will. Are you going to have more work for me once I get through this batch?” Alexi shakes his head. “For now, that is the solid stuff. As I planned on gathering until the last day before your release there is a lot of speculation I could give you, but that is not as reliable. As it is, there is most likely only a good armload left of stuff I could scrounge up.” He nods. “However you have a good fifty targets in there at least. I assume you have not planned for all of them yet, no?” “No, alas, I'm good, but I'm not that good,” Erik replied, smirking slightly at Alexi as he jumped out of the pool. “I just wanted to figure out how many sleepless nights I was in store for in the next month.” Alexi drops his gaze on impulse. “You should sleep. Do not turn into Joseph and not sleep just because you feel you do not have enough time, or any other silly reason.” He murmurs this, groaning lightly at the feeling of having his feet washed. Erik looked back into Alexi's eyes. “It's not a big deal for me. I hardly had time to sleep as Leader. Why should this be any different?” Joseph suppressed an annoyed look at his beloved master's comment about him and continued washing the man's feet. Skipping the lotion for fear of aggravating the wounds, he began re-bandaging the human up. “These are just for added protection. You should be able to swim again in the morning.” “You enjoy everything else, at least the good parts, about you gilded cage, why not the ability to get a full night's sleep?” Alexi shrugs under his new bandages, stretching them slightly so they fit more comfortably. “Thank you Joseph.” Alexi stands and gives the elder vampire a hug before letting him help him into a robe and heading to his room to pick out what he wants to wear for the rest of the day. “I will return in a few minutes with a light lunch for you both,” Joseph announced before bowing and heading towards the exit. Erik sighed and changed back into his normal clothes. “Thanks for that Alexi, I needed the break. But I have fifty preliminary missions to plan in a month. Do you have any idea how much work that is? It would be nearly impossible even if I could be up 24-7.” “A moment Joseph.” He smiles “Just for him please as I have a picnic to attend in the back garden.” He chuckles. Little Riley, Elaria, and her new friend will be joining me. I already have to cooks on the job.” He smiles wide. “Thank you anyways.” Stripping out of his robe he carefully picks out something light and comfortable and would be at home at Woodstock. Jangling the beads a bit he smiles at Erik giving him the “Peace” sign. “If you know it is impossible, then trying is crazy right? Set a goal you can achieve, and use the rest of your time on staying healthy.” He gives the vampire a soft smile. “Also, no thanks necessary. It is fun having someone to talk to. . .” “Oh, great... The guy wearing tacky ancient hippie clothes, the guy who seems completely insane most of the time, is talking to me about crazy. Irony much? But, I suppose you're right. In a month, the best I could do is about fifteen to twenty of these.” A wave of quiet sadness washed over the younger vampire as he thought about how he missed the outdoors, even if he primarily left at night. But he quickly shook it off and waved Alexi goodbye. Joseph nodded and left to retrieve Erik's lunch, and returned in only a few minutes with a delicious meal. Erik sighed, “Thank you, Joseph,” he muttered, caught between appreciation for the meal and continued resentment towards his imprisonment. With a chuckle Alexi heads out, tipping into the wall opposite the door after closing it as the wave triggers a rush of emotion. Humming to himself he manages to get upright by the time he reaches Riley's room and with a soft smile he check for the remote in his pocket, then opens the door to Riley's room. Surprisingly he is standing quite quietly in the middle of the room, facing the door, waiting. Alexi smiles warmly at the little creature and with a small motion to follow, heads out into the hallway. Riley latches on to his arm, unwilling to let Alexi go even to walk down the stairs. His head is whipping this way and that until at last his eyes settle on a small slice of the outdoors he can see through a window. Coming around the bottom of the stairs Alexi flinches as the magical's grip tightens. From where they are standing the glass doors leading to the garden ar easily visible and Riley can not contain his excitement. Alexi notes that just beyond the doors is a familiar shadow and with a nod he moves swiftly towards the doors. As soon as the doors are open Riley lets go of Alexi and vanishes into the foliage. Elaria moves behins him, apparently able to see him though he is camoflaged, and makes sure he doesn't go far. “Good afternoon Elaria.” Alexi says softly, making his way towards the red and white check blanket in the distance. “Good afternoon Mater Alexi. How are you feeling?” Her eyes never leave Riley as she speaks, ready to pin him down gently should he make a break for the wall. “I am doing quite well. And yourself?” His smile never leaves his lips as Riley moves in the general right direction to get to the meal. She shrugs in response. “I am feeling good. Tui and La game me their reports. Everything is in order, I have a bunk mate whom satisfies me, and I get to have a picnic with you, so, I would say I am doing very well.” Alexi chuckles again but says not more, trying to see what Elaria sees as they walk. Elaria watched Riley closely, just in case he tried to run off, but he seemed remarkably content for the moment. She allowed her power to sense his, to gain a glimpse of the special connection the M'Tinak had with nature. It was unique, with a different feel than even the understanding that the drake had with everything in the universe. She held her lover's hand gently, and took in the sunlight and the gardens through an echo of the M'Tinak's senses, and found herself somehow even more content. Turning towards the manor, she caught sight of a figure in the window of Alexi's bathroom. The windows were a one way mirror, but she could sense through them, although she could not tell for certain exactly what the figure looked like. She could tell that he was looking down at them. “Your ward is watching us from your room,” she announced quietly to Alexi, mostly as a point of conversation. In truth, Erik was watching them, and ignoring his scrumptuous lunch, though he was unsure why. A wave of irrational jealousy washed over him, as he felt that he missed the companionship of others, and the outdoors. Of course, he could never be out during this time of day. But, for a moment, he thought that perhaps he would brave the burns if it meant that he could be free from this gilded cage. 'I have no reason to complain, not really. Rebels have died to get a small fraction of the intel Alexi has given me. Imprisonment, and certainly imprisonment in the lap of luxury, is an insignificant price to pay,' he thought. But that did not stop the irrational envy, or the loneliness, and certainly not the desire to leave this damn room. Other than the odd rustle of a leaf or shifting of a branch Alexi is unable to see the passage of the little M'Tinak, however as Elaria seems relaxed it is clear the little one is not trying to wander far. He watches her face go from concentrated to content and he worries slightly that she may take her attention off the beast and risk him getting away. His fears are realized a moment later and he is about to reprimand her, however her words instead cause him to turn on the spot and follow her gaze. The motion seems to draw all eyes in the garden to him, but as no one else there can see the way Elaria does they soon dismiss it as just another one of their lord's oddities. He stares at the window for a long moment before turning his head and whispering, “Do not take your eyes off Riley, and do no even mention such like that again in such a setting.” His voice is calm but none the less Elaria feels the sting of his disappointment. 'I let the little one's feeling overwhelm me and distract me from my duties. I should never have done that. . .' The male drake whines softly but she does not respond, instead watching Riley skitter up to Alexi and climb up his back. The human almost seems not to notice, his gaze locked on the bathroom windows, however he does shift a little to keep his balance. Riley coos loudly, trying to get his attention and Alexi reaches up absentmindedly to pat his head, but for a long moment the human is unable to draw his gaze away from the mirrors high above. 'I know what I am doing is right, and I feel no real shame in keeping him locked up like this, but somehow. . . Somehow I sense that if I were him, I would feels shamed. . .I would. . .' He does not understand these stray thoughts, nor the faint flickers inside him, however from behind Elaria notes them and a flash of worry flickers across her face. When at last he's able to tear his eyes away he motions for them to continue and like an Olympic diving champion Riley launches off Alexi after climbing to his shoulder and lands right next to the food. Elaria darts after him, making sure he does not get too far away, and Alexi smiles as he notes that the actual picnic spot will be out of sight of the windows. 'At least he will not have to sit and watch up out here the entire time, not that I expect he would even if he could see us' He sighs softly, glancing back at the window one last time before vanishing beneath the swaying tendrils of a weeping willow. Elaria had retracted her attention from Riley's happiness in order to focus better and not let anything else slip. She was still content, but she had more of her wits about her. Smiling just slightly, she sat down and guided her friend with her, snuggling into him. Naturally, she still kept an eye on Riley, but he was not roaming far.