Dalamus suppressed his chuckle, but could not restrain the smirk that appeared at Solurion’s words. So he did know who Elgrim was. Tension now cut with the humor, Dalamus allowed himself to relax, and nodded in agreement. “I have a feeling Elgrim only gets away with his atrocious attitude thanks to his age. Why is it that mortals get a pass at old age, hm? At least his wife is pleasant to speak to.”
Dalamus began slowly towards the other side of the market, keeping an eye on the other mer should he need any additional help. Even for one who was not blind, cities were not always easy to navigate. “I would imagine so. Uneven footing, crowds and stairs are a terrible combination.”
Now nearing the stairs, Dalamus noticed the restraint of the other mer. Concentration, perhaps. Using his other senses to better navigate? Or was it through magic? The uttered words caught Dalamus off guard, and for a moment he feared Solurion was conjuring a spell. Never mind the fact that they would likely get in trouble, Dalamus was mostly worried for his own safety.
Thankfully, no magic came, and afterwards Solurion seemed calmer–or at least less distracted. But the next words that came from his mouth formed the question that Dalamus was dreading. Ears swiveled backwards as he recalled the painful, recent memories. It was not even the turning that bothered him. Being a vampire again was not so bad. It was.. everything else…
“Ah.. well… I was. For several weeks, I adjusted to being mortal, with the help of friends. And for months, I lived as a mortal. I rather enjoyed it. So many foods, and activities I could not indulge in before. But then.. it just… I…”
It was not far from here. Just a few steps away was where he had collapsed. Dalamus swallowed, eyes unfocusing. Usually so composed and articulate, to see him trail off and fall silent was concerning. His heart could not race but the tightness was there. He swallowed again as a lump formed. Not this. Not here…
Despite his current situation-- the unease that came from visiting a large city, the temptation of his own hunger-- he couldn’t help but laugh, bringing his free hand to cover a small smirk at the other vampire’s observation. “Amazing, is it not? And yet we have to maintain our manners at all times; not dissimilar from my youth on Summerset, I suppose.” He nodded absently, using the end of his staff, a long, silvery-lacquered stick with a shape like an eye at the head, to try to make sense of the rough streets.Mysticism had never been his strong suit, but perhaps it would be worth it to use just a bit of his old magic to find his way to the apothecary. “It is a horrid combination; and it was far worse when I lived in Lillandril, or when I visited my cousin in Elden Root. You do not know fear until you almost walk off the bough of a graht-oak.” He tried to chuckle at his own bad luck, but it was thin as he tried to focus on finding the stairs.
The mage frowned as he looked down to Dalamus, his ears flicking back in concern. There was a sudden burst of energy, one that often came with great emotion-- anger, joy, or fear. Was it the magic that set the mer ill at ease? “Forgive me,” he said slowly, dipping his head, a curtain of silver hair falling before his eyes. “I was beginning to feel, ah, hungry. Reciting a few rites from my old teachings helps me concentrate on something else, at least until I am able to take care of the problem.”
He sighed, brows creasing in worry as he made note once more of Dalamus’s changed aura. Indeed, it was as dead as his own, the chains of Coldharbor once more clinging tightly to them both. “You do not have to to relive it if you do not want to,” he said quietly. “I miss my mortality every day. But I have found meaning in this extended existence.” He drew in a sharp, but unnecessary, breath at the sudden anxiety from the other vampire. “Dalamus?” he asked quickly, prepared to help steady the younger mer. “Is everything alright?”