The Keystone

Independant PersonificationOf PennsylvaniaFC: Ben BarnesSideblog to bramvanbrunt

[drusillawantstoplay]

1888 - Ghost in the Garden

[independencestate]

drusillawantstoplay‌:

Dru tuned him out. She couldn’t hear him with how she was worrying herself about everything. After all, this ghost could talk and tell everyone everything. She didn’t want this to be another case of accidental hunting. She didn’t know he was a friendly to vampires. He could’ve been a spy for a hunter for all she knew. And anything the stars were telling her weren’t making any sense currently.

Dru kept shaking her head. She didn’t have the words to explain her family heirarchy to him currently. Especially not when she didn’t know if he was friend or foe. She couldn’t find the right words to tell him to just shut up. It wasn’t her place to tell a gentlemen to do so either. “Don’t know. Don’t know.”

She whimpered as a response to him putting his notebook and pencil away. When he called out that he would stop she marched back over to him, clearly a little more distraught. “Friend or foe. Speak or go. Have it now. I need to know. Write and scribble and catch a dribble? Who be you? Friend or foe? Fly or spy? Already knowing and therefore died. What to do? What to say? You think this night to go this way? Speak the peace. Or be gone and may you be away before dawn.”

“Please, please, it’s alright. It’s quite alright.” Joseph didn’t know what he should do to try to help. All he could think of was to try to placate her. “It’s quite alright ma’am. Please let me try to start over. My name is Joseph Wood. I enjoy studying vampires, you see?” He tried to smile for her and took out his journal again to show to the woman. “I’ve always enjoyed such an interesting subject as yourself.”

The ghost sat down on the bench again and slowly flipped through the pages. “There are all sorts of wonderful vampire societies scattered around and I enjoy speaking with them.” His face fell a little bit. “Of course I have managed to make quite a few enemies that way. I’m off the opinion that humans and vampires need not be at such horrible odds all the time. It’s quite a divisive stance to have, wouldn’t you think?”

[independencestate]

coca-colonial‌:

Daniel had a habit of arriving early to nearly everything he attended - To arrive early lent the opportunity to observe others as they arrived, to take mental notes and have an idea of the people he was to deal with.

“I’m no stranger to colonial lands. Even born in New York, quite some time ago.” His smile was polite and welcoming, quite happy to know that he was far from the only one among the colonists who had his particular… livelihood.  “My particular situation is a rather unique one. As far as I am aware, I am the only titled man in America, though other traits of mine appear to be less than perfectly unique. Tell me, Mr. Wood, how did you feel upon approaching the building?”

His gaze is searching, looking for the exact key that made this otherwise stranger seem so familiar, much more than another Representative should have offered him. 

“Upon order from His Majesty the King, I am to reside in my birth colony, and report back as necessary to the proceedings of the Americas. A foot of parliament on the ground in the colonies, as one might say.”

“Really?” Joseph’s interest spiked. He couldn’t imagine a provincial man ever being raised to such status, not when they were barely considered to be British at all. “I do believe your’re correct there. Plenty of men are landed, I myself would appreciate to once again have a small acerage outside of the city. But, there are hardly any one might consider the gentry, let alone a Lord.” 

Joseph looked across the open room, empty except for the two of them and the seating. “And how would you know about that?” He asked, curious but cautious. “Though I suspect that as it led me directly to you, that it is reciprocated?” He sighed and shifted in his seat, then stood up. “My guess then, is that is why you’re here? Not to be a parliamentary representative, but because the Masons know that ... whatever you are is also whatever I am?” Joseph was rubbing at the back of his neck, dislodged some of his hair from it’s neat braid.

He placed his hands on his hips, bowed his head for a moment in thought. “I do believe it would be far more productive for the colonies to have our representatives over there in parliament.” Looking up again he held out a hand to placate in case his comment had been insulting. “Not, of course, that I don’t appreciate and welcome your visit here.” A small wave of his hand, trying to put together words. “Forgive me I am normally far more eloquent. What....what are we then?”

[independencestate]

coca-colonial‌:

This was not Daniel’s usual place of presiding. He was far from home and rather tired, having recently become known to the Society despite hardly making a name of himself among colonial reputations - his practice of law for some years without an extra wrinkle creasing his brow had become known, and with it, an invitation to attend a meeting.

Philadelphia was hardly New York - Smaller. Quieter, if not by much, but his travels had shown him places much larger than either and now he was finding a place more out of the way to observe. He wasn’t quite sure what it was he was getting into, but considering the importance implied in the letter he had received, it would be something he was not going to have in his best interest to miss.

It was perhaps ten minutes into his making himself comfortable that a particular ache in his chest and sudden need to pay attention told him that he was not alone - a feeling he had missed ever since his return to the Colonies. Not quite as strong as Noel’s or Nicholas’, but unmistakably one of his own kind. What he was entirely unprepared for, however, was the face that greeted him looked eerily similar to his own. The same structure in the nose and chin, and very similar eyes. He was on his feet without hesitation and crossing the room to offer his hand.

“Daniel Fitzroy, Lord of Calbrondt-”

@independencestate

Most days, Joseph was punctual to everything. He arrived early enough to straighten his notes and documents, and that was that. This particular day he had finished early and so had nothing better to do than to walk across the small city of Philadelphia to the masonic lodge. A discomfort had begun just on the edges of his senses a short time ago and he he drew closer to his destination, the sensation grew. It become something closer to awareness, could be pinpointed in his chest, or perhaps in his diaphragm, like a tug drawing him around the building to a particular entrance. 

Joseph obeyed it and led like on a taught string he entered through the doorway, immediately looking for the source. The room was empty, nearly empty, except for a lone man who sat against the wall near the exit. “How did you do that.” Was the first words out of the lawyer’s mouth. He looked the man up and down, his gait, his clothes, his voice, a thick brogue. “Joseph Wood.” The seemingly-young man answered while shaking the hand. “It’s not often for our humble meeting to have such esteemed visitors. Certainly not Lords or Ladies. These are the colonies, you know, the most prestigious individuals here are governors.” 

Like the other man, Joseph too was inspecting. There was an eerie sense of familiarity about the stranger. Not quite looking at a reflection, but perhaps what an artist might come up with were someone attempting to describe him? Combined with the strange pangs in his chest it made for a....unsettling meeting.  What brings you all the way across here?”

[independencestate]

ofcongress‌:

Mister Hancock, was it? He registered the words as they were spoken to him, but not he question and, as a result, stared blankly at the man. No one else here looked like a Hancock and the yellow carriage outside definitely belonged to him. 

Still, John took his hand and shook it firmly, his features livening up into a smile. “Ah, understood. Must be rather difficult indeed if you don’t typically run in this particular social circle.”

“By all means,” he said, without hesitation. “Is this a private matter? Would you rather step into another room?”

“You’re correct, I don’t.” Joseph smiled pleasantly and nodded that he would indeed like to step outside for their conversation. “A short way down the street there is a tavern, can I persuade you to have a drink? There’s none of your fine store I’m afraid, but the selection is still good.” The gentleman gestured for Hancock to preceded him out the door.While he wasn’t dressed anywhere near as nice as the Massachusetts man was, Joseph still wore fine clothes. 

He had been a craftsman, over a generation ago, but as the colony progressed, so did he, and kept a finger to it’s pulse. As they continued to the door he went on, “No, no I wouldn’t call this a private matter.” He said, “I wanted to speak more in depth with you about what you presented at the congress. Forgive me for not speaking up, but I did notice that you had very little time to make your argument. So,” Joseph nodded and spread his hands, “I would like to hear it now if you would be so obliging.” 

[independencestate]

@ofcongress​

During the first congressional meeting, Joseph had sat in the back of the State House room. The immortal rep had observed the bickering with a displeased expression on his face, and could not help directing that same look toward the Boston men. Rabble-rousers. Raised among Quakers, and far better-suited to debate than action, it was difficult to like them. So, he had remained quiet and observed, and did sympathize.

Once the meeting began to disperse he stood and straightened his waistcoat. “Mister Hancock, was it? I apologize, sometimes it’s difficult to keep so many names straight.” The lawyer offered his hand. “I was hoping that I could have a further word with you?”

[moon-yean]

we attack the redoubts at nightfall.

turn // the battle of yorktown

[drusillawantstoplay]

1888 - Ghost in the Garden

[independencestate]

drusillawantstoplay‌:

Dru blinked. Did he just? She watched him suddenly take notes. “Is this…. an interview?” She shook her head. “No no, the King won’t like it when someone comes to play in his court and he hasn’t chosen it so.” Dru started to walk away from the other. “Stars speak. I listen. And you can’t smell yet you have a nose.” She wasn’t about to explain that she could smell his lack of human smell around her.

Dru just watched him scribble away as he figured out her words and meanings. She didn’t like this at all. “Ooooooooo.” There was no choice but to sit back down on the only bench which meant being next to him.

She shook her head, putting it in her hands. “Princess said to much. This King will be cross. The Queen more so. They’ll take away the Knight if they hear of this so.” She was progressively getting alarmed. 

“NO!” The denial of being a vampire was habitual. Dru quickly stood up and walked away. This was too quick. To much to answer.  Fretting, she wandered around the garden, trying to get away from the ghost even though she could still be heard. “Too many question in the head. What answers do I give? Do I dare trust the dead, who could harm the way I live? It’s all hear. It’s not clear. This is now. This is here. Time to go but dare not go for now a trap and it’s all a slap.”

Her worrying demeanor came through. “Speak of silence and they’ll never know. For if not stopped I’ll surely be told to go. Can’t speak. Can’t… can’t….” She let out a small whine. “Not the plan. Not the plan. All that there was and now it’s not the plan.”

Joseph looked up, “Oh, yes. I apologize is it not supposed to be?” He had caught up writing all of the different things that she had said before, and his translations of them. Now though the book and graphite were returned to the pocket of his waistcoat. “I truly am sorry ma’am.” He tried again, and could have kicked himself for how terribly rude he had been. He hadn’t even introduced himself or asked for her name in return. The ghost slapped a hand against he forehead. He stood and walked away from the bench grumbling insults at himself, how could he! What sort of gentleman was so rude and caused a woman such distress! 

When he was composed again the ghost returned He had sighed and forced himself to calm down as best he could. Again it took a minute of considering before he could translate her words, though the mood was impossible to miss. “I hope that I don’t get you in trouble with your....father and mother? I believe that is who the King and Queen are?” Oh he burned to ask if they were all truly related or only a family that hat been created over decades or centuries. How long could a vampire live without intervention from a hunter, or other maladies.

As she had moved away from him the spectral gentleman didn’t follow. He stood and watched as she frantically paced the walled garden while wailing and keening. What should he do? Joseph’s hands were raised like he wanted to grab the woman and calm her down, but he also worried that it would only make things worse. Take away her knight? Her spouse? Betrothed? Her lover? What a horrible punishment! He only watched, deciphering and formulating his response. “I won’t write anymore down. Please you must calm yourself this won’t help at all to become so distressed.” 

[drusillawantstoplay]

1888 - Ghost in the Garden

[independencestate]

drusillawantstoplay‌:

Dru blinked. He… understood her? She wasn’t used to such a quick analysis. Granted he had thought about it yet still, it even took William a few times before he knew what she was saying and even then he was quicker than anyone else in the family. “Of course dearie. The stars told me.”

Fascination took over as she watched. It wasn’t common for her to find a ghost that wanted to talk to her or actually reveal their true nature around her. Most would rather avoid her. Then again, everyone avoided the insane vampire.

Dru was amused at the question. “You mean you can’t tell like I can? Hmm.” She shrugged nonchalantly. “Perhaps both. There were many a reasons for the name. All depends on who you ask and who’s playing the game.”

Now that he was clear in view, Dru looked over him. She let out a smile. “You look like my brother’s old clothing. Though you seem to be… not what he was according to the stories.” Studying him, she looked him over again and tilted her head to listen to the stars. “Ah, it hides well. Pity it wasn’t Daddy who got to you. Then you could’ve been a brother. The stars like to tell all the secrets, whisper in my ears. Though even there are secrets upon secrets that are not for one to dwell.” She rose a hand to lay the tips of her fingers onto her head before setting it back down on by her side. “They rest in here. Always there and never to go. If I do wrong, well they do scream so.”

“Aha.” Joseph uttered, he opened his waistcoat and pulled a journal out of an inside pocket. The journal, just as spectral as he is, never seemed to run out of pages. Tucked within it was a small graphite holder that also seemed to never get any shorter. It was flipped open to a page and he began jotting down notes. “No I have no way of discerning such things. I hardly have a sense of smell, after all.” He thought a moment, “Is that how you know?”

He was standing, and while writing began walking slowly through the garden until stepping almost through a bench. The vague tickling sensation made the spirit stop and look down, without a word he removed himself from the bench and had a seat on it. “Your brother?” Joseph looked up with intrest. “How could you have a brother - oh - Oh!” More notes were jotted down so quickly that the graphite scratched the paper.

“You’re a vampire then? Perfect! Tell me please, have you always been able to know such things or was that a product of being turned? And your brother, has he any special gift?” Excitement moved the ghost to stand again and he held the journal open expectantly to listen. “Please do not take any offense but I’m very thankful that it was not your father who - ah - killed me.” Now the cheerful demeanor waned and he coughed to recover. “How, uh, do the stars tell you these things? With words? With visions?” 

[drusillawantstoplay]

1888 - Ghost in the Garden

[bramvanbrunt-blog]

drusillawantstoplay‌:

Drur smirked. She was wondering if the stars had gone astray this time and was pleased at the responding voice. “Come closer. I won’t cause the fright or the bite.” Dru stood up, letting the moonlight illuminate her. She tilted her head. “Can’t frighten those that bring the fright though for you, that isn’t right.”

Letting out a sigh she giggled a borderline cackle. “Depends on who you ask dearie. The stars say all is well and that I am as well. The others call me sick. One called a devil child. Though you….. come and see for yourself. Am I well?”

She grinned, “Come closer.” Dru beckoned him. “And no need to put on a show. Just walk through dearie. Won’t cause a scream here. I utter the dare you hear, will you come near.”

The ghost was curious now. He watched the woman as she stood and eyed him with a way that had him wondering what it was that she saw. It was clear the way that she spoke about the stars, and her voice drifted along that told him she was either a seer, insane, or perhaps both. Her words had to be mulled over before it was understood and interpreted what was being said. “You know that I’m already dead? Amazing!” 

Fascinated and even more curious, he accepted the invitation and stepped down from the bucket and then passed effortlessly through the wall. Joseph was only partially corporeal, hence why he was oftentimes difficult to see. There was always a weird sensation when passing through a solid object. It was like being tickled, or the memory of being tickled as sensation did not truly exist as he was. “Why do they call you a devil child? Because of what you can see? Or is it perhaps something else.” 

Now that he was visible on her side of the wall it was possible for the strange seer to know more about him. Joseph’s clothes were clearly from an earlier time, a hundred years earlier, having been murdered early in the 1780s. A long waistcoat with sleeves, a cravat around his neck, a shirt with large sleeves, knee trousers, stockings, and boots that traveled up his calves. A gentleman, clearly, and one who had been well off. The signs of his violent death did not show on the spectral form, and had to be divined otherwise.  “And what stars are they that speak to you?” 

[drusillawantstoplay]

1888 - Ghost in the Garden

[independencestate]

drusillawantstoplay‌:

Sitting on a stone bench as the wind in the night blew past, Drusilla took her lone spot in the moonlight. Inhaling as the wind brought various scents that tickled her nose. She giggled and smiled. The moonlight was the next best thing for her. After all, she was still learning how to treat moonlight like sunlight. She started humming to herself. She knew William and Angelus and Darla were back in the chosen house in White Chapel, England. Angelus made sure she knew the rules. No going back to East End of London while visiting another part of London. No going anywhere without telling him. No killing without him. Pretty much don’t do anything without him.

Though this time she got to do one lone thing without any of them. This little garden that Angelus deposited her in since she begged to sit in the moonlight. The house they were in had no windows for her to access. At sunset, she was deposited. It would be before sunrise when she was picked up. She could wanted in the little gated garden. If she dared to leave, there would be consequences.

Dru giggled again. The stars were twittering in her ears. “The King isn’t here, and neither is the Knight. Both know how to approach without a fright. So who is there among the night. I know they creep. That isn’t right.”

For a ghost, there was little to be done. Joseph had been killed by a vampire who was greatly displeased with the influence that he had on their New York King, and for that, the specter chose to stay far away from his friend. Instead, he continued to work upon the treatise that the two of them had begun. The first copy was of course with Daniel, and the ghost did hope that the vampire had chosen to publish their work. As for him, the ghost allowed himself to be pulled around the world by whatever force it was that influenced being such as himself. It seemed to always deposit him into some area of great supernatural activity, and so when he found himself in some darkened city, began to explore.

Not knowing what city that he was in, Joseph could only wander. There were few people about at night and most gave him not even a passing glance. That was one thing that he had discovered early on, he could be seen easiest in dim light, and here, that did not appear to be good. Soon Joseph found himself passing a walled garden and heard a voice calling out from inside of it. 

“Ma’am?” Not certain that he heard correctly the ghost stopped and stepped up on to an overturned bucket. “I don’t mean to creep ma’am, I’m horribly sorry if I’ve frightened you.” His head barely appeared over the wall, holding his balance with his hands as he stood on tiptoe. “Are you well?”

[thcantichrists-archive-blog]

Now accepting curious anons.

These can be character development questions, questions about any interactions you’ve seen on the blog, questions about any ships you’ve seen on the blog, questions about my muses feelings about other muses from the fandom, or anything else you may be interested in knowing about my muse. 

[independencestate]

Treatise on Vampires

[independencestate]

coca-colonial:

Even once the skin was drained completely down, he simply remained in place with the leather clenched between his teeth. At the very least, it gave him something to occupy his hands and mouth for the moment. For several seconds after he was finished with it, he ceased his nursing to lift his head to watch as Joseph attempted to leave.

Breaths came slowly, almost heavy from the energy drained by having a drink, finally. “Joseph.” He exhaled the name more than spoke it, still clinging the waterskin to his chest and taking care not to make another move so long as the man before him expressed so much fear. Understandable fear.

“What was said-?”

His name froze the young lawyer in place. It did not sound like a warning or an order but he still stopped and rested his hand against the door instead. “Yes?” Not as much a whisper as how the vampire had spoken, but still slow and soft. He looked down to the vampires’ hands, clutching the leather skin, then to the holes. They weren’t neat punctures by any definition, but instead were long lacerations. Imagining that bag as his throat was not difficult and it was some time before he could answer the question.

“They,” He had to stop and swallow and attempt to remove the dryness that had taken over his mouth. Once he could speak again he tried, “The Order has expressed interest in the progress made by you being willing to speak to me, but, they have also expressed the belief that....you are attempting to lure me into complacency. That should I remove the restraints,” Rather pointedly he looked to the empty stocks and a chain that he questioned the integrity of, “that I would become your meal.” Or that the vampire would instead exercise the control required to resist draining him entirely and thus add an insider from the Order to his coven.

Joseph shivered again. He had argued against them, insisting that the vampire could be redeemed. While not certain, something had to be said in order to keep his visitations instead of continued torment. Return to conversation did stop him from fleeing out the door for the time being.

[independencestate]

Treatise on Vampires

[independencestate]

coca-colonial:

Timing was off - usually Joseph showed up at the cell around an hour after another man, unknown to Daniel, passed through the hallway on some unknown daily mission, which had until that day been a cue for him to return to the stocks. It wasn’t an easy process that tended to take the majority of that time. The passing man did not happen by that day, which left Daniel caught off guard by Joseph’s arrival.

By simply pretending he was settled as was expected of him, perhaps no light would be shed upon the fact that he had been misbehaving. He hesitated, unsure before reaching for the waterskin. Before fingers contacted the item, he looked up again to make eye contact. Initially a reading attempt  to decipher what was going on with the act of kindness, but it shifted into a series of expressions: suspicion of the offering, mild offense at the suggestion of thirst, a flash of gratitude for the drink, fear for his lack of restraints being noticed, then pure hunger as he failed to go about actually opening the thing and simply lifted it to his mouth and sank fangs into the leather.

The question went ignored as he proceeded to essentially curl up around the skin and nurse the water from it. The analogy of like a man dying of thirst would in this case simply be the truth.

Carefully Joseph kept himself still, the pleasant smile remained and encouraged the vampire - Daniel - to help himself to the water. It wasn’t blood, but he hoped that it would at least alleviate the pain he imagined must be felt in his throat and mouth from being so dried out. Hadn’t they fed him anything? Then the vampire surged forward and the surprised lawyer threw himself back against the door. He stayed there until it was clear that he wasn’t the target, but the water was. 

Braced on the hard floor against the door Joseph watched in amazement as the man he had been having an intelligent conversation with the day before was now ripping into the waterskin and draining it dry in a matter of seconds. The leather itself wasn’t easily teared and spoke volumes about the ferocity of his fangs, and the manner spoke to the treatment he had been given until that point. 

After his breathing calmed down then he realized that Daniel was not retrained in any manner and that he was now sitting in a locked room with what appeared to be an incredibly hungry vampire. Slowly, very slowly, he rose to his feet again. Of course he’d walked into the room just fine, yes Daniel had finally introduced himself and opened the conversation. But, if he had not offered the water what would have happened? Would he have been the meal instead? Perhaps the Order was correct and he was only being lured into complacency. His heart rate and breathing sped up again, fear spiking and carefully he moved, trying to avoid attracting attention while going to rap out a signal to be let out again.

[independencestate]

Treatise on Vampires

[independencestate]

coca-colonial:

Motion had his eyes raised again to blink in curiosity that this man of the Order would let himself appear so disarmed in front of someone so well known to be incredibly dangerous. The effort of countering the argument would be too taxing and thus left him in silence while Joseph proceeded to get back up.

Initially, the movement had Daniel stiffened and getting ready to start amounting an attempt at defensive positions, but instead all he saw was the man dusting himself off and making to leave. He remained in silence as Joseph made his way away, but the visit had its desired affect, and upon the next instance of Joseph’s visit, he remained seated in the centre of the room without standing though his body language was still excited and hungry.

He did not wait for a greeting to come, instead simply allowed a moment of quiet before speaking a single word: “Daniel.”

When he arrived the next day, Joseph at first hesitated outside the door. He hoped, dearly hoped, that the progress made the day before would hold. A nagging in the back of his mind repeated what many of the higher-ups had told him, that the vampire was likely just trying to tempt him into complacency. But, he had promised and so after taking a moment to collect himself the young man slipped through the door and then heard the locks and chains replaced behind him.

The vampire, in the center of the room and seated calmly - or - calmer than he had been before anyway - made him smile. Immediately he opened his coat to reach in and retrieve the water he had remembered to bring. He paused and looked up. “Daniel?” For a second there was confusion and then the smile returned. “Pleased to meet you Daniel.” He finished retrieving the waterskin and held it out, then faltered. “Um.” Joseph looked between his hand and the vampire, suddenly rethinking handing it over and putting himself within reach. After a moment of hesitation he sat down - still on his own side of the room and slid it over. 

“It’s water. Yesterday, your voice sounded like you were dying of thirst.” Then realizing what he’d said he pressed his lips together. “You sounded like you needed water.” A cough escaped and he shifted against the door. “I did speak to them, I suppose you’d like to know what they had to say?”

[independencestate]

Treatise on Vampires

[independencestate]

coca-colonial:

There were vampires who only ate when they absolutely needed it to survive, which lead to desperate outings in which finesse was long since out the window in the style of hunt - and then there were the ones who embraced the brutality of the nature of it all, gave in to it and allowed the perpetuation of the concept of the violent, ruthless killer. It was a stereotype warranted, but like entirely too many other things it was simply far more complicated than that.

What had previously been a continued straining at chains and an intense desire to launch himself at the painfully visible throat of the man before him, now became a weak shudder and the strength of knee which held him up gave way to the man sitting down, eyes closed and trying too hard to not look weak in the moment. It wasn’t working.

“I heard once - you can never understand another until you have experienced their lot.” He spoke slowly, clearly struggling with every syllable. “Has your Order forgotten? Forgotten that while they have never been our lot, we were  once there? No one can obey an order they do not understand.”

While he didn’t move any further into the room, Joseph also sat on the ground, though far more gracefully. Now that they were conversing and there was no more rattling of chains or snarls demanding to know what he wanted, Joseph was elated that he could return to the others in his Order and let them know that they had been about it entirely wrong. Clearly the vampire - oh he still didn’t know his name - was intelligent, he could be reasoned with. There was no need for that torments to continue, he could try to arrange to have it removed.

“They believe that there is nothing left of the person. It’s well known that the body itself is dead and most believe that the soul has departed. Some men in the Order insist that a demon resides in the body.” He stopped, an uncertain expression crossing his face. To think that he might be holding a civil discussion with a demon was not a pleasant thought. Neither was the realization that if he were to directly ask....how to know what was right? He swallowed and continued, “Hence the pain of holy symbols, and the water. They said they wanted to either exorcise the demon and heal vampirism, or subjugate it and use it as a weapon to hunt other monsters, or fight in wars.”

The young lawyer shrugged helplessly. “I despise wars and I wish that hunting were not a necessity.” He stood again and wiped the mud and gravel from his trousers and stockings. “I’ll inform them how wrong they were, and I’ll return again tomorrow.”

[independencestate]

Treatise on Vampires

[independencestate]

coca-colonial:

He was silent for twice as long as Joseph, his own growling starting to give way to some trembling of his own and soon enough take a step backwards. One little spark of human kindness, even in the form of mercy, it raised too many alarm bells. This had to be a trap - no man among this organisation would be so willing to walk into the vampire’s hold day after day and not have some kind of plan, some secret weapon. 

“Why?” He repeated the growl, though much softer now. Cautious, suspicious and in general: weak. “Throwing sigils, filling the air with oil and poison, hissing every Holy word they can at me - ” His voice was rough, too used to growling and far too dry to be entirely clear but the trained articulation within him was present. He was no random victim of vampiric circumstance, there was someone here trained in the art of law and presentation in him. Enough for him to have a month ago negotiated the trade of imprisoned covenants for himself. Six of his clan let free in exchange for their very leader. He knew it was going to kill them. Disorganised vampires cannot survive when someone as powerful as these folk were on the hunt - but better only one suffer than half a dozen realise torture.

“I don’t understand what you want.”

The rasp in the voice addressing him was registered almost as an afterthought. Just a little note in the back of his mind that he needed to bring water or something with him the next time he came down here. That the vampire was being starved to death somehow didn’t occur, he wasn’t anywhere near an expert on them. Somehow even though he knew that vampires preyed on the species they left behind, he didn’t realize that it was a survival matter, that like a cat hunting mice they were doing what they needed to. They killed brutally, sometimes mutilating bodies, how could that be hunting for food?

But the voice was weak, tired, almost wilting around the edges of words and he knew there was something wrong. Under even that, the weakness and the snarls, was the voice and tone of someone well educated. Who had this vampire been? Again he wondered if the soul still existed on this plane in the body or had been sent to heaven - prayed not to hell. Either way, the vampire sounded an articulate being and he could respect that. “They wish to tame a vampire. They believe they can control it - you - and think that torture is the only thing that a vampire will understand and respond to.” 

He remained fixed against the door, but not pressing into it any longer. “I, well I admit that I wasn’t certain what to expect, I’ve, well I have never spoken to a vampire before. And, with the hoards of mutilated bodies left behind, I was nearly inclined to believe that no discussions could be had. But, but I abhor violence and torture. I simply wanted to make it stop.”

[independencestate]

Treatise on Vampires

[independencestate]

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Every day this process repeated entirely too similar. There was no difference each time when Joseph came into the room. Always the same trembling heartbeats and stench of fear rolling off the man in waves that had his nose crinkling with something of disgust and annoyance. All of it drowned by the intense burning hunger that had him focusing on absolutely nothing but the pulsing veins less than a fraction of an inch below the skin.

Hunger made him blind and deaf to the voice. He could focus on nothing at all except how fucking close he was to a decent meal. He lunged forward again, straining at the chains and growling lowly before lowering his head slightly. 

“Why?”

As the growling continued so did his trembling. Perhaps he should have been watching the vampire’s face, after all, he’d been human once. Surely there was still a human soul in there - he wasn’t sure what his faith said about vampires. But all that he could do was stare at the chains and pray that they held tight. SO unexpected was the voice, little more than a growl itself, that for a full minute after, he couldn’t speak.

“W-why? They can’t keep on being permitted to torture you.” Why else? Sure, creatures such as vampires were very much within the grey areas of law, in that they were not addressed at all, torture and all forms of violence were abhorant to Joseph. “I can’t let them continue. But, they’ll go on and ignore me unless something changes.” He did manage a smile, “But I can at least tell them that you spoke to me.”